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

The November 18-19 listening sessions are designed for: UNK community to ask questions, share their hopes and ideas for the direction of UNK, and provide other feedback for the regionally focused, central Nebraska campus.

Former UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen I retired on May 31 22 years later. Interim UNK Chancellor Charlie KnifeHe took over on June 1, having served as an educator and administrator at UNK for decades.

“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 this community will be invaluable in the search committee’s quest to select the right president for this important campus.”

Listening sessions will be held at the UNK Regional Engagement Center, Room 120:

• November 18, 3 p.m., is set for faculty.
• November 18, 17:00, for students (food provided).
• November 18, 19:15, only for community members.
• 9 a.m. on November 19 was set for faculty.
• November 19, 10:30, designed for deans and vice-rectors.
• Noon on November 19th was fixed for the staff (food provided).

Gold last month renewed a search advisory committee for the next chancellor. Search firm CarterBaldwin help search.

revised committee It is currently chaired by NU’s interim chief academic officer, David Jackson, 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).

Other search committee members from UNK and the surrounding community include:

• Kelly Bartling, vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing.
• Jerry Catlett is president and COO of Bruning Bank.
• Brooke Envick is professor and associate dean of faculty and strategic initiatives.
• Christopher Exstrom, professor of inorganic chemistry.
• Brad Green, deputy director of the Office of Financial Aid.
• Zane Grizzle, student body vice president.
• Brenda Jensen is city manager for the city of Kearney.
• Avery Laing is an undergraduate assistant in the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership.
• Wendy Schardt, director of student health and counseling.
• Sam Schroeder, student body president and student attorney.
• Paul Twigg, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Tom Tye II, Tye and Rowling’s attorney, PC LLO.
• Nita Unruh, 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.