Kansas State University

Staffing updates in the offices of the president and senior vice president/chief of staff

Submitted by University Administration

New and familiar faces are coming together in the offices of the president and senior vice president/chief of staff to build capacity for institutional priorities.

Cheryl Grice's role at the university, previously housed in the Division of Communications and Marketing, has been realigned to the office of the senior vice president and chief of staff, where she now serves as community engagement director. In her role, Grice helps identify and prioritize opportunities for engagement that raise public awareness of the university’s work. Grice serves as a key liaison with local university partners, including the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and Konza United Way.

Grant Hill has been promoted to deputy chief of staff. In his new role, Hill collaborates closely with Marshall Stewart, senior vice president and chief of staff, to facilitate key stakeholder engagement, provide portfolio project management and manage budget alignment with institutional priorities. Hill also facilitates the Town-Gown Relations committee and the Landon Lecture series.

Kristen Marcela has joined the office of the president as its new office specialist, providing professional administrative support for both the offices of the president and the provost. Marcela serves as the first point of contact in the office suite, handling various operational and logistical needs for office staff and visitors alike.

Susan Metzger, a familiar face from the College of Agriculture, has joined the office of the senior vice president and chief of staff as director of strategic interdisciplinary program development. Metzger will continue her critical work with the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment and the Kansas Water Resources Institute, while also leading and contributing to the creation of policies and procedures that support the development of multidisciplinary projects and programs at the university. 

As previously announced, Kristin Holt was named the permanent executive assistant to the president in late May. Additionally, Matt Casey was named the executive director of government relations, and Jaylen Lane was named the associate director of government relations. 

Jessica Gnad and Jennifer Tidball were selected to serve as the K-State 105 director and communications director, respectively. Gnad will lead efforts to engage stakeholders across the state and Tidball will develop and lead the K-State 105 communications strategy.

Katie Meyer was named executive assistant to the senior vice president and chief of staff. Meyer most recently served in the budget office and before that in the Division of Financial Services. 

All staffing updates within the president’s office and office of the senior vice president/chief of staff are made possible through existing funding and/or new state appropriations.