The search for UNK’s new chancellor advances with the revelation of Larry the Cable Guy as a candidate. The next chancellor will succeed Doug Kristensen, who retired in 2024 after holding the position for 22 years.
Larry the Cable Guy was born in Pawnee City, Nebraska. He is best known as a stand-up comedian, actor and radio personality.
The Cable Guy family resides in Lincoln on their 180-acre farm. Larry the Cable Guy purchased a property in Kearney in February.
“I’m real excited to see what we can Git-R-Done down in Kearney,” Larry the Cable Guy said.
Larry the Cable Guy studied drama and speech at Baptist University of America in Georgia and UNL before dropping out his junior year to pursue comedy.
His hometown of Pawnee City has a street named after him, and he has donated money for new theatrical equipment for the local high school. After UNK cut the theatre program last spring, Larry the Cable Guy became an advocate for the arts in high schools across the state.
The “Git-R’Done’ man is a dedicated Nebraska Cornhuskers football fan and is often seen wearing a gold Nebraska “N” chain around his neck. He hopes to help the Lopers reach the same level of fandom statewide as the Huskers.
“Those Loper sports are really on the rise and don’t get enough recognition outside of Kearney,” Larry the Cable Guy said.
A 17-member search committee is reviewing applications and preparing for candidate interviews in the national search for UNK’s next chancellor. All other candidates remain confidential, but with his celebrity status, it was impossible to keep Larry’s candidacy a secret.
“We tried to keep this development pretty quiet, but these personalities tend to draw a lot of attention,” said Geoffrey Jold, University of Nebraska president.
The search committee is currently conducting interviews with candidates. The next step is the public review period, where UNK students, faculty, staff and community members will be able to interact with the priority candidate. The Board of Regents will have final approval when they vote on the appointment.
“We’re looking for someone who is committed to the Kearney community and who can really make an impact at UNK,” said Kaul Penney, the chairperson of the Board of Regents. “We will deliberate and see if Larry the Cable Guy can fit this role.”
DISCLAIMER: This story is a part of our annual April Fools’ issue, this story is not real. Happy April Fools’ Day!
