Kansas State University Executive and Leadership Team

Patrick Splichal, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources at Kansas State University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the institution. Overseeing complex budgetary frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources ensures alignment between financial planning and the long-term academic goals of the university. This role involves rigorous oversight of natural resource assets and institutional funding streams to support campus-wide initiatives. By optimizing capital distribution, Patrick Splichal strengthens the financial foundation necessary for research and student success. The Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources collaborates with the board to maintain fiscal transparency and operational efficiency. Through disciplined management of university resources, Splichal secures the necessary capital to drive institutional growth and maintain high standards across all academic departments and administrative functions.

Johanna Lyle, the Board President and Professor In Accounting at Kansas State University, provides governance oversight while maintaining a commitment to academic instruction. Overseeing the strategic direction of the board, the Board President and Professor In Accounting ensures that the university adheres to its mission and fiduciary responsibilities. This role involves leading board meetings, evaluating institutional performance, and representing the university to external stakeholders. Simultaneously, the Board President and Professor In Accounting contributes to the academic mission by teaching advanced accounting courses, bridging the gap between governance and classroom instruction. By balancing these dual responsibilities, Johanna Lyle fosters a culture of accountability and academic rigor. The Board President and Professor In Accounting works with the president to ensure that the university remains financially stable and academically competitive. Through this unique leadership position, Lyle influences both the strategic trajectory and the educational quality of the institution.

Mackenzie Riffel, the President at Kansas State University, leads the institution in its mission to provide high-quality education and research opportunities. Overseeing the entire university administration, the President sets the strategic vision and ensures that all departments work toward common goals. This role involves engaging with donors, government officials, and the broader community to secure resources and support for the university. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, Mackenzie Riffel drives the growth of academic programs and research initiatives. The President collaborates with the board and faculty leadership to address the challenges facing higher education and to capitalize on new opportunities. Through the effective management of institutional resources and the promotion of a clear strategic direction, Riffel ensures that the university remains a leader in education, preparing students for success in a complex and evolving global environment.

Richard Linton, the President at Kansas State University, directs the long-term strategic development and operational success of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of academic and research priorities, the President ensures that the university remains responsive to the needs of students and the broader community. This role involves building partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions to expand the reach and impact of the university. By championing initiatives that promote student success and faculty research, Richard Linton strengthens the reputation of the institution. The President works closely with the cabinet to manage the university budget and ensure the efficient use of resources across all campuses. Through the promotion of a collaborative and inclusive environment, Linton drives the university toward its goal of becoming a premier destination for higher learning, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive as a center for academic and professional excellence.

Robert Wirtz, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Kansas State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern higher education. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools required for cutting-edge research and learning. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology deployments and securing the university network against evolving cyber threats. By streamlining digital workflows, Robert Wirtz enhances the operational capacity of the entire campus. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer works closely with academic leadership to align technological investments with the broader mission of the institution. Through the implementation of scalable software solutions, Wirtz drives digital transformation across the university, ensuring that the technological environment remains robust, secure, and capable of supporting the diverse needs of the academic community in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Shanna Legleiter, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Kansas State University, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the institution. Overseeing the lifecycle of faculty and staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier professionals dedicated to academic excellence. This role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs, fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and managing complex labor relations. By implementing strategic human capital initiatives, Shanna Legleiter supports the overall mission of the university to provide high-quality education. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to align staffing needs with institutional growth objectives. Through the continuous improvement of personnel policies, Legleiter maintains a high-performing environment that empowers employees to contribute effectively to the success of the university, ensuring that the workforce remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of higher education.

William Everroad, the Chief of Staff To the Provost at Kansas State University, coordinates the administrative operations and strategic priorities of the academic office. Overseeing the flow of information between the provost and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that institutional goals receive consistent attention and resources. This role involves managing high-level projects, facilitating communication across the faculty senate, and supporting the implementation of academic policies. By streamlining administrative processes, William Everroad enables the provost to focus on long-term educational strategy and curriculum development. The Chief of Staff To the Provost acts as a primary liaison for internal stakeholders, ensuring that academic initiatives remain aligned with the university mission. Through meticulous planning and execution, Everroad supports the provost in maintaining academic standards and fostering a productive environment for research and teaching across all university programs.

Bud Tillman, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems at Kansas State University, manages the core software platforms and data systems that power the institution. Overseeing the maintenance and optimization of enterprise-level applications, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems ensures that administrative and academic data remains accessible and secure. This role involves leading technical teams in the deployment of integrated systems that support student registration, financial aid, and human resources. By enhancing the reliability of these critical platforms, Bud Tillman facilitates seamless operations across the university. The Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems collaborates with IT leadership to modernize legacy infrastructure and adopt cloud-based solutions. Through the strategic management of enterprise systems, Tillman supports the university in achieving operational excellence and providing a superior digital experience for the entire campus community.

Grant Hill, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Kansas State University, supports the executive leadership team in executing institutional strategy and managing daily operations. Overseeing cross-functional projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the initiatives of the president and cabinet receive the necessary support for successful implementation. This role involves coordinating high-level meetings, managing internal communications, and tracking progress on key university objectives. By facilitating collaboration between different administrative units, Grant Hill helps maintain organizational alignment and efficiency. The Deputy Chief of Staff serves as a critical point of contact for external partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring that the university maintains a cohesive public presence. Through the effective management of executive priorities, Hill enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and the advancement of the university mission, ensuring that all departments work in harmony toward shared institutional goals.

Thomas Bunton, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, leads the overarching technology strategy for the entire institution. Overseeing the comprehensive IT portfolio, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge through innovative digital solutions. This role involves setting the vision for campus-wide connectivity, data governance, and information security. By aligning technology investments with the academic and research mission, Thomas Bunton drives the digital evolution of the university. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer works with the board and executive leadership to prioritize projects that enhance student engagement and faculty productivity. Through the strategic oversight of all information technology functions, Bunton ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology, providing a secure and efficient environment that supports the diverse needs of the entire academic community.