Neal Schnoor, Ph.D.

Dr. Neal H. Schnoor was named chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2025, returning to a campus and community he served for two decades as a faculty member, academic leader and trusted advisor. A Nebraska native, first-generation college graduate and lifelong educator, he brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, academic and strategic planning, student success and public service.

Born in Norfolk and raised in rural Pierce, Nebraska, Schnoor earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College, where he later served as dean of the School of Education and Counseling. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on administration, curriculum and instruction, music education and instrumental conducting. His early career included teaching and directing bands at Wakefield, Kearney High and Lincoln Northeast high schools, and he was honored as outstanding teacher at Kearney High.

Schnoor joined UNK in 1997 as a lecturer before accepting a dual appointment in the College of Fine Arts & Humanities and the College of Education. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses in both colleges. As director of bands, he led the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, performed at the Nebraska Music Educators Conference and several tours, and organized the first two study-abroad performance tours by UNK instrumental ensembles. In education, he coordinated K-12 music programs, coordinated and evaluated field experiences, and oversaw program assessment and accreditation. His teaching earned consistently outstanding evaluations, and in 2009 he was inducted into the UNK Academy for Teacher Education Excellence.

From 2010 to 2012 at Wayne State, Schnoor spearheaded a full renewal of both undergraduate and graduate teacher-education programs through a partnership with the School of Education, Arts & Sciences and P-12 partner schools. He launched an online master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and rolled out one of WSC’s first joint programs at the College Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

In 2012 he returned to UNK as senior advisor to the chancellor and UNK’s first chief compliance officer, serving through 2019. In that role he shaped strategic planning, compliance and risk management, budgeting, enrollment strategy and institutional advancement; represented UNK on systemwide initiatives; liaised with the Board of Regents and NU administration; and advanced key priorities.

Schnoor then served as chief of staff to the president at California State University-Long Beach, guiding legislative outreach, equity initiatives and the Beach 2030 strategic plan. He represented CSULB on the boards of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and Long Beach Economic Partnership.

In 2021, Schnoor became the 18th president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he championed strategic growth, fiscal strength and – above all – student success.

A passionate advocate for access and opportunity – especially for first-generation, rural and Pell-eligible students—he crafted a five-year strategic plan, restructured academics to launch new programs and drive enrollment gains, unified support services under a new Opportunity Center, expanded dual-credit partnerships through the Northern Academy, and forged mental-health and wellness collaborations with community providers.

Under his leadership, NSU’s endowment grew from $34 million to $50 million. He also secured $31 million in state funding for a Business and Health Innovation Center, and deepened retention and workforce partnerships.

Known for high standards, collaborative leadership and genuine community engagement, Schnoor remains an educator at heart – regularly connecting with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and civic leaders.

Schnoor and his wife, Teresa, who retired in May 2005 after a nearly 40-year career as a K-12 teacher and administrator, have two grown children, Rachel and Graham.