The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges has announced four finalists for the next president of Peru State College, the state’s first institution of higher education. The finalists are Dr. Amy Clark, Dr. “Nina” Evangeline Grant, Dr. Robert C. Mock, Jr., and Dr. Wendy Waugh.
“I am pleased to introduce four exceptional leaders as finalists in the Peru State presidential search,” said Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System. “Each brings unique strengths, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to higher education. Their experience and vision will help ensure Peru State continues to thrive and serve as a vital resource for students, the region, and the state of Nebraska. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the search and advisory committees for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process.”
Each finalist will visit campus to meet with students, faculty, staff, and community members; tour Peru State College and the surrounding community; and interview with the Board of Trustees. Candidate interviews will take place during a Special Board Meeting on Sept. 17–18 at Peru State College.
Details about the visit schedules and Board meeting are available here.
The Chancellor and the Board of Trustees will make the final selection, with an announcement of the 35th president of Peru State College to be made at a later date.
Finalist Details:
Amy Clark, Ph.D.
Amy M. Clark has served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) since 2018. Previously, Dr. Clark served as Dean of Health Profession from 2013-2015 at NMC and has contributed to impactful research, including the Dementia Care Ecosystem Project with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a $10 million initiative supporting Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. Her academic career as a faculty member includes institutions like Nebraska Wesleyan University and Clarkson College, where she designed and taught courses in Statistics, Ethics, and Sociology.
Dr. Clark earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
View the visit schedule and application materials
“Nina” Evangeline Grant, Ed.D.
Nina Grant currently serves as Vice President of Student Affairs at Hawkeye Community College, where she leads enrollment management, student services, athletics, and student engagement. Previously, she was Vice President of Student Services at Western Nebraska Community College. She also held leadership roles at the University of Michigan, where she advanced student success programs, at the University of Toledo, where she supported student development and engagement, and at Iowa State University, where she focused on student recruitment and retention initiatives. She began her career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in TRIO Student Support Services.
Dr. Grant earned a bachelor of science in Human Development and a master of education in Health Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a doctorate of education from Edgewood University.
View the visit schedule and application materials
Robert C. Mock Jr. Ed.D.
Robert Mock has served the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since 2018 in multiple leadership roles, from VP for strategic initiatives, chief of staff, VP for enrollment management & student experience, and interim athletic director. Previously, he served as president of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus, VP for student affairs at the University of Kentucky, associate vice provost for student affairs at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, and at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he served both as the director of recruitment & retention and associate dean in the College of Professional Studies.
Dr. Mock earned a B.S. in Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Illinois, an M.A. in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication, and a doctorate of education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. He served in the U.S. Army & the National Guard with an honorable discharge from 2002-2010 after 9/11.
View the visit schedule and application materials
Wendy L Waugh, Ph.D.
Wendy Waugh is the Interim President and Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Peru State College, with a 34-year career in higher education spanning three institutions. She has held progressive leadership roles, including Professor of Business, Department Chair, and Dean at Chadron State College; Graduate Dean at Nebraska Wesleyan University; and has been VPAA at Peru State since 2023.
Waugh holds bachelor’s degrees in business management and secondary education, master’s degrees in education and business administration, and a Ph.D. in Organization & Management. A proud product of the Nebraska State College System, she earned her undergraduate degree from Wayne State College, served 30 years at Chadron State, and continues her commitment to public higher education at Peru State.
