Kennesaw State University Executive and Leadership Team

Lance Burchett, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, The Ksu Foundation at Kennesaw State University, directs all philanthropic initiatives and external relations. Burchett architects comprehensive fundraising strategies to support academic programs, research endeavors, and student scholarships. By cultivating relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, the Vice President secures the financial resources necessary for institutional growth. This leadership role involves managing the endowment portfolio and ensuring alignment with the long-term vision of the university. Overseeing the foundation operations, Lance Burchett drives the expansion of donor engagement programs across the region. Through these efforts, the Chief Executive Officer, The Ksu Foundation strengthens the university's capacity to deliver high-quality education and community-based service learning, ultimately enhancing the overall institutional reputation and financial stability within the competitive higher education landscape.

Ryan McLemore, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Kennesaw State University, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management for the entire institution. McLemore architects robust financial models that support the university's academic programs, research initiatives, and capital projects. By overseeing the allocation of resources, the Vice President ensures that the university maintains long-term financial health while investing in critical areas like health sciences and technology. This leadership role involves managing financial reporting, auditing, and compliance to ensure transparency and accountability. Ryan McLemore drives the optimization of fiscal processes to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on student services and experiential learning. Through the strategic management of the university's financial assets, McLemore supports the institution's mission to provide high-quality education and community-based service learning, ensuring that the university remains a leader in higher education.

Lisa Duke, the Chief of Staff To the President at Kennesaw State University, manages the executive office and facilitates the implementation of the president's strategic vision. Duke architects communication strategies and coordinates high-level initiatives that span the entire university, including the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. By overseeing the flow of information to the president and managing key stakeholder relationships, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities are met with precision. This leadership role involves preparing for board meetings, managing executive correspondence, and overseeing special projects that advance the university's mission. Lisa Duke drives organizational alignment by ensuring that all departments work toward the common goal of academic and research excellence. Through the effective management of the president's office, Duke supports the university's commitment to producing workforce-ready graduates and fostering community-based service learning across all campuses.

Joey Van Sickle, the President & Founder at Kennesaw State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Van Sickle architects the long-term goals that guide the university's growth, research focus, and community impact. By leading the executive team and engaging with the board, the President & Founder ensures that the university remains committed to its mission of academic excellence and societal well-being. This leadership role involves championing new initiatives, such as the expansion of clinical care programs and interdisciplinary research. Joey Van Sickle drives the university's reputation as a premier institution for health and human services, fostering an environment where students gain practical experience through internships and community projects. Through the consistent application of this leadership philosophy, Van Sickle ensures that the university continues to produce workforce-ready graduates who contribute significantly to the health and performance of the broader community.

Kyle Darden, the Chief of Staff at Kennesaw State University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates strategic communication across the university leadership team. Darden manages complex projects, optimizes administrative workflows, and ensures the efficient execution of presidential priorities. By bridging the gap between various academic departments and administrative units, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational alignment with the core mission of providing experiential learning and clinical projects. This role involves preparing briefing materials, managing high-level meetings, and overseeing special initiatives that impact the entire campus community. Kyle Darden drives operational excellence by streamlining decision-making processes and fostering collaboration among senior leaders. Through meticulous oversight of institutional goals, Darden supports the university's commitment to producing workforce-ready graduates in fields ranging from health sciences to human performance, ensuring that all administrative functions directly contribute to the broader success of the institution.

Alan Stevens, the Associate VP, Information Technology & Deputy Chief Information Officer at Kennesaw State University, manages the technical infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Stevens architects scalable digital solutions that facilitate interdisciplinary research and student learning outcomes. By overseeing the implementation of advanced software systems and network security protocols, the Associate VP ensures the reliability of the university's technological environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Chief Information Officer to align IT investments with the strategic goals of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. Alan Stevens drives the modernization of campus digital tools, enabling seamless access to clinical projects and internships for students. Through the optimization of data management and system integration, Stevens supports the university's mission to provide a robust, technology-driven educational experience that prepares graduates for success in modern clinical and professional environments.

Aaron Streimish, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kennesaw State University, directs the overarching digital strategy and information technology governance for the entire institution. Streimish architects secure, high-performance computing environments that empower faculty research and student academic success. By overseeing the deployment of enterprise-level software and cloud infrastructure, the Vice President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT budgets and coordinating with other C-suite executives to support the university's growth. Aaron Streimish drives the digital transformation of campus services, including those critical to the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. Through the strategic alignment of technology with institutional objectives, Streimish enhances the delivery of experiential learning and clinical training, ensuring that all digital assets effectively support the university's commitment to societal well-being and academic excellence.

Karen McDonnell, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Kennesaw State University, manages the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture for the entire university. McDonnell architects comprehensive human capital strategies that attract and retain top-tier faculty and staff dedicated to academic instruction and research. By overseeing compensation, benefits, and performance management systems, the Vice President ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the university's mission of providing high-quality education. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the campus community. Karen McDonnell drives initiatives that promote professional growth and operational efficiency across all departments, including the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. Through the implementation of effective HR policies, McDonnell supports the university's goal of producing workforce-ready graduates by maintaining a highly skilled and motivated team of educators and support professionals.

Jim Herbert, the Interim Chief Technology Officer at Kennesaw State University, oversees the immediate technical operations and maintenance of critical campus systems. Herbert architects solutions for emerging technical challenges, ensuring that the university's digital infrastructure remains stable and responsive to the needs of students and faculty. By managing the day-to-day performance of IT services, the Interim Chief Technology Officer supports the seamless delivery of academic programs and research projects. This leadership role involves troubleshooting complex system issues and coordinating with technical teams to maintain high availability for all campus digital resources. Jim Herbert drives the optimization of existing technology stacks to improve efficiency in clinical care and human performance studies. Through the diligent management of technical resources, Herbert ensures that the university's commitment to experiential learning is backed by reliable, high-functioning technology that facilitates student success and institutional productivity.

Tierra Thompson, the Chief of Staff To the Director of Athletics at Kennesaw State University, coordinates the administrative and strategic functions of the athletic department. Thompson architects operational plans that align athletic programs with the university's broader mission of student development and community engagement. By managing departmental communications, scheduling, and special projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that the athletic leadership team operates with maximum efficiency. This role involves facilitating collaboration between athletics and academic units to support student-athlete success in both sport and the classroom. Tierra Thompson drives the execution of departmental goals, including the promotion of health and physical education initiatives. Through the effective management of athletic operations, Thompson supports the university's commitment to societal well-being and excellence, ensuring that the athletic department contributes positively to the overall reputation and student experience at the institution.