UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY
EDUCATING THE FUTURE. LIKE ONLY NEBRASKA WILL.
Located in the heart of the state, the University of Nebraska at Kearney boasts the high-quality education of a large university coupled with the closeness and familiarity of a small private college. Join us as we advance academic quality, access and success across our great state.
Relentless Focus on Student Access and Success
Students always come first at UNK. We have established ourselves as leaders in producing graduates in many disciplines, including education and health care, two areas that are experiencing significant workforce shortages. And as educational practices continue to evolve and advance, UNK must create an inclusive student experience that is always looking forward, recruiting and retaining top students.
Enhancing Faculty and Academic Excellence
UNK has a limited number of professorships, chairs and fellowships compared to its peers. Faculty support is essential to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining top faculty who will launch graduates into the workforce. Academic support allows existing programs to build on their strengths and is necessary to launch new initiatives.
Transformational Research and Innovation
UNK’s success relies heavily on its ability to adapt to regional needs. The city of Kearney and many rural communities in surrounding areas have developed strong partnerships with UNK in many of its academic and nonacademic areas. The ground is fertile for more and deeper connection to the region.
FOR THE FUTURE WE’LL BUILD:
INVESTING IN OUR
SHARED VISION.
Private philanthropy is the catalyst that allows the university to be bold and build upon its strengths to realize the UNK difference as one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions with excellent graduate education, scholarship and public service. Philanthropy will accelerate the university’s impact across the state, making a Nebraska education affordable to more students, increasing opportunities for internships and other experiences, stimulating job and workforce growth, and creating greater health equity for rural citizens and improved health for all.
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
“At UNK, we’re actively shaping Nebraska’s educational future through vital initiatives that address our state’s key needs. This fundraising campaign is crucial, as it strengthens our commitment to high-quality, accessible education and ensures every student can succeed. Focusing on rural health, student scholarships, faculty excellence, innovative learning environments and sports performance, we’re enhancing both economic and social vitality.”
Charles J. Bicak, Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney
UNK’S TOP 5 CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
Nebraska Rural Health Education Building and Health Care Pipeline
Proven by the fact that 85% of graduates in the existing UNK-UNMC Health Science Education Complex have started careers in rural Nebraska, this second facility will position UNK to answer Nebraska’s call like never before to grow the health care pipeline.
Student Scholarships and Support
Students always come first at UNK. That’s why student support is a top priority for UNK’s campaign. Today, 40% of UNK students are first generation, and 25% are students of color. They come from nearly every county in Nebraska and 45 countries around the world.
Endowed Faculty Support
The best faculty members inspire and challenge their students; they lead and shape their communities. One of the most effective tools to recruit and retain top faculty is to offer professorships and chairs — the top honor a faculty member can receive.
Library of the Future/Learning Commons
UNK aims to invest in the common areas that spark learning. The campus center will be the Learning Commons at the Calvin T. Ryan Library, which will offer tutoring, success coaching, foreign language support and more for students across campus.
Loper Sports Performance Network
UNK aims to provide a student and student-athlete experience that touches all aspects of the individual’s well-being, including physical, mental and academic. This concept builds upon inherent strengths in several programs at UNK.
Unit Priorities
QUESTIONS BEFORE
WE BEGIN?
It takes a lot to build a future, so let’s start the conversation now.
