October 12, 2016
Director of corporate engagement accepts new position in Kansas City
Richard Potter, K-State's director of corporate engagement, will resign from his position effective Nov. 30 to become the director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation in Kansas City.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is the nation's oldest major veterans' organization. In his new role, Potter will be responsible for providing overall leadership to achieve the VFW Foundation's philanthropic fundraising goals and objectives in support of the VFW.
Following a national search in 2012, Potter was selected to establish K-State's Office of Corporate Engagement as a central point of contact for corporations interested in partnering with K-State, and for K-State faculty and staff interested in working with industry. During his tenure at K-State, Potter has played a leadership role in the creation of the K-State Bulk Solids Innovation Center, the Working With Industry Boot Camp and workshop series and the K-State Research Showcase.
As K-State's representative to the board of directors for BioKansas, and through his involvement with the University Industry Demonstration Partnership and the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers, Potter has helped to position K-State as a model for corporate engagement with industry, corporate partners, government funding agencies and peer institutions.
"I have truly enjoyed the challenge of establishing K-State's Office of Corporate Engagement," Potter said. "The achievements to date were made possible thanks to the collaborative involvement of a committed team of K-State faculty and staff."
"Richard has had a significant impact on how we think about and create new corporate engagement and industry relationships," said Peter Dorhout, vice president for research. "The VFW Foundation is lucky to have his talents, and this is a great new leadership opportunity for Richard. We appreciate all that he has done for us at K-State and wish him the very best on this new adventure."
The Office of the Vice President for Research is refreshing its strategic plan and reviewing how to best position the office for success.