Kansas State University Executive and Leadership Team

Benjamin Wolfe, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, directs academic programming and strategic growth for the institution. Wolfe oversees curriculum development and faculty research initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university's mission of higher learning. By managing departmental budgets and resource allocation, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean maintains operational efficiency across the campus. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance student career outcomes. Benjamin Wolfe drives academic excellence by implementing rigorous standards for undergraduate and graduate programs. Through collaboration with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean shapes the long-term vision for the university. Wolfe prioritizes student success by integrating modern pedagogical tools into the classroom experience. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean secures the institution's reputation as a premier center for research and education within the Midwest region.

Alysia Starkey, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, manages regional campus operations and community engagement strategies. Starkey architects outreach programs that connect the university with local stakeholders and professional organizations. Overseeing the expansion of distance learning initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean increases accessibility for non-traditional students. This role requires constant coordination with academic departments to ensure consistent quality across all satellite locations. Alysia Starkey drives enrollment growth by refining marketing strategies and student support services. By analyzing demographic trends, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean optimizes resource distribution to meet evolving educational demands. Starkey strengthens the university's presence in the broader academic landscape through targeted regional initiatives. The Chief Executive Officer & Dean maintains high standards of administrative oversight, ensuring that every program aligns with the core mission of Kansas State University.

Megan Lutz, the President at Kansas State University, directs the administrative operations and strategic planning for specific student-facing departments. Lutz oversees the implementation of policies that enhance student life and campus engagement. By coordinating with student government and faculty committees, the President ensures that institutional initiatives reflect the needs of the campus community. This role involves managing departmental budgets and ensuring that resources are allocated to support student success programs. Megan Lutz drives initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all student services. Through active participation in university governance, the President shapes the operational culture of the institution. Lutz monitors the effectiveness of student support services and implements improvements based on feedback. The President maintains a focus on creating a vibrant, supportive environment that fosters academic and personal growth for every student at Kansas State University.

Mackenzie Riffel, the President at Kansas State University, manages external relations and fundraising efforts to support institutional growth. Riffel architects partnerships with alumni, donors, and corporate sponsors to secure funding for research and campus development. By overseeing the university's public relations strategy, the President enhances the institution's reputation on a national scale. This role involves representing the university at major events and building relationships with key stakeholders. Mackenzie Riffel drives capital campaigns that provide scholarships and support for faculty research. Through strategic communication, the President ensures that the university's achievements are recognized by the broader community. Riffel coordinates with the development office to align fundraising goals with the university's long-term vision. The President maintains a strong focus on expanding the university's influence and securing the financial resources necessary to sustain excellence in higher education and research.

Anthony Ring, the President at Kansas State University, directs the operational management of auxiliary services and campus facilities. Ring oversees the maintenance of university infrastructure, including housing, dining, and recreational facilities. By optimizing the efficiency of these services, the President ensures a high-quality living and learning environment for students. This role involves managing large-scale facility projects and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Anthony Ring drives sustainability initiatives that reduce the university's carbon footprint and operational costs. Through careful planning, the President balances the needs of the campus community with the financial realities of facility management. Ring collaborates with other administrative leaders to ensure that campus infrastructure supports the university's academic mission. The President maintains a focus on providing modern, safe, and functional spaces that contribute to the overall success and well-being of the entire Kansas State University community.

Blake Foraker, the President at Kansas State University, manages the strategic oversight of athletic programs and intercollegiate competition. Foraker architects the vision for the university's sports departments, ensuring that athletic success aligns with academic integrity. By overseeing coaching staff and athletic facilities, the President maintains a competitive program that attracts student-athletes and fans. This role involves managing the athletic budget and ensuring compliance with conference and national regulations. Blake Foraker drives revenue-generating activities, including ticket sales and sponsorship deals, to support the athletic department. Through leadership in the sports community, the President promotes the university's brand and fosters school spirit. Foraker collaborates with academic advisors to ensure that student-athletes maintain high performance in the classroom. The President secures the long-term viability of the athletic program by fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship across all teams.

Shanna Legleiter, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Kansas State University, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Legleiter oversees the implementation of comprehensive benefits packages and performance management systems for faculty and staff. By fostering an inclusive workplace environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts top-tier academic talent. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and maintaining compliance with institutional policies. Shanna Legleiter drives professional development programs that empower employees to excel in their respective fields. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital with the university's long-term research and teaching goals. Legleiter manages internal communications to promote transparency and engagement across all departments. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational health of the institution by cultivating a high-performing, diverse, and dedicated workforce.

Bud Tillman, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems at Kansas State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting core administrative and academic functions. Tillman oversees the maintenance and security of enterprise-wide software platforms and data management systems. By optimizing cloud integration, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems ensures seamless access to critical information for students and faculty. This role involves coordinating with IT teams to upgrade legacy systems and implement modern cybersecurity protocols. Bud Tillman drives technological innovation by evaluating new software solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Through rigorous system testing and maintenance, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems minimizes downtime and protects sensitive institutional data. Tillman collaborates with other technology leaders to align digital strategy with the university's broader goals. The Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems maintains robust technical standards across the entire campus network.

Kenneth Stafford, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, provides high-level advisory support for long-term technology strategy and institutional digital transformation. Stafford offers historical context and expert guidance on the evolution of campus-wide information systems. By mentoring current IT leadership, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures continuity in strategic planning and infrastructure development. This role involves evaluating the impact of emerging technologies on the university's research capabilities. Kenneth Stafford drives initiatives that bridge the gap between academic requirements and technical implementation. Through deep institutional knowledge, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer assists in navigating complex transitions within the IT department. Stafford supports the alignment of digital resources with the university's mission of excellence in higher education. The Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer remains a vital resource for maintaining the integrity and security of the university's extensive information technology ecosystem.

Thomas Bunton, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, directs the implementation of campus-wide technology policies and digital service delivery. Bunton oversees the deployment of instructional technology and research computing resources that support faculty productivity. By managing the IT budget and vendor relationships, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures cost-effective solutions for the university. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to improve user experience across digital platforms. Thomas Bunton drives the adoption of data-driven decision-making tools that assist administrators in tracking student performance. Through strategic oversight of network operations, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer maintains reliable connectivity for the entire campus community. Bunton collaborates with academic leaders to integrate technology into the curriculum. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer secures the university's digital future by prioritizing scalable and secure infrastructure solutions.