Football | 3/27/2018 1:40:00 PM
Kearney, Neb. – Chancellor Doug Kristensen today issued the following statement following the announced hiring of Paul Plinske as the next director of intercollegiate athletics at Colorado State University-Pueblo, effective May 20.
"We wish Dr. Plinske well on the next chapter in his career at CSU-Pueblo. Loper athletics has a strong history – more than 112 years – and unequaled fan and community support. Our program is strongly positioned, both in competitiveness and leadership."
On August 14, 2013, Plinske was named the seventh Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in UNK's modern era (since 1945). He has led Loper Athletics the past five academic years and was the second AD in UNK's MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) era.Â
Kristensen said that since 2012 (the first year in the 
MIAA), UNK has earned seven MIAA conference regular-season titles and 10 conference tournament titles. It has celebrated seven individual national champions in wrestling and 10 different teams have been nationally ranked at least once.
UNK ranks among the highest in the conference and nationally in fan attendance, and has received more than $10 million in private gifts, including more than $3 million for student-athlete scholarships.
"In the near future I will announce interim leadership of the Athletics Department as we look toward conducting a national search for the position. Our primary goal will be to continue to provide strong and stable leadership to support our excellent student athletes, programs, coaches and staff."
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Plinske Statement
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as director of athletics at UNK for the past five years. I am very thankful to Chancellor Kristensen for entrusting me with this significant leadership opportunity at this great institution.
My decision to leave UNK is not taken lightly and is not a result of recent budget cuts. I move on to this new and exciting opportunity knowing I did my absolute best for UNK while serving with passion, professionalism and care.
We have hired a great staff and have built momentum for greater success in the immediate future. We have outstanding student-athletes who perform exceptionally in the classroom and represent UNK well in our community.
I will always cherish UNK and hold dear to the genuine relationships built with colleagues, student-athletes, fans and supporters. I wish nothing but the best for Kearney, the University and Loper Athletics.
UNK Athletics Directors (1945-present)
Charlie Foster (1945-71)
Al Zikmund (1971-87)
Dick Beechner (1987-95)
Dick Dull (1995-98)
Mike Sumpter (1998-02)
Jon McBride (2002-13)
Dr. Paul Plinske (2013-18)
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