CarterBaldwin Executive Search is proud to celebrate the appointment of Dr. Neal Schnoor as the next Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. We appreciate the partnership with President Gold in his selection.
A Nebraska native and former longtime faculty member and administrator at UNK, Schnoor brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, instruction and strategic planning. Since 2021, he has served as President of Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, where he led the development of a new strategic plan, drove academic innovation, secured major legislative support for facilities and programs, and advanced student services and fundraising efforts.
“Dr. Schnoor is the right leader at the right time for the University of Nebraska at Kearney,” said NU President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold. “He brings a deep understanding of UNK’s mission and potential, a strong connection to the people of Nebraska, and a proven record of innovation and collaboration. With his appointment comes an opportunity for fresh energy, vision and momentum on the Kearney campus. I am excited for the future of UNK under his leadership.”
Schnoor’s earlier roles include Chief of Staff to the President at California State University, Long Beach and multiple leadership and academic appointments at UNK, including Associate Professor and Director of Bands, and later, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor.
A first-generation college graduate, Schnoor earned his PhD in education administration and his MA in music education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his BFA in education from Wayne State College.
“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a vital driver of education and economic growth in central Nebraska, and the Board of Regents believes Dr. Neal Schnoor is exactly the right leader to guide UNK into its next chapter,” said NU Board of Regents Chairman Paul Kenney, who represents Kearney and the surrounding area. “As a native Nebraskan, longtime educator and former member of the UNK faculty and leadership team, Neal has a deep understanding of the campus and the community it serves. He brings a clear vision, a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to student success that will serve UNK and the region well.”
Click here for the University’s complete announcement.
About University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, student-centric university committed to being one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions. It is part of a prestigious state-wide university system, where the UNK campus is renowned for exceptional undergraduate education, innovative and applied scholarship, and impactful public service.
Located in the heart of the Midwest in central Nebraska, UNK has three colleges, offers 81 undergraduate majors, 23 pre-professional programs and 32 graduate majors to its nearly 6,000 students.
