Kupper outlines vision for Chadron State at investiture

“An inauguration is the formal acceptance of a sacred responsibility,” Kupper said. “No president owns a college. We simply care for it, for a season.”

Kupper, a Norfolk native and former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs with the Nebraska State College System (NSCS), said Chadron State’s mission aligns with her belief in the transformative power of public higher education.

“I believe that talent is universal, even when opportunity is not,” she said. “I believe that where a student begins should never determine how far they can go.”

NSCS Board of Trustees Chair Marjean Terrell said Kupper’s experience, perspective, and relationships have prepared her to lead the college at an important time. Terrell noted Kupper’s Nebraska roots and her understanding of hard work and being a good neighbor.

“There is something particularly fitting about Jodi leading this institution,” Terrell said.

Kupper thanked NSCS Chancellor Paul Turman for his mentorship, support, and friendship, saying his leadership has influenced the way she approaches her work, collaborates with others, and responds to challenges.

Kupper also recognized a longtime colleague and Black Hills State University President Steve Elliott, who provided the introduction. She expressed appreciation for the trust, conversations, and support they have shared throughout their careers.

Kupper thanked students for trusting the college with their education and future, and she thanked alumni and community partners for their continued support. Kupper also recognized family, friends, her doctoral adviser at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Ali Moeller, her mother, Geraldine Benton, and her husband, Bernie Kupper.

Kupper said she especially appreciated “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” by John Rutter, which was performed by the Chadron State Community Chorus and Concert Choir at the close of the investiture.

“While all of the music provided during the ceremony was beautiful, the choral benediction was specifically requested by me, as it holds a special place in my heart. I greatly appreciate Dr. Schreuder and the choir for performing this piece on my behalf,” Kupper said.

While addressing the Chadron State community, Kupper praised employees for their commitment to students.

She cited faculty members who know students by name, staff members who exceed their job descriptions, coaches who teach resilience, and advisers who encourage students not to abandon their dreams.

“These are people whose names may never appear in headlines, but whose work defines this college,” Kupper said. “This is not simply what you do. It is who you are.”

Kupper said she was drawn to Chadron State because of its student-centered culture, its commitment to access and teaching, and the personal relationships that characterize the campus.

She also spoke of western Nebraska’s Pine Ridge, wide skies, and rugged landscape, but said its people made an even stronger impression.

“Communities where neighbors know one another, where hard work is expected, where integrity matters,” she said. “It became clear to me that Chadron State College could not exist in quite the same way anywhere else.”

Kupper aligned her comments to the college’s recently developed strategic plan, which she described as providing a roadmap for the institution’s future.

The plan’s first priority is expanding access while ensuring students receive the support needed to succeed. Kupper noted the college must continue to create pathways for rural students, first-generation students, working adults, veterans, and students from varied backgrounds.

The second priority is pursuing academic excellence while preparing graduates for an evolving workforce. Chadron State’s responsibility, she said, is not to solely provide a liberal arts education or career preparation, but both.

The third priority calls for a campus culture in which faculty, staff, and students feel valued, respected, and inspired to do their best work. The final priority is embracing Chadron State’s role as a regional leader and recognizing that the success of the college and western Nebraska are closely connected.

Kupper emphasized the college’s role as an economic partner, cultural center, and source of innovation for the region. She said graduates who teach, provide health care, start businesses, serve in public office, or raise families strengthen the area’s future.

Kupper acknowledged that higher education faces demographic changes, evolving workforce needs, technological innovation, financial pressures, and increased public expectations. However, she said she remains optimistic because of CSC.

“Hope is built on our confidence in one another,” Kupper said. “And I have extraordinary confidence in the people of Chadron State College.”

CSC supporters are invited to contribute to the President’s Vision 2030 Fund, which opened following the investiture. This fund is a strategic response to the critical needs of the region, providing agile resources for program development, addressing workforce demands, forging strategic public-private partnerships, and enhancing curriculum development.

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