Office of the President

Accomplishments

Foundation of Success

After seven years of guidance, K-State President Kirk Schulz bid farewell to a spot he loved full well. In spring 2016, President Schulz announced that he was moving on to serve as president of Washington State University, where his leadership and enthusiasm are undoubtedly being put to good use.

President Schulz garnered a long list of accomplishments during his time at Kansas State University. He created the Division of Communications and Marketing, strategically bringing a number of the university's creative communication resources together under one roof. Additionally, he reorganized the university's human resources departments into Human Capital Services, making it easier for employees to access important information and training. At the university level, donor contributions increased significantly during President Schulz's tenure — from $81 million in 2009 to $211 in 2014.

Perhaps the greatest example of President Schulz's leadership was his involvement in and championing of the K-State 2025 initiative, a strategic plan driving K-State toward an ambitious goal to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025. He worked with university leaders, faculty, staff and students to lay out a detailed, step-by-step plan to ensure K-State's continuous success.

Whether we're marching toward K-State 2025 or winning a bowl game, we will be eternally grateful for his contributions to K-State. We wish President Schulz and his family the best in their future endeavors, and look forward to a bright future for Kansas State University.

An administration of accomplishments

During his seven years of leadership, President Kirk Schulz left a wide trail of accomplishments in his wake. From spearheading the efforts to bring the National Bio and Agro-defense facility to Manhattan, to donating his annual raise to an employee fund, President Schulz's focus was always on the university he served. While the list is extensive, here is a sampling of his many successes.

K-State 2025

In February 2010, Kansas State University launched President Schulz's ambitious vision to be recognized as a top 50 public research university by 2025. Building on the university's collective history as a land-grant institution, the president led a planning process that developed eight key metrics to measure progress, as well as seven theme areas and accompanying goals. K-Staters had a collective opportunity to craft their futures and ensure institutional success. Learn more about K-State 2025: A Visionary Plan.

Division of Communications and Marketing

President Schulz recognized a need for unified communication throughout the university. He established the Division of Communications and Marketing, bringing a majority of the university's communication services together under one roof. Today, teams from marketing, graphic design, photography, news, video and more can collaborate effortlessly, maintaining a seamless branding strategy throughout the university. Learn more about the Division of Communications and Marketing.

Human Capital Services

K-State's most viable pathway to success starts with its workforce — individuals who fill a vital role in the K-State family. In 2013, President Schulz and campus leaders arranged for a university-wide human capital services assessment, evaluating the needs of K-State's human resources programs. From these results, the university established the Division of Human Capital Services, comprised of:

  • Talent Acquisition
  • Benefits
  • Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness
  • Learning and Development
  • Employee Relations and Engagement
  • Labor Relations
  • Resource Center (HRIS and Payroll)
  • Office of Institutional Equity

Now that all human resource components are under the Human Capital Services umbrella, university resources, professional development and solutions are at the fingertips of every K-State employee. Learn more about Human Capital Services.

Fundraising milestones

Philanthropic giving has increased exponentially during President Schulz's tenure, and the proof is seen throughout campus. In 2015, fundraising topped $100 million for the fourth consecutive year. The $141.5 million raised in fiscal year 2015 is the third most in university history. Thanks to the efforts of the president, Foundation and numerous others on campus, new limestone buildings are dotting the landscape, and older facilities are receiving much-needed facelifts. Even in a time of economic uncertainty, the university has completed hundreds of millions of dollars in construction, thanks to increased fundraising efforts and private giving. Projects include:

  • College of Business Administration new building
  • College of Engineering new building
  • College of Architecture, Planning and Design expansion/renovation
  • Berney Family Welcome Center facility
  • Wefald Hall and Dining Center

Deferred maintenance

President Schulz has played an integral role in bringing key infrastructure improvements to life. Here are several notable accomplishments:

  • Lab renovations for Durland, Seaton and Burt halls
  • Veterinary Medicine chiller plant
  • Roof replacement of Anderson Hall and Ahearn Fieldhouse
  • HVAC systems replaced or updated across campus
  • Energy-saving updates in residence halls
  • Technology upgrades for classrooms throughout campus
  • Structural improvements to sidewalks, stairs, stone walls and more