Important K-State leadership updates
The K-State community thanks President Richard Linton for his service as he prepares
to conclude his time at the university. In October, Linton announced he will be serving
as president of his alma mater, Virginia Tech. He will finish the fall semester at
K-State and begin his new role Jan. 11, 2027.
“Serving as president of Kansas State University has been one of the greatest honors
and joys of my professional life,” Linton wrote in a letter to the K-State community. “From the beginning, I have been inspired by the people connected to this amazing
university. The exceptional students, dedicated faculty and staff, engaged alumni,
and communities within Kansas are unlike any others I have experienced.
“Although my professional responsibilities will take me elsewhere, my appreciation
for Kansas State University and the people of Kansas will endure for a lifetime. Thank
you for your trust, your partnership and the privilege of serving this remarkable
university.”
Linton plans to work closely with the Kansas Board of Regents and university leadership
to ensure a smooth leadership transition. An announcement from KBOR about interim
K-State leadership and a presidential search process has not yet been made.
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In other leadership updates, K-State announced that Thomas Lane, vice president for
academic success and student affairs and dean of students, has been named chief of
staff to the president. Lane, who has been serving as interim chief of staff since
July, will fully transition to his new role on Nov. 8.
The chief of staff serves as a key connector between the president and the broader
university and external communities by strengthening relationships with faculty, staff,
students, governing boards, community partners and public officials.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as vice president and dean of students and
to work alongside dedicated colleagues who care deeply about the success and well-being
of our students,” Lane said. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.
As I step into this new role as chief of staff to the president, I look forward to
building connections, supporting our university community and helping advance K-State.”
A search committee has been appointed to lead an expedited search for an interim vice
president and dean of students. The internal search will be open to current and qualified
K-State employees, and the committee will be chaired by Karen Goos, vice provost for
enrollment management. Lane will continue to serve as the vice president and dean
of students until an interim is named.