Who we are

Our Mission 

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, residential university committed to be one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions with excellent graduate education, scholarship, and public service.

Our Vision 

The University of Nebraska at Kearney will achieve national distinction for a high quality, multidimensional learning environment, engagement with community and public interests, and preparation of students to lead responsible and productive lives in a democratic, multicultural society.

Key to such improvement will be: clear focus on mission imperatives, fidelity to historic core values, and continuous and rigorous self-appraisal and assessment of outcomes.

chancellor schnoor speaks at a podium

Neal Schnoor, Ph.D.

Chancellor: University of Nebraska at Kearney

schnoorn@unk.edu
(308) 865-8208

Dr. Neal H. Schnoor was named chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2025, returning to a campus he served for two decades as a faculty member, academic leader and trusted advisor.

A Nebraska native and first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s at Wayne State College and his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Early in his career he taught and directed bands at Wakefield, Kearney and Lincoln Northeast high schools before joining UNK in 1997 to lead the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, teach music education and oversee program assessment. [Full Bio] >>

Administrative Staff

Chancellor’s Leadership Team

Julie Shaffer

Julie Shaffer

Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

shafferjj@unk.edu
(308) 865-8209

Scott Benson

Scott Benson

Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance

bensonsa1@unk.edu
(308) 865-8431

Kelly Bartling

Kelly Bartling

Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Marketing

bartlingkh@unk.edu
(308) 865-8455

John Falconer

John Falconer

Senior Advisor to the Chancellor

falconerj@unk.edu
(308) 865-8715

Tricia Danburg

Tricia Danburg

NU Foundation and Alumni

tricia.danburg@unkalumni.org
(308) 698-5285

George Holman

George Holman

Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs

holmangp@unk.edu
(308) 865-8519

Marc Bauer

Marc Bauer

Director of Athletics

bauermd@unk.edu
(308) 865-8514