Pride of Place Interviews Chancellor Schnoor
How has your experience shaped your perspective of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska at Kearney?
I was raised in Pierce, started my career in Nebraska public schools and spent more than two decades at UNK as a faculty member and academic leader. Returning as chancellor is both a privilege and a personal homecoming. My experience outside the state broadened my perspective but deepened my appreciation for Nebraska’s core values: community, hard work and opportunity through education. UNK exemplifies those values. We are a university that matters — not only to Kearney, but to Greater Nebraska. That understanding, shaped by a lifetime in education, guides every decision I make in leading UNK forward.
What do you believe are UNK’s greatest strengths, challenges and opportunities?
Our greatest strength is our people. UNK faculty and staff are the heart of innovation, delivering personalized, student-centered education that transforms lives. That shows in our retention, alumni satisfaction and deep campus pride.
We also face real challenges — demographic shifts, budget constraints and rapid change. But these are opportunities. We’re acting with urgency and unity to modernize, grow enrollment and align our programs with Nebraska’s needs.
Our opportunities are immense. UNK is poised to lead in teacher education, rural health and workforce development. Our expanding collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center is training health professionals for underserved communities. Our focus on experiential learning and applied research ensures our graduates are ready to contribute meaningfully across Nebraska. And our role as a regional comprehensive university allows us to serve the full spectrum of academic and professional needs, from the arts and sciences to business and technology.
What do you believe is most essential to positioning UNK for the future?
It starts with clarity of purpose and bold, strategic action. Remaining rooted in our values — access, excellence, service and community — while embracing innovation.
Excellence begins with high expectations and rigorous academic programs, high support from faculty and staff, and completion of culminating experiential learning internships, projects and research. Our graduates are in demand in the workforce and graduate and professional programs.
Collaboration across the University of Nebraska System is also essential. Our partnerships expand our reach and impact. As we implement our vision, we will lead with transparency, trust and accountability.
How can private philanthropy help to move UNK forward?
Philanthropy is vital to our momentum. Last year, more than $7.5 million was invested in UNK by donors who believe in our mission. These gifts aren’t just contributions, they are catalysts. Through Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, we have already fundraised more than $78 million. These gifts are not just numbers on a page. They are scholarships to increase student access and success; faculty, academic and clinical excellence; transformational research and innovation; and investments in athletics. They are lifelines for rural health care education, a testament to the trust our community places in us and a responsibility we do not take lightly.
We are deeply grateful for such generous support. It reflects the trust of our community and inspires us to deliver on that promise. With continued support, we are elevating and expanding UNK’s impact across Nebraska.
