ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – The South Dakota Board of Regents announced that President Neal Schnoor will be stepping down from his position as president of Northern State University (NSU). Earlier this year, President Schnoor was selected as the priority candidate for chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). Dr. Laurie Nichols, the former president of Black Hills State University, has been appointed as the interim president, following President Schnoor’s departure.
President Schnoor served NSU since 2021, guiding the university through a time of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Northern expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its community partnerships, and advanced student success initiatives. His departure comes as he prepares to pursue new professional opportunities.
“We would like to express our gratitude to President Schnoor for his dedicated service to Northern State University and the Aberdeen community,” said Board of Regents President Tim Rave. “His leadership and vision for the future have contributed significantly to the growth and modernization of NSU’s campus. We wish him all the best in his new role.”
Dr. Laurie Nichols brings extensive experience in higher education leadership to her interim role. An established figure in South Dakota academia, Nichols has held statewide leadership roles at South Dakota State University, Northern State University, and, most recently, as president of Black Hills State University from 2019 to 2023. Prior to her presidency, Dr. Nichols worked in secondary and post-secondary positions in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Ohio, Idaho, and Iowa.
“I am honored to return to the South Dakota Board of Regents and Northern State University during this time of transition,” stated Dr. Nichols. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and the Aberdeen community to build on the strong foundation established by President Schnoor.”
The South Dakota Board of Regents will conduct a search for the next president of NSU this fall.
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