KEARNEY, Neb. — An experienced administrator with ties to Nebraska and Kearney is poised to become the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The university system announced Dr. Neal Schnoor as the priority candidate for the position on Tuesday. As priority candidate, Schnoor will undergo a public vetting period before the NU Board of Regents votes on his appointment.

“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.”

Schnoor was born in Norfolk and raised in Pierce in northeast Nebraska. He has served as president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. since 2021. According to a news release, Schnoor led the development of a five-year strategic plan, secured major legislative funding for facilities and program expansion and implemented academic restructuring.

Before Northern State, Schnoor was chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach. He was an associate professor and director of bands at UNK from 1997-2010 and served as a senior advisor to the chancellor from 2012-2019.

“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.”

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.