Dr. Robert Mock, PresidentAs Peru State College approaches its Semi-quincentennial celebration—its 160th anniversary in June 2027—it holds the proud distinction of being Nebraska’s first institution of higher learning. What began as a small teacher-training college founded in 1867 has evolved into a liberal arts college that balances tradition with modern demands. Throughout its history, the mission has remained clear: to prepare students not only for careers, but also for lives of purpose and engagement.
Dr. Robert Mock, the college’s 35th president, describes this evolution as a journey of growth rooted in heritage. At Peru State College, history is not confined to archives or campus landmarks. Nebraska’s oldest college continues to strengthen the region through teacher education, community service, and an expanding vision for accessible higher education.
Cultivating Critical Thinking and Adaptability
At the heart of Peru State College’s academic life are three schools: the School of Education, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Professional Studies. True to its origins, the School of Education continues to prepare teachers who will influence Nebraska’s classrooms. Students can pursue studies in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, with endorsements ranging from English as a Second Language to Special Education.
Beyond traditional teaching programs, the school offers programs in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, as well as endorsements in Athletic Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, and Exercise Science, reflecting the college’s commitment to community wellness and workforce needs. Graduates leave prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Rooted in Peru State’s liberal arts tradition, the School of Arts and Sciences blends creative expression with rigorous scientific study. Students can immerse themselves in Music, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Literature, and the Social Sciences while also pursuing degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Wildlife Ecology, among many other fields.
The School of Professional Studies focuses on preparing students for today’s evolving workplace. Areas of study in Business, Healthcare, Technology, Leadership, Criminal Justice, and Psychology connect classroom learning with workforce demands across Nebraska and beyond. With more than 70 academic options available, students develop the adaptability, communication skills, and analytical thinking needed for a rapidly changing economy.
Peru State College also offers specialized opportunities that address critical workforce shortages in Nebraska. The Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) includes pre-professional courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, and related fields. This program recruits and educates students from rural communities who plan to return to rural areas to practice. Students who qualify and are selected receive a full tuition waiver while enrolled at Peru State College and are then granted admission to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to complete their degrees.
Another distinctive initiative is the Corrections Leadership Scholarship Program, which supports Criminal Justice students working at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution during the academic year and summer. The program is designed to develop future leaders within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.
Challenging Students to Excel
Students have abundant opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. With more than 30 clubs and organizations—including the Outdoor Life Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Senate, and the Pride Club—the college provides leadership opportunities, promotes service, and encourages collaboration.
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We are proud of our long history as a campus where everyone has a place.
Beyond campus, students actively engage with the surrounding community. From local clean-up days to monthly food distribution programs such as Feeding 44 and Red Cross blood drives, Peru State College students learn the value of civic responsibility firsthand. These activities create a bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world impact, helping students understand how their efforts can positively affect the lives of others. The college’s connection to the city of Peru is more than symbolic; it is demonstrated daily through service, outreach, and partnership.
Faculty members are central to the Peru State College experience. With an enrollment of slightly more than 1,200 students, the college maintains a low faculty-to-student ratio, allowing professors to engage deeply in students’ academic and personal development. Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and bring extensive professional experience, ensuring that students benefit from both expertise and perspective. Many professors have taught at the college for decades, creating continuity and fostering mentorship relationships that often span generations.
President Mock notes, “We have several faculty members who have taught multiple generations of the same family, illustrating the deep, enduring connections that define the Peru State College experience.” This combination of dedication and experience creates a nurturing environment in which students are challenged to excel while receiving consistent support along the way.
Helping Students Grow Holistically
Facilities at Peru State College reinforce this culture of engagement. Labs, studios, and newly built athletic complexes provide students with spaces to explore, experiment, and excel. Recent expansions, such as the Diamond Building and Recreation Dome for athletics, along with renovations to the student center, enhance the living-learning environment by blending social interaction, academic work, and recreational opportunities. These upgrades reflect the college’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can develop academically and personally.
Today, Peru State College is pursuing both growth and sustainability. Over the next 18 to 24 months, the college aims to increase enrollment by focusing on dual-enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credit while reducing educational costs. The expansion of online programs will further extend the college’s reach, ensuring that students across the United States can benefit from a high-quality liberal arts education.
At the same time, the college is collaborating with the city of Peru on sustainability initiatives aimed at lowering energy costs and providing students with hands-on experience in renewable energy.
Building Community Through Athletics
For Peru State College, athletics is about more than competition—it is a way to build community, resilience, and pride. From the classroom to the playing field, the college emphasizes experiences that cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of leading in their professions while remaining grounded in civic responsibility.
“We have also been fortunate to expand our athletics programs. We now offer 15 athletic programs for both men and women, and we are proud of our recent 2026 NCA National Championship victory in Cheer,” Dr. Mock says.
Athletic facilities and student engagement remain central to the college’s vision. By expanding venues and creating spaces for students to collaborate and connect, Peru State College ensures that both curricular and co-curricular experiences are meaningful and impactful. The institution’s holistic approach—blending rigorous academics, extracurricular opportunities, and community engagement—positions it as a modern liberal arts college grounded in its historic mission.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Accessibility and affordability are pillars of Peru State College’s identity. Through Peru State College’s One Rate, Any State initiative, all students can attend at the same low in-state tuition rate, regardless of residency. Combined with expanding online offerings, the college opens its doors to students from across the nation. This inclusivity ensures that geography or financial circumstances do not limit access to a quality education.
As Dr. Mock emphasizes, “We are proud of our long history as a campus where everyone has a place.” That ethos resonates throughout campus life, shaping experiences in classrooms, labs, athletic fields, and civic initiatives.
At Peru State College, history is not treated as nostalgia. Instead, it serves as a foundation for innovation, accessibility, and service. From teacher preparation and liberal arts education to athletics, sustainability initiatives, and community partnerships, the institution continues to evolve while remaining anchored in its original mission: preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
