Wichita State University Executive and Leadership Team

Lonnell Kinchion, the Chief Executive Officer at Wichita State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the public research institution. Kinchion manages high-level institutional partnerships and aligns academic goals with long-term financial sustainability. By overseeing the integration of research initiatives with community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education landscape. Kinchion coordinates with the Board of Regents to implement policies that enhance student outcomes and faculty development. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while promoting the university's mission across the Midwest. Through rigorous oversight of institutional resources, Lonnell Kinchion drives operational efficiency and academic excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the institution by fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all research and educational endeavors.

Rick Kampschroeder, the Chief Operating Officer at Wichita State University, manages the daily administrative and physical operations of the campus. Kampschroeder oversees facilities maintenance, campus safety, and auxiliary services that support the student body. By directing the allocation of physical resources, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university's infrastructure aligns with the needs of a public research institution. Kampschroeder coordinates with various departments to optimize operational workflows and reduce overhead costs. This leadership role involves managing large-scale capital projects and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Through the efficient management of campus assets, Rick Kampschroeder drives institutional stability and enhances the quality of the campus environment. Ultimately, Kampschroeder supports the university's mission by maintaining a safe, functional, and sustainable physical space that facilitates academic discovery and student engagement across the entire Wichita campus.

Jacob Mendez, the President, Staff Senate at Wichita State University, represents the interests of the university's professional staff to the executive leadership team. Mendez oversees the senate's legislative processes and advocates for policies that improve the working environment for all employees. By directing the activities of the staff senate, the President, Staff Senate ensures that staff perspectives inform institutional decision-making. Mendez coordinates with human resources and administration to address concerns regarding compensation, professional development, and workplace culture. This leadership role involves facilitating open dialogue between staff members and the university's governing bodies. Through the promotion of shared governance, Jacob Mendez drives institutional unity and employee morale. Ultimately, Mendez supports the university's mission by ensuring that the staff remains empowered and engaged, which is essential for maintaining the high standards of service and support required by a public research university.

Mikel Miller, the President at Wichita State University, provides the primary leadership for the university's academic and research initiatives. Miller oversees the development of degree programs and the expansion of the university's research capabilities. By directing the institution's long-term academic strategy, the President ensures that the university meets the evolving needs of students and the regional economy. Miller collaborates with the faculty senate and external partners to enhance the university's standing in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves managing the university's endowment and securing funding for new academic facilities. Through the promotion of academic rigor and innovation, Mikel Miller drives the university's growth and reputation. Ultimately, Miller supports the institution's mission by fostering an environment where students and faculty can excel in their respective fields of study and contribute to the broader community.

Bryson Murphy, the President of 3D Printed Prosthetics at Wichita State University, leads the specialized research and development unit focused on advanced medical technology. Murphy oversees the design, testing, and production of innovative prosthetic devices. By directing the collaboration between engineering students and medical professionals, the President of 3D Printed Prosthetics ensures that the university remains at the forefront of biomedical innovation. Murphy manages the unit's research grants and partnerships with healthcare providers to bring new solutions to patients. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of 3D printing technology into clinical applications. Through the advancement of affordable prosthetic solutions, Bryson Murphy drives the university's impact on public health and medical research. Ultimately, Murphy supports the university's mission by translating academic research into tangible products that improve the quality of life for individuals in need.

John Bardo, the President at Wichita State University, guides the university's overall mission and strategic direction as a public research institution. Bardo oversees the implementation of academic policies and the expansion of the university's footprint in the regional economy. By directing the institution's engagement with industry partners, the President ensures that the university's research output translates into practical applications. Bardo coordinates with the Board of Regents to align the university's goals with state-wide educational priorities. This leadership role involves managing the university's reputation and fostering a culture of excellence among faculty and students. Through the strategic allocation of resources, John Bardo drives the university's growth and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, Bardo supports the institution's mission by ensuring that the university remains a vital hub for learning, research, and community development in the state of Kansas.

Ken Harmon, the Chief Information Officer at Wichita State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern research and academic delivery. Harmon manages the university's cybersecurity posture, data integrity, and enterprise software systems. By overseeing the deployment of advanced cloud computing solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all campus departments. Harmon collaborates with academic leaders to integrate technology into the classroom, enhancing the overall learning experience. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to support the university's growing research portfolio. Through the implementation of robust IT governance, Ken Harmon drives digital transformation and operational agility. Ultimately, Harmon protects the university's intellectual property and sensitive data while providing the technological foundation necessary for achieving the institution's long-term academic and research objectives in an increasingly digital global environment.

Austin Nordyke, the Chief of Staff at Wichita State University, facilitates communication between the executive office and the broader university community. Nordyke manages the flow of information to the leadership team, ensuring that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention. By overseeing the coordination of high-level meetings and institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment across diverse academic and administrative units. Nordyke acts as a primary liaison for external stakeholders, maintaining relationships that support the university's public research mission. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data to inform executive decision-making processes. Through the effective management of administrative workflows, Austin Nordyke drives organizational cohesion and operational transparency. Ultimately, Nordyke supports the university's leadership by streamlining internal processes and ensuring that all departments remain focused on the core objectives of academic excellence and community impact.

Ryan Hillard, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at Wichita State University, manages the operational and administrative requirements of the athletic program. Hillard oversees team logistics, travel coordination, and compliance with athletic department policies. By directing the daily activities of the coaching staff and support personnel, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball ensures that the program operates efficiently within the university's broader athletic framework. Hillard coordinates with university administration to align athletic goals with institutional values and student-athlete development. This leadership role involves managing budgets and fostering relationships with donors and alumni to support the program's success. Through the meticulous organization of team operations, Ryan Hillard drives competitive performance and maintains the integrity of the athletic department. Ultimately, Hillard supports the university's reputation by ensuring that the men's basketball program remains a pillar of excellence and community pride.

Vicki Whisenhant, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wichita State University, directs the talent management and workforce development strategies for the institution. Whisenhant oversees recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations for faculty and staff. By implementing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts and retains top-tier academic talent. Whisenhant collaborates with department heads to align staffing levels with the university's research and teaching requirements. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and fostering a positive organizational culture. Through the development of comprehensive training programs, Vicki Whisenhant drives employee engagement and professional growth. Ultimately, Whisenhant supports the university's mission by building a high-performing workforce capable of delivering exceptional educational experiences and advancing the institution's reputation as a premier public research university in the region.