Pittsburg State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pittsburg State University has 5 executives leading key functions including financial management, institutional strategy, academic leadership, marketing communications, and administrative operations.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Pittsburg State University delivers diverse degree programs across sciences, arts, and engineering to foster student success and regional economic growth.

Leadership Roles at Pittsburg State University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities - Douglas Ball
  • President - Jeremy Hildebrand
  • President - Thomas Newsom
  • Admin Assistant To the President - Joan Cleland
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Abigail Fern
  • Douglas Ball - Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities

    Douglas Ball, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities at Pittsburg State University, manages the entire fiscal health and physical infrastructure of the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations, capital projects, and campus facility maintenance, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities ensures alignment between financial resources and academic goals. This leadership role involves directing long-term investment strategies to support the university's diverse degree programs in chemistry, engineering, and mathematics. By optimizing operational expenditures, Douglas Ball directly impacts the sustainability of campus services. Furthermore, Ball coordinates with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while driving North American institutional growth. Through rigorous oversight of business operations, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities secures the necessary funding to advance the university's mission of providing high-quality educational services to students across the region.
    Douglas Ball

    Jeremy Hildebrand - President

    Jeremy Hildebrand, the President at Pittsburg State University, directs the overarching academic vision and institutional strategy for the university. Focusing on internal governance and faculty development, the President cultivates an environment conducive to research in fields like physics, sociology, and political science. This leadership role involves architecting partnerships with regional industries to enhance the practical application of degree programs. By aligning academic curricula with evolving market demands, Jeremy Hildebrand ensures the university remains a competitive force in higher education. Hildebrand also manages high-level stakeholder relations to bolster the institution's reputation. Through consistent focus on academic rigor and student outcomes, the President drives the university's mission forward. Ultimately, Hildebrand maintains the integrity of the educational services provided, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a cornerstone for intellectual and professional development within the broader academic community.

    Thomas Newsom - President

    Thomas Newsom, the President at Pittsburg State University, leads the external expansion and community engagement initiatives for the institution. Concentrating on public relations and donor development, the President secures resources to support programs in journalism, communication, and the arts. This leadership role involves executing strategic outreach to broaden the university's influence across the Midwest. By fostering relationships with alumni and corporate partners, Thomas Newsom strengthens the financial foundation necessary for campus innovation. Newsom also oversees the implementation of long-term growth plans that enhance the university's physical and digital presence. Through active participation in regional economic development, the President ensures the institution remains a vital contributor to the local landscape. Ultimately, Newsom drives the university's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education, ensuring that the institution's mission resonates with prospective students and community members alike through effective leadership and vision.
    Thomas Newsom

    Joan Cleland - Admin Assistant To the President

    Joan Cleland, the Admin Assistant To the President at Pittsburg State University, coordinates the daily operational flow and executive scheduling for the Office of the President. Managing complex calendars, meeting logistics, and internal communications, the Admin Assistant To the President ensures the executive team remains focused on strategic priorities. This leadership role involves facilitating interactions between the President and various university departments, including engineering, psychology, and arts. By streamlining administrative processes, Joan Cleland enhances the efficiency of the university's leadership functions. Cleland also prepares essential documentation for board meetings and institutional reviews. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Admin Assistant To the President supports the seamless execution of university-wide initiatives. Ultimately, Cleland provides the necessary organizational support to ensure that the President can effectively drive the institution's mission and maintain operational excellence across all academic and administrative sectors.

    Abigail Fern - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Abigail Fern, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Pittsburg State University, directs all branding, recruitment marketing, and institutional messaging efforts. Overseeing digital campaigns and media relations, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures the university's diverse academic offerings in economics, criminal justice, and language reach target student demographics. This leadership role involves architecting communication strategies that highlight the institution's historical legacy and modern educational impact. By managing the university's public image, Abigail Fern directly influences enrollment growth and community perception. Fern also collaborates with academic departments to showcase student achievements and faculty research. Through data-driven marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer expands the university's reach across national markets. Ultimately, Fern secures the institution's position as a premier choice for higher education by maintaining a consistent and compelling narrative that reflects the university's core mission and values.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pittsburg State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pittsburg State University?
    Pittsburg State University is led by Douglas Ball (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities), along with executives such as Jeremy Hildebrand (President) and Thomas Newsom (President).
    Who is part of Pittsburg State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pittsburg State University includes leaders such as Douglas Ball (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities), Jeremy Hildebrand (President), Thomas Newsom (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pittsburg State University have?
    Pittsburg State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pittsburg State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pittsburg State University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Business, Finance & Facilities, President, President, Admin Assistant To the President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.