University seeking nominations for UNK chancellor search committee

KEARNEY, Neb. — Leadership at the University of Nebraska is starting the process to find the next UNK chancellor.

NU Interim President Chris Kabourek announced Tuesday that he is seeking nominations for the search advisory committee for the next chancellor. The nominations must be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, Feb. 2.

A news release says the search committee will assist the President’s Office in gathering stakeholder input on what qualities the university should seek in the next chancellor, developing a job description, and recruiting and vetting nominations and applications. The committee will include students, faculty, staff and community members.

Chancellor Doug Kristensen announced in December that he will retire at the end of the academic year. He spent 22 years in the role, making him the longest-serving chancellor in university history.

“Chancellor Kristensen is leaving big shoes to fill, but he has put UNK on a remarkable trajectory, and we can’t afford to lose momentum,” Kabourek said in a statement. “The chancellor’s position is a great leadership opportunity for the right person who understands UNK’s unique role and mission and can continue where Doug will leave off in educating students and improving economic development and quality of life across rural Nebraska.”

FULL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHANCELLOR DOUG KRISTENSEN

The release says Kabourek will select a search firm to help with the search for the new chancellor.

After the search committee is established, Kabourek’s office will host a series of public listening sessions in Kearney to gather input.