The University of Nebraska system has announced Neal H. Schnoor as the priority candidate for UNK’s next chancellor.
Schnoor brings deep familiarity with UNK. He served at UNK from 1997 to 2010 as an associate professor and director of bands, and from 2012 to 2019 as senior advisor to the chancellor.
“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,” Schnoor said in a press release. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to return to UNK.”
Since 2021, Schnoor has served as president of Northern State University, where he led the development of a five-year strategic plan, carried out academic restructuring and attained legislative funding for academic facilities and program expansion. Prior to that, he was chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach.
“Dr. Schnoor brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education, with a proven track record of driving academic excellence, fostering regional engagement, and enhancing student success,” said Jeffrey Gold, president of the NU system. “His deep Nebraska roots, including his prior service at UNK as both a faculty member and senior administrator, position him uniquely to lead the campus into its next chapter.”
Schnoor would succeed Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who served from 2002-2024 as the NU system’s longest-serving chancellor in history. Since Kristensen’s retirement, Charlie Bicak has been leading UNK as interim chancellor.
Schnoor will visit the UNK campus in compliance with the public vetting process. Details for public participation will be announced ahead of the visit.
“I am confident that Dr. Schnoor’s collaborative leadership style, strategic vision and passion for higher education make him an outstanding choice to serve as UNK’s next Chancellor,” Gold said.
