Kansas State University Executive and Leadership Team

Benjamin Wolfe, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, directs academic programming and institutional growth. Wolfe manages faculty development and curriculum expansion to ensure alignment with the university's mission of higher learning. By overseeing research initiatives and student success metrics, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean maintains high standards for educational outcomes. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to refine pedagogical approaches and enhance the overall student experience. Benjamin Wolfe drives strategic partnerships that expand the university's reach within the regional academic landscape. Through rigorous assessment of academic performance, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean secures the long-term viability of degree programs. Wolfe prioritizes the integration of modern technology into classroom environments to support diverse learning needs. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean fosters an environment where scholarly inquiry and professional development thrive, ensuring the institution remains a leader in higher education.

Alysia Starkey, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at Kansas State University, manages operational efficiency and administrative excellence across campus divisions. Starkey coordinates resource allocation to support faculty research and student support services. By implementing streamlined administrative processes, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean improves institutional agility and responsiveness to changing market demands. This leadership role requires constant engagement with stakeholders to align academic offerings with workforce requirements. Alysia Starkey drives initiatives that promote campus-wide inclusivity and academic rigor. Through the oversight of departmental budgets and personnel management, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean ensures fiscal responsibility while maintaining high-quality educational standards. Starkey facilitates cross-departmental communication to break down silos and encourage collaborative innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean strengthens the university's reputation by championing excellence in teaching and service, ensuring that every student receives a comprehensive and impactful educational experience.

Victoria Appelhans, the Chief Financial Officer at Kansas State University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary management. Appelhans oversees the allocation of university resources to support academic programs and infrastructure development. By monitoring financial performance and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to establish financial policies that align with the university's strategic goals. Victoria Appelhans drives revenue growth through careful oversight of grants, tuition models, and endowment management. Through the implementation of advanced financial reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer provides transparency and accountability across all departments. Appelhans manages complex financial operations to support the university's mission of higher learning. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial health of the institution, enabling continued investment in faculty, research, and student success initiatives across the entire campus community.

Patrick Splichal, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources at Kansas State University, manages financial operations specifically related to natural resources and agricultural research programs. Splichal oversees the funding and resource distribution for specialized research initiatives that drive innovation in the agricultural sector. By aligning financial strategies with the university's research objectives, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources ensures that critical projects receive necessary support. This leadership role involves managing complex grant portfolios and external partnerships to expand the university's impact in natural resource management. Patrick Splichal drives efficiency in operational spending to maximize the output of research facilities. Through the coordination of financial planning for specialized departments, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President & Director, Amp, Natural Resources supports the university's commitment to scientific advancement. Splichal maintains rigorous oversight of fiscal compliance, ensuring that all research activities adhere to institutional and regulatory standards.

Tyler Whetstone, the President at Kansas State University, directs the overall strategic vision and institutional advancement of the university. Whetstone oversees the implementation of long-term goals that enhance the university's reputation and academic standing. By engaging with alumni, donors, and government officials, the President secures the resources necessary to support research and student programs. This leadership role involves setting the tone for campus culture and ensuring that the university remains committed to its mission of higher learning. Tyler Whetstone drives initiatives that promote innovation in teaching and community engagement. Through the oversight of executive leadership, the President ensures that all departments work in harmony to achieve institutional objectives. Whetstone manages the university's public profile and advocates for policies that benefit the higher education sector. Ultimately, the President provides the leadership necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern academic landscape, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive and serve its students effectively.

Dustin Pendell, the President, Western Agricultural Economics Association (Waea) at Kansas State University, leads professional development and research collaboration within the field of agricultural economics. Pendell oversees the organization's efforts to promote scholarly inquiry and policy analysis related to agricultural markets and resource management. By facilitating conferences and academic publications, the President, Western Agricultural Economics Association (Waea) fosters a community of experts dedicated to solving complex economic challenges. This leadership role involves coordinating with other academic institutions to advance the discipline and influence public policy. Dustin Pendell drives initiatives that connect academic research with practical applications in the agricultural sector. Through the oversight of association activities, the President, Western Agricultural Economics Association (Waea) ensures that members have access to the latest research and professional networks. Pendell maintains a focus on excellence in economic analysis, supporting the university's broader mission of contributing to the advancement of knowledge in agricultural sciences.

William Everroad, the Chief of Staff To the Provost at Kansas State University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives for the academic leadership team. Everroad manages the flow of information between the Provost's office and various university departments to ensure operational alignment. By facilitating high-level meetings and tracking progress on key academic goals, the Chief of Staff To the Provost supports the effective execution of the university's mission. This leadership role involves drafting policy recommendations and managing special projects that impact faculty and student affairs. William Everroad drives organizational efficiency by streamlining administrative workflows and resolving complex operational challenges. Through the oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that the Provost's vision is implemented across all academic units. Everroad maintains strong relationships with campus leaders to foster a collaborative environment. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Provost enhances the effectiveness of academic leadership, ensuring that strategic priorities are met with precision and clarity.

Kenneth Stafford, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, provides strategic guidance on long-term technology infrastructure and digital transformation. Stafford advises on the evolution of campus-wide information systems to support modern pedagogical and research needs. By leveraging extensive experience in higher education technology, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer assists in the development of robust digital frameworks. This leadership role involves mentoring current IT staff and evaluating emerging technologies that could enhance the university's operational capabilities. Kenneth Stafford drives the adoption of secure and scalable systems that protect institutional data while facilitating academic collaboration. Through the provision of historical context and strategic foresight, the Emeritus Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments remain aligned with the university's core mission. Stafford supports the transition to advanced digital environments, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of technological innovation in higher education.

Thomas Bunton, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kansas State University, directs the implementation of campus-wide digital infrastructure and information security protocols. Bunton oversees the management of enterprise systems that support both administrative functions and academic research. By architecting scalable cloud solutions and network upgrades, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a reliable and secure digital environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to integrate technology into the classroom and research labs. Thomas Bunton drives the modernization of IT services to improve user experience for students and faculty. Through the oversight of cybersecurity initiatives, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data from evolving threats. Bunton manages the IT budget and personnel to ensure that technology resources are utilized effectively. Ultimately, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer enables digital transformation, supporting the university's commitment to academic excellence.

Bud Tillman, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems at Kansas State University, manages the deployment and maintenance of core enterprise software and data management systems. Tillman oversees the integration of administrative platforms that support student records, financial aid, and human resources. By optimizing these critical systems, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems ensures that university operations run smoothly and efficiently. This leadership role involves collaborating with IT teams to troubleshoot technical issues and implement system upgrades that enhance functionality. Bud Tillman drives the development of data-driven tools that assist administrators in making informed decisions. Through the oversight of enterprise architecture, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Systems maintains the integrity and accessibility of institutional data. Tillman ensures that all enterprise systems comply with security standards, providing a stable foundation for the university's daily operations and long-term strategic planning.