Chadron State College President Randy Rhine has announced he’s retiring next June after 18 years at the college, including more than 11 as president or interim president.
Rhine worked with his predecessor, Dr Janie Park, at Montana State-Billings and followed her to CSC as Vice President shortly after she became president in 2005.
Rhine says there are personal and professional reasons for his decision to step down at this time.
On the personal side, it follows a long-time goal to be able to spend more time traveling and visiting his far-flung family with children on both the East and West coasts.
((Randy Rhine
Professionally, Rhine says this is a good time to let someone else take over because Chadron State is “poised to move into the future with new energy and opportunity.”
((Randy Rhine
Rhine revealed his plans first in a letter to the Chadron State community. In it, he said “Together we have achieved a great deal for Chadron State, and I am incredibly proud to see the positive changes that have occurred.
He went on to say “I cannot thank the faculty and staff of this wonderful institution enough for your efforts that make us a leader in higher education and service to our region and beyond.”
Nebraska State College System Chancellor Dr Paul Turman says Rhine has led remarkable growth and improvements at the school as he “steadily and skillfully navigated Chadron State College through a period of unprecedented challenges during his tenure.”
CSC has completed more than $70-million dollars in capital improvements, including the Rangeland Complex, Eagle Ridge Housing, Chicoine Center, and renovation and expansion of Elliott Field/Don Beebe Stadium and the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning.
The school has also seen multiple accreditations of academic programs and instituted both the Rural Law Opportunities Program and the Rural Business Leadership Initiative, which Turman says leaves the school in a much stronger place than when he arrived.
State College Trustees Chair Jess Zeiss says the entire board appreciates Rhine’s strong leadership and advocacy for the region and the college with a vision and commitment to CSC that have been unwavering.
A native of Arkansas and a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Rhine is happy to say he’s spent more of his professional career at Chadron State than any other school.
More than $70 Million in Capital Improvements – During President Rhine’s tenure, the college has seen remarkable growth – more than $70 million in construction. The Coffee Agriculture Pavilion, the Rangeland Laboratory and Classrooms, the Chicoine Center, the Armstrong Weight Room, the Eagle Ridge Housing Units, the renovated Elliott Field at Beebe Stadium, the Outdoor Track and Field Facility, and most recently, the completion of the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning addition and renovation.
- Fall 2022 Enrollment Increase – The College increased its headcount by 2.6 percent from the previous year and has its largest class of transfer students on record.
- To date, 5,614 degrees awarded – The College averaged more than 560 graduates each year with a dramatic increase in the number of transfer students completing their degrees at Chadron.
- Rural Business Leadership Initiative – The College works with regional businesses to prepare students pursuing careers in business, specifically in rural areas, and help graduates of the program assume leadership roles within rural communities.
- Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP) – Implemented in 2017, RLOP is a collaborative educational partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Law and Chadron State. The Program aims to ensure all Nebraskans have access to legal representation by encouraging the practice of law in the State’s rural communities.
- Dates of Service –
- Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Services:
2005 – May 2012 - Interim President: May 2012 – Jan. 2013
- President: Jan. 2013 through June 30, 2023
- Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Services:
Randy, WOW what service you gave to CSC and you deserve to retire. Are you going to stay in Chadron? Lots of luck whatever you do or go!