By Alex Helmbrecht, CSC Director of College Relations

Chadron State College and several community members welcomed new University of Nebraska President Dr. Hank Bounds to Chadron Wednesday evening during a reception and dinner at the Student Center.

The event, “Getting to Know Nebraska,” was an opportunity for Bounds, a native of Mississippi, to be introduced to a variety of Nebraska communities and leaders. The tour began April 12 and ends Friday in Nebraska City.

“I wanted to tour the state to see how unique and special it was,” Bounds said during his presentation Wednesday. “Truly, Nebraska is a special place and I’m privileged to be here.”

Bounds, the former commissioner of higher education in Mississippi, is just the seventh president of the University of Nebraska. A graduate of both Southern Mississippi University and Ole Miss, he began his career as a high school teacher before becoming principal of his former high school at the age of 25. He was also a superintendent and state superintendent of Mississippi before becoming the state’s higher education commissioner.

During Wednesday’s event, Bounds often spoke about the importance of higher education and its vital role. He said as a young man on his family farm in Mississippi he thought he’d never be able to attend college. However, he joined the National Guard and his service eventually helped him pay for college.

“Education changed my life and I intend to lead this university in that perspective,” he said.

Bounds also said he desires the University of Nebraska, as well as the state of Nebraska, to become a worldwide leader in education.

“Nebraska is a lot of things. First, it’s a great place to raise a family, and second, it has tremendous public support,” he said. “I’m convinced Nebraska can become a giant in higher education and I look forward to a long and strong bond with Chadron State College.”

Bounds was introduced to the guests Wednesday by University of Nebraska Regent Bob Farris of North Platte. Chadron State College President Dr. Randy Rhine also offered remarks, and following Bounds’ speech, presented him with a pair of spurs.

“I wanted to give him something that reminded him of the western part of the state and the Great Plains,” Rhine said. “Western Nebraska is quite different than eastern Nebraska in some ways and I wanted to give him a memento that would be somewhat unique to our area. I am glad he chose to visit Chadron and Chadron State College and I wish him the best of luck in his new position.”

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