Explore University of Nebraska - Kearney Jobs for rewarding academic careers at this dynamic public university in the heart of Nebraska. As a key institution in the University of Nebraska system, UNK offers diverse opportunities in teaching, research, and administration, with a focus on fields like education, business, health sciences, and natural sciences. Job seekers can find professor positions at University of Nebraska - Kearney, lecturer roles, and research jobs tailored to innovative thinkers. With competitive salaries in University of Nebraska - Kearney academia, ranging from $60,000 for assistant professors to over $100,000 for full professors, UNK provides strong career progression and professional development. Students and academics benefit from Rate My Professor insights to rate professors at University of Nebraska - Kearney and make informed choices. Dive into higher education jobs at University of Nebraska - Kearney, explore faculty jobs, and uncover academic opportunities that blend community impact with cutting-edge research. Visit Rate My Professor to discover top educators and start your journey today.
About University of Nebraska - Kearney
The University of Nebraska - Kearney (UNK), located in Kearney, Nebraska, United States, is a comprehensive public university founded in 1905 as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney. It evolved into Kearney State College in 1963 and joined the University of Nebraska system in 1991, adopting its current name. UNK's mission emphasizes accessible, high-quality education, fostering student success through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. Key achievements include strong programs in teacher education, business administration, and health professions, with a commitment to rural development and STEM advancement. The campus spans 235 acres in central Nebraska, featuring modern facilities like the Calvin T. Ryan Library and the Health and Sports Center. UNK serves over 6,000 students, offering more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is renowned for its aviation program and partnerships with local industries. For more details, visit the University of Nebraska - Kearney Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations such as Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Nebraska, and Academic Jobs in Kearney.
UNK's history reflects Nebraska's educational growth, transitioning from a teacher training school to a full university with a focus on liberal arts and professional studies. Notable milestones include the establishment of its online learning platform and expansions in graduate offerings. The university prides itself on a student-centered approach, with low student-to-faculty ratios and extensive internship opportunities. Key departments include the College of Education, known for producing top educators; the College of Business and Technology, emphasizing entrepreneurship; and the College of Arts and Sciences, driving research in biology and environmental sciences. UNK has received accolades for affordability and veteran support, making it a hub for diverse learners. Campus life integrates Kearney's vibrant community, with access to cultural events and outdoor activities in the Platte River Valley.
In terms of academic trends for 2025, UNK is expanding in health informatics and sustainable agriculture, aligning with Nebraska's economic needs. The university's research output has grown, with faculty publishing in areas like educational psychology and kinesiology. For job seekers, UNK offers a supportive environment with emphasis on work-life balance in a low-cost living area. Students can leverage resources like career services and alumni networks for transitions into higher education jobs at University of Nebraska - Kearney.
Faculty Job Opportunities at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Faculty job opportunities at University of Nebraska - Kearney are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like education, business, and health sciences. Based on 2025 trends, there's growing need for assistant professors in teacher education and kinesiology, with roles emphasizing innovative pedagogy and community outreach. Lecturer positions in business administration focus on entrepreneurship, while research jobs in natural sciences target environmental studies. Salary ranges, researched from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and UNK reports, show assistant professors earning $60,000-$80,000 annually, associates $70,000-$90,000, and full professors $90,000-$120,000, influenced by department and experience. These figures are competitive for a mid-sized public university in Nebraska, with additional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Explore professor positions at University of Nebraska - Kearney through Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com, filtered by UNK. For example, faculty in the College of Education at University of Nebraska - Kearney often engage in grant-funded projects on rural education. Research fellows in biology contribute to Platte River ecosystem studies. Higher education jobs at University of Nebraska - Kearney also include administrative roles like department chairs, with salaries starting at $85,000. Job trends indicate a shift toward online and hybrid teaching, boosting demand for tech-savvy lecturers. UNK's location in Kearney offers a low cost of living, enhancing appeal. To apply, visit Faculty Jobs and search for UNK-specific listings. Academic careers at University of Nebraska - Kearney provide tenure-track paths with strong support for professional growth.
In 2025, UNK is prioritizing hires in STEM fields, with positions like research assistant jobs in chemistry and clinical research jobs in health professions. Lecturer roles at University of Nebraska - Kearney emphasize interdisciplinary teaching, such as combining business with technology. Rate professors at University of Nebraska - Kearney via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. Salaries in University of Nebraska - Kearney academia are bolstered by state funding and grants, with averages higher in high-demand departments like nursing ($75,000-$95,000 for assistants). Compared to national averages, UNK offers value with lower living costs. For remote higher ed jobs, UNK has expanded virtual positions in education. Adjunct professor jobs provide flexible entry points, paying $3,000-$5,000 per course. Community college jobs nearby complement UNK opportunities. Explore Adjunct Professor Jobs and Community College Jobs for related paths.
Assistant Professor in Education 💼
Focus on curriculum development; salary $60,000-$80,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teach entrepreneurship; salary $55,000-$75,000.
Research Fellow in Biology 🔬
Environmental research; salary $65,000-$85,000.
Associate Professor in Health Sciences
Clinical focus; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Why Work at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Working at University of Nebraska - Kearney offers a blend of academic excellence, community impact, and professional growth in a supportive Midwest environment. Faculty enjoy research opportunities in areas like sustainable agriculture and educational innovation, backed by grants from the Nebraska Research Initiative. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership roles. Unique benefits include affordable housing in Kearney, comprehensive health plans, and sabbatical programs. UNK's emphasis on work-life balance, with flexible scheduling and family-friendly policies, makes it ideal for academics. Compared to larger institutions, UNK provides closer student interactions and collaborative departments. Explore academic careers at University of Nebraska - Kearney through Higher Ed Jobs. The university's location in Nebraska offers access to outdoor recreation and a low crime rate, enhancing quality of life. Notable for its veteran support and diversity initiatives, UNK fosters an inclusive atmosphere. Research shows high job satisfaction among faculty, with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects.
Salary Guide for Faculty at University of Nebraska - Kearney
The salary guide for faculty at University of Nebraska - Kearney reflects competitive compensation in a public university setting, influenced by experience, department, and location. Based on 2025 data from sources like Glassdoor, the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, and UNK reports, average salaries are as follows: Assistant Professors earn $60,000-$80,000, with higher ends in STEM fields like biology ($70,000+). Associate Professors range from $70,000-$90,000, boosted by tenure and research grants. Full Professors command $90,000-$120,000, especially in business or education. Factors affecting pay include years of service, publication record, and administrative duties. In low-cost Kearney, these salaries stretch further than in urban areas. Adjuncts earn $3,000-$5,000 per course. Compared to national averages ($80,000 for assistants), UNK is value-driven with strong benefits like tuition remission. Salaries in University of Nebraska - Kearney academia have risen 3-5% annually due to state funding. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Location in Kearney adds perks like no state income tax on retirement. Departments like nursing offer premiums ($75,000-$95,000 for assistants) due to demand.
Additional considerations include performance bonuses and summer teaching stipends, averaging $5,000-$10,000 extra. Faculty in high-impact areas like health sciences benefit from external funding, elevating total compensation. Research from 2025 trends shows UNK salaries aligning with Midwest peers, with adjustments for inflation. For career advice on negotiating salaries, check Higher Ed Career Advice. Overall, UNK provides financial stability for long-term academic careers.
| Role | Salary Range 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $60,000-$80,000 | Education |
| Associate Professor | $70,000-$90,000 | Business |
| Full Professor | $90,000-$120,000 | Biology |
| Lecturer | $55,000-$75,000 | Health Sciences |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Discover top educators at University of Nebraska - Kearney through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching and research. Ratings guide course selection and recognize professors' impact on programs like education and business. For example, high-rated faculty often tie into UNK's strengths in rural health and STEM.
Dr. Amanda Johnson - Education ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging pedagogy in teacher training.
Prof. Michael Lee - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in entrepreneurship with real-world insights.
Dr. Sarah Thompson - Biology
Rating: 4.9/5 - Leads innovative environmental research projects.
Prof. David Ramirez - Kinesiology
Rating: 4.6/5 - Focuses on sports science and student mentorship.
Dr. Emily Carter - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5 - Excels in clinical training for health professions.
Prof. Robert Hayes - History
Rating: 4.7/5 - Engaging lectures on American Midwest history.
Career Progression at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Career progression at University of Nebraska - Kearney follows a structured path from lecturer to full professor, with tenure-track opportunities emphasizing teaching, research, and service. Entry-level assistants advance to associates after 5-7 years, with salaries rising from $60,000 to $90,000. Full professors, earning $90,000+, access leadership roles. Research funding from sources like the National Science Foundation supports growth in areas like agricultural innovation. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. UNK's strengths in education offer specialized tracks. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice. Factors like publication records accelerate advancement in this collaborative environment.
Research and Innovation at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Research at University of Nebraska - Kearney focuses on rural health, sustainable agriculture, and educational equity, with 2025 trends emphasizing AI in teaching and environmental conservation. Major centers include the Center for Rural Research and the Loper Aviation Program. Funding from federal grants exceeds $5 million annually, supporting collaborations with industry. Opportunities abound in biology and kinesiology. Explore Research Jobs for UNK positions.
Resources for University of Nebraska - Kearney Academics
- Professional development through UNK's Center for Teaching Excellence 🎓
- Faculty unions via the Nebraska State Education Association
- Benefits including health coverage and retirement matching
- Career tools at Free Resume Template
- Scholarships and funding via Scholarships
Student Life and Perspectives at University of Nebraska - Kearney
Student life at University of Nebraska - Kearney features vibrant clubs, athletics, and community events in Kearney. Programs in business and education lead to strong career outcomes, with 90% employment rates. Choose professors using Rate My Professor. Resources include advising and internships for academic paths.

