University of Nebraska announces Neal Schnoor as UNK chancellor priority candidate

The University of Nebraska System has named Dr. Neal H. Schnoor – president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota – as the priority candidate for chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

A Nebraska native – born in Norfolk and raised in Pierce – first-generation college student and former long-time UNK faculty member and administrator, Schnoor brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, instruction and strategic planning. His background and connection to campus uniquely position him to lead UNK into its next chapter, building on momentum in academic excellence, regional engagement and student success.

“UNK is poised to expand its vital role in providing affordable access to transformative education—serving as a hub for rural health and wellness, arts and culture, athletics, civic engagement, and as a driving force for economic development across the state and region,” said Dr. Schnoor. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to return to UNK.”

As part of the public vetting process, Dr. Schnoor will visit the UNK campus and community to engage with students, faculty, staff and the broader Kearney community. Details on public participation and engagement will be announced in advance of the visit.

“Dr. Schnoor’s deep roots in Nebraska and impressive record of strategic leadership make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as UNK’s next chancellor,” said University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Dr. Schnoor understands the mission of a regional public university campus, has a collaborative leadership style, and has proven his ability to deliver results. His prior service at UNK, combined with his leadership across multiple university systems, gives him a deep appreciation for what makes this campus and its people so special.”

Dr. Schnoor has served as President of Northern State University since 2021, where he led the development of a five-year strategic plan, implemented academic restructuring to drive innovation and growth, and secured major legislative funding for academic facilities and program expansion—including a new Business and Health Innovation Center and a collaborative nursing program. Under his leadership, NSU also increased private fundraising, launched new academic and co-curricular initiatives, and strengthened student support services and community partnerships.

Prior to NSU, Dr. Schnoor was chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach and previously spent more than a decade at UNK. Schnoor served at UNK from 1997 to 2010 as an associate professor and director of bands, then returned from 2012 to 2019 as senior advisor to the chancellor, where he played a key role in strategic planning, compliance, budgeting, enrollment management, and institutional advancement.

A former music educator in Wakefield, Kearney and Lincoln, Schnoor earned his Ph.D. and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his undergraduate degree from Wayne State College. He and his wife, Teresa, an elementary principal, have two grown children.

Dr. Schnoor would succeed Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who served from 2002 to 2024 and is the longest-serving chancellor in University of Nebraska history. Dr. Charlie Bicak has served as interim chancellor since Chancellor Kristensen’s retirement.

For more information on Dr. Schnoor and the chancellor search process, visit https://nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search/priority-candidate-schnoor