Wichita State University Executive and Leadership Team

Lonnell Kinchion, the Chief Executive Officer at Wichita State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public research institution. Kinchion architects long-term academic goals while aligning university resources with the evolving needs of the student body. By managing complex institutional partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that research initiatives remain competitive within the broader higher education landscape. Kinchion oversees the integration of advanced degree programs, ensuring that the university maintains high standards of scholarly output. Through rigorous oversight of administrative frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency across all departments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure financial sustainability and academic prestige. Ultimately, Lonnell Kinchion secures the future of the institution by fostering an environment of continuous improvement and academic rigor, ensuring that the university remains a cornerstone of research and development within the region.

Telly McGaha, the President & Chief Executive Officer & WSU Foundation Executive ( Team Guest Member) at Wichita State University, manages the critical intersection between institutional fundraising and academic mission. McGaha drives philanthropic engagement to support research infrastructure and student scholarship programs. By coordinating with the foundation, the President & Chief Executive Officer & WSU Foundation Executive ( Team Guest Member) secures the capital necessary for campus expansion and technological upgrades. This role involves cultivating relationships with donors to ensure the long-term viability of university projects. Telly McGaha executes complex financial strategies that bolster the endowment, providing a stable foundation for future academic endeavors. Through active participation in institutional governance, the President & Chief Executive Officer & WSU Foundation Executive ( Team Guest Member) aligns donor interests with the core research objectives of the university. This leadership ensures that the institution maintains its competitive edge in the higher education market.

Rick Kampschroeder, the Chief Operating Officer at Wichita State University, oversees the physical and logistical operations of the campus. Kampschroeder directs facility management, campus safety, and auxiliary services to ensure a productive environment for research and learning. By optimizing the use of university assets, the Chief Operating Officer drives cost-efficiency and operational excellence. This role involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects that support the university's growth and modernization efforts. Rick Kampschroeder executes strategic plans to improve campus sustainability and resource allocation. Through collaboration with other executive leaders, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that physical operations align with the academic mission of the institution. This leadership role focuses on maintaining a safe, functional, and modern campus environment that attracts students and faculty alike, ultimately supporting the university's reputation as a premier public research institution through disciplined operational management.

Nathan Carr, the President of the WSU Chapter at Wichita State University, directs the activities and advocacy efforts of the local organizational chapter. Carr architects initiatives that promote professional development and networking opportunities for members within the university community. By representing the chapter in institutional discussions, the President of the WSU Chapter ensures that member interests remain central to university policy decisions. This role involves organizing events and programs that foster collaboration among faculty and staff. Nathan Carr executes strategic outreach plans to increase chapter membership and engagement. Through active participation in university governance, the President of the WSU Chapter supports the broader mission of the institution by providing a platform for professional growth and collective action. This leadership role requires strong communication skills and a commitment to advancing the interests of the chapter while contributing to the overall success of the university.

Jacob Mendez, the President, Staff Senate at Wichita State University, directs the representative body for the university's staff members. Mendez architects communication channels between the staff and the executive leadership team to ensure that employee concerns receive proper consideration. By overseeing senate meetings and committee work, the President, Staff Senate drives initiatives that improve workplace conditions and institutional culture. This role involves advocating for staff development and recognition programs that align with the university's values. Jacob Mendez executes strategic plans to increase staff participation in university governance. Through collaboration with other campus leaders, the President, Staff Senate ensures that the staff perspective remains integrated into the decision-making process. This leadership role is vital for maintaining a cohesive and motivated workforce, ultimately supporting the university's ability to achieve its research and educational objectives through a unified and engaged staff community.

Michael Goldberg, the Co-Founder & President at Wichita State University, directs the entrepreneurial and innovation-focused initiatives that define the university's modern research approach. Goldberg architects programs that bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application, fostering a culture of innovation across the campus. By overseeing partnerships with industry leaders, the Co-Founder & President drives economic development and technology transfer. This role involves mentoring students and faculty in startup development and business strategy. Michael Goldberg executes initiatives that position the university as a hub for regional innovation and economic growth. Through collaboration with the executive team, the Co-Founder & President ensures that entrepreneurial efforts align with the university's core mission of public service and research excellence. This leadership role is critical for expanding the university's impact beyond the classroom, creating tangible value for the community and the broader economy.

Kenneth Harmon, the Chief Information Officer at Wichita State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all research and academic activities. Harmon directs the implementation of secure, scalable cloud systems that facilitate data-driven decision-making across the campus. By overseeing the cybersecurity posture, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive research data and student information from emerging threats. This role involves modernizing legacy systems to improve administrative efficiency and user experience for faculty and students. Kenneth Harmon executes strategic technology roadmaps that integrate advanced computing resources into the classroom environment. Through collaboration with academic departments, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital tools align with the university's research goals. This leadership role supports the institution's commitment to technological innovation, ensuring that all digital assets remain robust and accessible to the entire university community while maintaining high standards of operational reliability.

Austin Nordyke, the Chief of Staff at Wichita State University, manages the daily operational flow of the executive office. Nordyke directs internal communications and coordinates high-level projects that span multiple academic departments. By facilitating communication between the leadership team and the broader university community, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper attention and resources. This role involves managing complex schedules and prioritizing institutional objectives to maximize administrative productivity. Austin Nordyke executes policy implementation across the campus, ensuring that all departments adhere to the university's mission and regulatory requirements. Through careful oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the executive team in achieving long-term growth targets. This leadership role requires constant attention to detail and a deep understanding of the university's organizational structure, ensuring that all executive functions operate with precision and alignment.

Ryan Hillard, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at Wichita State University, directs the administrative and operational functions of the athletic program. Hillard manages team logistics, travel coordination, and budget oversight to ensure the program operates at a high level of efficiency. By coordinating with the coaching staff and university administration, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball ensures that athletic activities align with institutional values and compliance standards. This role involves managing external relationships and supporting the recruitment process to maintain a competitive team. Ryan Hillard executes strategic initiatives that enhance the visibility and success of the basketball program. Through careful management of resources, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball supports the overall mission of the university by fostering a culture of excellence and discipline within the athletic department, contributing to the broader institutional brand and community engagement.

Vicki Whisenhant, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wichita State University, directs the talent management and organizational development strategies for the entire workforce. Whisenhant architects recruitment, retention, and professional development programs that attract top-tier faculty and staff. By overseeing compensation and benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university remains a competitive employer in the higher education sector. This role involves managing labor relations and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports the university's research and teaching mission. Vicki Whisenhant executes policies that promote employee engagement and performance excellence. Through collaboration with department heads, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital strategies with the long-term goals of the institution. This leadership role is essential for maintaining a high-performing workforce capable of delivering on the university's commitment to academic excellence and public service.