Nov 12, 2024

UNK to host listening sessions Nov. 18-19 in search for next campus chancellor

Posted Nov 12, 2024 10:00 PM
The four campus chancellors of the University of Nebraska system attend the ceremonial investiture ceremony for new NU President Jeffrey Gold, from left: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Dele Davies (University of Nebraska Medical Center, interim) and Charlie Bicak (University of Nebraska at Kearney, interim). Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
The four campus chancellors of the University of Nebraska system attend the ceremonial investiture ceremony for new NU President Jeffrey Gold, from left: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Dele Davies (University of Nebraska Medical Center, interim) and Charlie Bicak (University of Nebraska at Kearney, interim). Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Zach Wendling

Nebraska Examiner

KEARNEY, Neb. — Two days of listening sessions will be hosted at the University of Nebraska at Kearney next week to learn more about desired qualities for the next UNK chancellor.

The Nov. 18-19 listening sessions are designed for the UNK community to ask questions, share their hopes and ideas for UNK’s trajectory and provide other feedback for the regional-focused, central Nebraska campus.

Former UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen retired May 31 after 22 years. Interim UNK Chancellor Charlie Bicak, an educator and administrator for decades at UNK, took over June 1.

“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is surrounded by an incredibly passionate and supportive community,” NU President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “Capturing the insights and ideas of that community will be invaluable in the search committee’s quest to select the right chancellor for this important campus.”

The listening sessions will take place at the UNK Regional Engagement Center, Room 120:

  1. Nov. 18, 3 p.m., designated for faculty.
  2. Nov. 18, 5 p.m., designated for students (food provided).
  3. Nov. 18, 7:15 p.m., designated for community members.
  4. Nov. 19, 9 a.m., designated for faculty.
  5. Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m., designed for deans and vice chancellors.
  6. Nov. 19, noon, designated for staff (food provided).

Gold revamped a search advisory committee for the next chancellor last month. Search firm CarterBaldwin is aiding the search.

The revised committee is now chaired by David Jackson, NU’s interim chief academic officer, and includes NU’s other chancellors: Rodney Bennett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Dr. H. Dele Davies (interim chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center) and Joanne Li (University of Nebraska at Omaha).

The other search committee members from UNK and the surrounding community are:

  1. Kelly Bartling, vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing.
  2. Jerry Catlett, president and COO of Bruning Bank.
  3. Brooke Envick, a professor and associate dean of faculty and strategic initiatives.
  4. Christopher Exstrom, professor of inorganic chemistry.
  5. Brad Green, associate director in the Office of Financial Aid.
  6. Zane Grizzle, student body vice president.
  7. Brenda Jensen, city manager of the City of Kearney.
  8. Avery Laing, undergraduate assistant in the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership.
  9. Wendy Schardt, director of student health and counseling.
  10. Sam Schroeder, student body president and student regent.
  11. Paul Twigg, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
  12. Tom Tye II, attorney for Tye and Rowling, PC LLO.
  13. Nita Unruh, associate vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.

Following the listening sessions, CarterBaldwin and the search committee will work with Gold’s office to develop a job description and then invite nominations and applications.

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