President's Residence

The President's Residence has evolved beyond being simply a home for the chief executive and their family. With its limestone rock siding and white-trimmed windows, the Residence has served as a lasting symbol of pride for the campus community for nearly a century.

View the President's Residence on the campus map.

 

Building History

Since the early 1920s, the lives of both public and private presidents of Kansas State University have been intertwined at 100 Wilson Court. Constructed in 1923, this original three-story house, designed in the English country style and built from native limestone, was completed at a cost of $31,000. It stands as a testament to the vision of Mrs. Mehitable Calef Coppenhagen Wilson, whose bequest funded the construction of the residence. The house was dedicated to her late husband, Davies Wilson, who played a key role in the founding of Manhattan and was instrumental in establishing K-State in the city.

Designed by Cecil Baker, the former head of K-State's Department of Architecture, the house was intended to create a warm, familial atmosphere while blending seamlessly with other campus structures.

The inaugural residents of the house at 100 Wilson Court were William Jardine, K-State's seventh president, and his family. Since then, seven additional K-State presidents and their families have called it home, including Francis Farrell, Milton Eisenhower, James McCain, Duane Acker, Jon Wefald, Kirk Schulz, Richard Myers and Richard Linton. The interior of the residence has evolved over the years to accommodate the needs of its residents and reflect the preferences of each presidential family. Notable renovations include enhancements made by the Wefalds in 1998 and the Schulzes in 2016, which improved the house's functionality and aesthetics.

In 2019, the Myerses dedicated a second-floor bedroom to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, honoring his historical connection to the residence during his many visits to see his brother, Milton Eisenhower, who was the ninth president of K-State. In 2023, the Lintons opened up the dining room to the back porch, creating a larger space for hosting dinners and receptions.

Beyond serving as the president's residence, 100 Wilson Court has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities, and notable figures, including comedian Red Skelton, author Truman Capote, animal behaviorist Temple Grandin, and passionate K-State alumni. Throughout its history, the house has hosted graduation celebrations for K-State seniors and even served as a classroom. During President Acker's tenure, the residence temporarily accommodated students due to a shortage of on-campus housing.