Meet the Chief Human Resources Officer

photo of Shanna Legleiter

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Shanna advances workforce and organizational strategies that support K-State's mission and vision as a next-generation land-grant university. Her work focuses on aligning people strategies with institutional priorities while fostering a culture of engagement, innovation and continuous improvement.

Since joining K-State in 2014, Legleiter has held progressively advancing leadership positions within Human Resources and was appointed chief human resources officer in 2023. She leads initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, enhance the employee experience and support the recruitment, development and retention of a talented workforce.

In collaboration with HR leaders across the division, stakeholders, and university leadership, Legleiter has helped advance several significant strategic initiatives, including a comprehensive compensation and classification review spanning faculty, staff and graduate employees, as well as initiate investments in leadership development and efforts to strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture. These initiatives support K-State’s commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional talent while positioning the university for long-term success.

Under her leadership, K-State has earned national recognition as an employer of choice. In 2026, Forbes named K-State a Dream Employer based on a national survey of students and employees. The university also earned recognition among Forbes' Best Employers in Kansas, ranking No. 3 overall and highest among colleges and universities in the state; America's Best Employers for Women, ranking No. 3 nationally; and America's Best Midsize Employers. These distinctions reflect K-State's commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive, contribute and grow.

Legleiter is a recognized leader within the higher education human resources profession and has served in leadership roles with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR).