Thomas Lane named interim chief of staff

Following an internal search, Thomas Lane, vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students, has been appointed interim chief of staff to President Richard Linton, effective Monday, July 6.

Reporting directly to the president, the chief of staff serves as a senior advisor and essential partner responsible for advancing institutional priorities, enhancing organizational alignment and ensuring the effective execution of presidential initiatives. In this role, Lane will serve as a key connector between the president and the broader university and external community. He will also provide counsel on complex issues, anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities and lead special projects and institutional initiatives on behalf of the president.

He will continue to serve in his vice president role within the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, or DASSA.

Lane became vice president for student life and dean of students at K-State in July 2019. He became vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students in July 2023. Lane provides executive-level leadership and strategic direction for all units within DASSA that support students’ academic success, well-being and life beyond the classroom. He works closely with campus and community partners to ensure students feel supported, connected and prepared for their future, and he provides leadership in responding to student concerns and critical situations.

Lane will serve as interim until the permanent search, led by WittKieffer, concludes. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Sandra Chu at schu@wittkieffer.com and Kim Migoya at kmigoya@wittkieffer.com. Read the full position description.

— Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing