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(North Platte, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced his appointment of Robert Phares of North Platte to the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents. The District 7 seat, which represents most of western and west-central Nebraska, was vacated following a July 7 decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court. Phares will be sworn in later this month.
“Bob Phares has dedicated a lifetime of service to Nebraska, and I could not have asked for a more capable, qualified person to represent the best interests of western Nebraska residents and those of Nebraska’s university,” Gov. Heineman said. “He has knowledge of the issues facing our towns, farms and ranches, and has earned a strong reputation from many years of engaged and active service at every level of civic leadership. This position provides an opportunity for Bob to bring his vast experience to bear in working with his fellow regents to chart a strong future for the University of Nebraska.”
Phares was first elected mayor of North Platte at the age of 28, which at the time made him the youngest person ever elected to run a Nebraska city of the first classification. He served two terms as mayor. He is president and owner of Phares Financial Services, Inc., a financial planning and services firm in North Platte.
He is currently a member of the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council, and is the former board president of the Kearney State College Foundation, past member of the Mid-Plains Community College Foundation, and served as a public representative on the NU presidential search committee.
Phares is a past president of the League of Nebraska Municipalities and former board chairman of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce. He is the former director of the North Platte Development Corporation, NEBRASKAland Days, Inc., and the North Platte United Way Fund. He has been involved with the Great Plains Regional Medical Center for more than 20 years, and served eight years as chairman of its board of directors. He is a past president of the North Platte Rotary Club, and served as district governor from 1996 to 1997.
Phares turns 66 today. He was born in Atlantic, Iowa and was raised in North Platte. He received his degree in business administration, graduating with honors in 1962 from Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). He was honored for contributions to his alma mater in 1984 when he received the UNK Distinguished Service and Outstanding Alumni Award.
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