Kansas State University Executive and Leadership Team

Alysia Starkey, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, directs academic programming and institutional growth. Starkey architects curriculum frameworks that align with evolving industry demands while ensuring high-quality educational outcomes for the student body. By managing faculty development and resource allocation, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean maintains rigorous standards across all departments. Alysia Starkey also collaborates with the Board to refine long-term strategic goals, focusing on expanding the university's reach within the North American higher education landscape. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance research capabilities and student engagement. Through consistent evaluation of academic performance metrics, Starkey drives continuous improvement in pedagogical delivery. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean secures the institution's reputation as a premier center for learning and professional development, ensuring that all academic initiatives support the broader mission of student success and community impact.

Benjamin Wolfe, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, oversees operational efficiency and campus-wide administrative functions. Wolfe manages the integration of student support services with academic departments to create a cohesive campus experience. By optimizing administrative workflows, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean reduces operational friction and improves service delivery for the entire university community. Benjamin Wolfe also coordinates with other executive leaders to align resource distribution with institutional priorities, ensuring that financial and human capital support core educational objectives. This leadership role involves implementing policies that promote campus safety, inclusivity, and student retention. Through the application of data-driven decision-making, Wolfe monitors institutional health and identifies opportunities for structural refinement. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean strengthens the university's operational foundation, enabling faculty and students to thrive within a well-supported, efficient, and mission-driven academic environment that serves the needs of the broader regional population.

Victoria Appelhans, the Chief Financial Officer at Kansas State University, manages the institution's fiscal health and long-term economic strategy. Appelhans directs budget planning, financial reporting, and capital investment initiatives to ensure the university maintains a robust financial position. By overseeing complex funding streams and endowment management, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary resources for academic expansion and infrastructure development. Victoria Appelhans also collaborates with the Board to assess financial risks and implement mitigation strategies that protect institutional assets. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize revenue generation and cost-efficiency across all university departments. Through rigorous oversight of financial compliance and audit processes, Appelhans ensures transparency and accountability in all fiscal operations. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability required to support the university's mission, enabling sustained growth and the continued delivery of high-quality educational programs to a diverse student population.

Patrick Splichal, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources at Kansas State University, manages specialized financial portfolios and natural resource assets. Splichal directs the strategic allocation of funds related to environmental research and land management, ensuring these resources generate sustainable value for the institution. By overseeing the financial performance of natural resource initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources aligns these specific assets with the university's broader economic goals. Patrick Splichal also coordinates with academic leaders to integrate research funding with practical applications in natural resource management. This leadership role involves evaluating investment opportunities that enhance the university's research footprint and environmental impact. Through careful monitoring of asset performance and regulatory compliance, Splichal optimizes the financial return on specialized holdings. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources strengthens the university's fiscal diversity, supporting long-term sustainability and innovation in natural resource studies.

Priyanshu Jain, the President at Kansas State University, directs the overall vision and strategic direction of the institution. Jain architects long-term growth plans that enhance the university's reputation and academic standing within the national higher education landscape. By overseeing institutional advancement and external relations, the President cultivates partnerships with donors, government agencies, and industry leaders to secure necessary funding and support. Priyanshu Jain also leads the executive team in addressing complex challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation in research and teaching. This leadership role involves representing the university in public forums and advocating for policies that benefit the academic community. Through the consistent promotion of institutional values, Jain fosters a culture of excellence and inclusivity across the campus. Ultimately, the President drives the university's mission forward, ensuring that the institution remains a vital contributor to knowledge creation, student development, and regional economic prosperity through its diverse academic programs.

Rachel Olds, the President at Kansas State University, manages the implementation of strategic initiatives focused on student engagement and campus culture. Olds directs programs that enhance the student experience, ensuring that the university provides a supportive and enriching environment for all learners. By overseeing student affairs and community outreach, the President strengthens the connection between the university and the broader public. Rachel Olds also collaborates with faculty and staff to promote initiatives that improve retention and graduation rates. This leadership role involves championing diversity and inclusion efforts that reflect the university's commitment to a welcoming campus climate. Through the evaluation of student feedback and performance metrics, Olds identifies areas for improvement in campus services and extracurricular offerings. Ultimately, the President shapes the university's identity as a student-centered institution, ensuring that every aspect of the campus experience contributes to the personal and professional growth of the student body.

Kalpit Patel, the President at Kansas State University, directs the university's research and innovation agenda. Patel architects frameworks that support faculty research, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration across all colleges. By overseeing the development of research facilities and grant acquisition strategies, the President expands the university's capacity for scientific discovery and creative inquiry. Kalpit Patel also coordinates with industry partners to translate research outcomes into practical solutions that address real-world problems. This leadership role involves fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity and academic rigor drive the creation of new knowledge. Through the strategic allocation of research resources, Patel ensures that the university remains competitive in securing external funding and attracting top-tier talent. Ultimately, the President elevates the university's profile as a research-intensive institution, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the economic development of the region through impactful research and innovation.

Thomas Bunton, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, directs the institution's digital infrastructure and technology strategy. Bunton architects secure, scalable network solutions that support both remote and on-campus learning environments. By overseeing the implementation of advanced software systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data while facilitating seamless communication across the university. Thomas Bunton also collaborates with academic and administrative leaders to integrate technology into the curriculum and operational workflows. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects that enhance the digital experience for students, faculty, and staff. Through the continuous assessment of emerging technologies, Bunton ensures the university remains at the forefront of digital innovation in higher education. Ultimately, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives the technological transformation necessary to support modern research, teaching, and administrative excellence across the entire campus ecosystem.

Bud Tillman, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems at Kansas State University, manages the core software platforms and enterprise-level data systems. Tillman directs the maintenance and optimization of critical administrative databases, ensuring high availability and data integrity for university operations. By overseeing the integration of enterprise resource planning tools, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems streamlines business processes and improves information accessibility for all departments. Bud Tillman also coordinates with IT leadership to implement system upgrades that support institutional growth and efficiency. This leadership role involves managing technical teams responsible for the stability of the university's digital backbone. Through the rigorous application of system architecture standards, Tillman ensures that enterprise platforms meet the evolving needs of the academic community. Ultimately, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems provides the reliable digital foundation required for effective university management and student support services.

William Everroad, the Chief of Staff To the Provost at Kansas State University, manages the strategic operations and communication flow within the Office of the Provost. Everroad directs the execution of academic initiatives and coordinates high-level projects that involve multiple university departments. By facilitating collaboration between the Provost and other executive leaders, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures alignment on institutional priorities and policy implementation. William Everroad also oversees the preparation of reports and briefings that inform academic decision-making processes. This leadership role involves managing the Provost's schedule and priorities to maximize the impact of academic leadership on the university's mission. Through the careful coordination of administrative tasks and strategic planning, Everroad enhances the efficiency of the academic leadership team. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Provost supports the successful delivery of educational programs by ensuring that the Provost's office operates with precision, clarity, and strategic focus.