Neal H. Schnoor, the chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach, will become the 18th president of Northern State University.
A news release from the South Dakota Board of Regents says Schnoor will become president at Northern on July 1, 2021.
Schnoor has served in his current position since 2019. As chief of staff, he represented the president in his work with internal and external constituencies to advance the mission, initiatives and relationships of the second largest university in the 23-school CSU system, serving nearly 40,000 students.
“Neal Schnoor brings to Aberdeen his experience as an administrator and faculty member at three campuses quite similar to Northern in history, mission, and student characteristics,” said Regent Jim Thares, who chaired the presidential search committee. “He values what we value: a close-knit culture, sense of community, and strong work ethic. We are fortunate to have him join our state’s public university system. On behalf of the regents, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Schnoor and his family to South Dakota, to Northern State University, and to the community of Aberdeen,” Thares said.
“It is an absolute privilege to serve as the next president of Northern State University and I’m honored to join the leadership team of this fine institution,” Schnoor said. “Northern has great students, a faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success and serving the public good, and a remarkable community that is passionate and supportive.”
Prior to his time on the CSU campus, Schnoor had extensive professional experience in the Midwest. He served for seven years as a senior advisor to the chancellor for executive affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before that, he was dean of the School of Education and Counseling at Wayne State (Neb.) College. His faculty and teaching experience includes appointments at the University of Nebraska’s Kearney and Lincoln campuses and as a band director at three Nebraska high schools.
He has a Ph.D. in education and a master of music degree, both from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Wayne State College granted his bachelor of fine arts degree in education.
Schnoor’s wife, Teresa, is an elementary principal and they have two adult children. Outside of work, he enjoys jogging and golfing, and he and his wife share passions for collegiate fine arts and athletic events and helping students meet their academic and personal goals.
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