Krepel to leave CSC presidency June 30, 2005

He made the brief statement at the conclusion of an hour-long meeting in which he talked about the college’s accomplishments during the past year, its fiscal status and the strategic plan which is designed to give the Chadron State additional prominence by the time the college celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2011.

Krepel did not reveal his personal plans after stepping down as president, but in answer to a question said he might seek another presidency “under the right circumstances.” He said he has informed the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges of his intentions to leave the CSC presidency in 14 months.

Krepel is just the ninth president in the college’s 93-year history. He came to Chadron State as senior vice president for academic affairs in August 1997, but became the interim president six months later. At the request of the Board of Trustees he assumed the office on a permanent basis July 1, 1998.

During the meeting Thursday morning Krepel said the college has had an excellent year, and mentioned many accomplishments by both faculty and students.

He noted that the college continues the adjustment to decreased funding from the State of Nebraska. He said that with an additional one-half of 1 percent decline in state funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, Chadron State will have absorbed a 16 percent reduction in state support over the past four years.

He added that economic conditions appear to be improving. “I think the free fall that we’ve experienced (in the economy) the past few years is over. We’ve been through some difficult times, but I think we are well-positioned for the future,” he stated.

Krepel said he expects 2004-05 to be an “exciting year” for Chadron State. During the meeting he accepted the final report for the strategic plan—called Vision 2011—that has been drawn by an 11-member committee during the past year. The committee sought input from each college employee and is recommending that the president appoint task forces to implement four specific plans of action.

Also during the meeting, Krepel announced that the college is beginning the process for reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. He said that Dr. Sam Rankin, board of trustees professor of history at CSC, has accepted appointment to head the reaccreditation activity. Rankin was president of Chadron State for 13 years prior to Krepel’s appointment.

CSC's accreditation runs through 2007.