Source: Pat Bosco, 785-532-6237, bosco@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

VISIONARY HOUSING LEADER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

MANHATTAN -- Charles J. "Chuck" Werring, Kansas State University's assistant vice president for student life and director of housing and dining services, has announced his retirement effective December 2011.

"Dr. Chuck's leadership and vision in taking the $100 million Jardine project from the drawing board to reality made a huge positive impact not only on the north side of the K-State campus, but also with our traditional residence halls and dining services. It established his reputation as a visionary," said Pat Bosco, vice president and dean of student life. "Additionally, I attribute K-State's incredibly stable housing operation to him."

Werring will retain his assistant vice president title and work on several projects related to housing and dining services.

Bosco has appointed John Pence, associate director of housing and dining services, to be interim director of the department, effective immediately. A national search will start late this fall or in early spring 2011 to find a permanent director.

"I'm looking forward to my continuing involvement with housing and dining services, as well as the Division of Student Life, the K-State family and student leadership," Werring said. "My passion hasn't changed since I joined K-State in 1990 as director of housing and dining services. As reported in the Collegian on Feb. 26, 1990, 'I'm going to put my jeans on, we're going to sit in the lobby … and say hey, what's on your mind.' I will never lose that passion for students."

"We will be very fortunate to have Chuck's leadership over the next 15 months," Bosco said. "Planning for Jardine Phase II gives us an opportunity to take advantage of his experience and leadership, and allows us to plan for the future."

Werring was promoted to assistant vice president in 2005. Prior to joining K-State he had worked at Texas Tech University and the University of Georgia. He holds an Ed.D. degree from the University of Georgia, Athens. He earned both his bachelor's degree in biology and master's in student personnel in higher education from K-State.

Werring has received numerous awards and honors during his career, including the William B. Sweet Distinguished Service Award from the Upper Midwest Region-Association of College and University Housing Officers in 2007, and the James C. Grimm Leadership and Service Award in 2002 from the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International, which he has served in many leadership roles.

Werring also is the founder of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International STARS COLLEGE, which encourages and mentors undergraduate students in domestic and other countries who live in residence halls to seek a career in housing or other student affairs work.

Werring has published dozens of articles in professional journals, as well as book chapters and monograph chapters, and he has served as a consultant with other universities and colleges. He also has presented at numerous conferences for professional groups.