KEARNEY, Neb. — The priority candidate to be the next chancellor at UNK made his first public appearance in Nebraska on Wednesday.

Dr. Neal Schnoor is soaking in the early moments after being named as the likely successor to Doug Kristensen, the longest serving chancellor in UNK history. Schnoor is a former faculty member and administrator at UNK. Most recently, he was the president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

“Coming home to an institution that has meant so much to our family and every other person,” Schnoor said. “I think it didn’t dawn on me until the announcement yesterday.”

Of all the applicants who applied for this job, many boasted a lot of the same qualities as Dr. Schnoor. His experience on campus, his time spent in the halls and on the grounds of Kearney, the relationships he built, all set him apart from the field.

“The fact that he really understands this community, the fact that he raised his children here and will hit the ground running, knows an awful lot of people in the community and in the state is what cinched the deal,” NU system president Dr. Jeff Gold said.

Gold says the priority candidacy began on Tuesday and runs for 30 days.

If approved by the board of regents at the end of it all, they hope Dr. Schnoor can begin his new position by July 1.