Kansas State University

K-State Olathe CEO and dean announces retirement

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

The first leader of Kansas State University's academic and research presence in Greater Kansas City is retiring. Dan Richardson, current CEO and dean, has announced his plans to retire in 2013 and assist in the transition to have a new campus leader in place by June 30.

"I am proud of the facility and most proud of the team that has been assembled to move the campus forward," Richardson said. "I am excited about the relationships that have been formed in this community because of K-State Olathe. It is with confidence that I can step away now, knowing that the right people and pillars are in place to accelerate the campus on behalf of our university, Johnson County, the metro area and beyond."

Richardson was named the CEO and dean of the university's third and newest campus in 2007 when the Kansas Bioscience Park and the Johnson County Education Research Triangle were established. He was instrumental when taxpayers approved a one-eighth cent sales tax 2008 that went toward building K-State Olathe.

Ground was broken for the campus in November 2009, and K-State Olathe opened its doors in April 2011. Since opening, five graduate degree programs have been established, a wide-reaching K-12 outreach program has launched, industry relations have resulted in multiple labs and a consumer research center within the building, and more than 22,000 people attended special events, training and conferences at the $28 million facility that earned Silver LEED certification. Under Richardson's leadership, 20 faculty and staff members have been added to the payroll, and the economic impact of the campus has exceeded initial expectations.

"In order to be a Top 50 public research university, it is critical for us to be physically present in the heart of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor," said Kirk Schulz, Kansas State University president. "Under Dan Richardson's leadership, our Olathe campus has become the academic and research presence the Kansas City community and the corridor need."

Provost April Mason said Richardson has built a firm foundation for a campus conceived to serve the specific higher education needs of Greater Kansas City.

"The Olathe campus allows Kansas State University to fill a niche in the state's largest metropolitan area," Mason said. "With Dan's extensive background in animal health, I can't think of anyone better to have laid the groundwork for this campus. Thanks in large part to his efforts, K-State Olathe has moved from vision to reality."

Richardson began his career in industry in 1991 at Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., where he served as vice president for research and chief animal welfare veterinarian. He traveled the world teaching and conducting research on how to manage and prevent disease in animals through nutrition. Fifteen years of academia preceded his years in industry. A graduate of Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Richardson served as a faculty member at North Carolina State and Purdue universities. He received the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award for clinical and teaching excellence at both universities.