University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who has served since July 2002, will retire at the end of the academic year.
The longest-serving chancellor in the history of the University of Nebraska system, Kristensen says stepping down “is not an easy decision for me, but in talking with my family, we believe now is the right time for me to step away.”
Kristensen recently announced significant budget cuts to faculty and staff to meet UNK’s share of a $58-million dollars shortfall for the entire university.
He says his departure will “allow a new leader to carry on UNK’s vital work in providing education and economic development for central and western Nebraska.”
Kristensen won’t be fully retiring. He plans to take a one-year professional development leave, then return to work on strategic projects for the full university.
Before becoming chancellor, Kristensen served 14 years in the Nebraska Legislature, including what was at the time the longest tenure as speaker. He also sponsored the bill that moved Kearney State College to the university system.
NU President Ted Carter, leaving himself at the end of the month to become president of The Ohio State University, describes Kristensen as a friend and advisor whose departure is “bittersweet.”
Carter says “There is no better champion for UNK and rural Nebraska than Doug Kristensen.” The University Regents last week voted unanimously to name the new UNK-University of Nebraska Medical Center Rural Health Complex after Kristensen.
Only 1 of the 3 remaining NU Chancellors has served more than 2 years – UNMC’s Jeffrey Gold, who arrived in early 2014. Nebraska-Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li came on in July 2021 while UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett came this summer.
The search for Carter’s successor as president is still in its early stages with NU CFO Chris Kabourek to start as interim president next month.