FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2019
Contact: Jason Hogue, Director of Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429

Peru, Nebraska - The Peru State College community was saddened to learn of the passing of past president Jerry Gallentine. Gallentine passed in Norton, Kansas at the age of 78.

Gallentine served as president of Peru State College from 1982 to 1990.

Dr. Dan Hanson, current President of Peru State, writes, “I met Jerry only briefly, but he expressed the strongest admiration for Peru State and its future.”

“I also know that many alumni, faculty and staff built strong relationships on campus under his leadership. They still often return to campus – for which we are thankful.”

According to the College’s sesquicentennial history book, Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867, “Enrollment doubled on watch, and he was responsible for helping revive the Peru master of education program, which had been dead for more than 20 years.”

“Under his direction, Peru State took a greater leadership role in promotion growth in rural areas. He worked to form a cooperative program between the College and Nebraska Public Power District, resulting in a bachelor of science degree with a major in nuclear technology.”

Gallentine left Peru State to become president of Western New Mexico University, before serving as University President and CEO of National American University for more than twenty years.

According to the Rapid City Journal, memorials may be made to Clayton Cemetery, Norcatur Alliance, Whispering Pines or the Peru State College Foundation.

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