Kansas State University

K-State presidential search now accepting applications and nominations

Submitted by Kansas Board of Regents

Applications and nominations for the position of president of Kansas State University are now being accepted. Following President Myers' retirement announcement in May, the Kansas Board of Regents kicked off the search with the appointment of a search committee and engaged WittKieffer, executive search firm, to recruit the K-State's next chief executive officer.

The board seeks a proven leader who understands the unique mission of a land-grant institution and promotes the value of the entire range of academic programs and degrees within the university.

K-State's next president should be a visible and engaged leader who is able to work effectively and at ease with state and federal representatives and build productive and collaborative relationships with both internal and external constituents and stakeholders. The president will advocate for K-State's commitment to developing economic prosperity locally, regionally and across the state in fulfillment of its land-grant mission and in alignment with the Kansas Board of Regents plan, Building a Future: Higher Education's Commitment to Kansas Families, Businesses and the Economy. Furthermore, the president will be responsible for advancing the university's current strategic plan, K-State 2025, while ensuring it maintains its status as a premier land-grant institution in support of local, regional, and statewide communities.

The incoming president should possess a demonstrated track record of successful leadership with significant administrative and leadership experience at an institution or organization of comparable size, scope and complexity. The president should be a person of high integrity and character with strong interpersonal, collaboration, diplomacy and communication skills. A commitment to student access and success, teaching excellence and entrepreneurial research activity that has a lasting impact on the state, nation and world will be important. The president should have the skill to manage a highly complex, multisite institution, possess a deep knowledge and understanding of a mission-focused, distinctive land-grant university, demonstrate facility in managing a budget in excess of $914.3 million and have the ability to oversee the opportunities and complexities involved in hosting an NCAA Division I athletics program. The president also should be an experienced fundraiser and prepared to engage donors, alumni and community leaders in fundraising and development activities. The president should be a highly visible and accessible leader, both on and off campus, value transparency in the decision-making process and have a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

For more information about the university and full details regarding expectations, characteristics and qualifications for the position, please visit k-state.edu/presidential-search.

"I'd like to express my gratitude to the search committee, the Division of Communications and Marketing, and the staff from the Office of the President who contributed to the Presidential University and Leadership Profile, representing the main campus in Manhattan, the Polytechnic Campus in Salina, the Olathe Campus and the Global Campus, as well as so many other important stakeholders from the wider K-State community," said Regent Carl Ice, chair of the Presidential Search Committee. "WittKieffer has already spent a lot of time laying the groundwork for a strong pool of candidates as well as connecting with the campus community to hear what attributes are needed for K-State's next president, and I'm looking forward to seeing what applications and nominations are submitted."

The search is being assisted by WittKieffer search consultants Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D.; Suzanne Teer; Jeff Compher; and Sandra Chu. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal. To assure best consideration, applications should be received by Friday, Oct. 15. All applications will remain confidential. Following interviews with the Presidential Search Committee, the Kansas Board of Regents will conduct interviews and make the final selection. While not a requirement for the position, the new president is expected to assume office in early 2022.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer search consultants at K-StatePresident@wittkieffer.com.