Search begins for new president 

Work is now underway to find the next president of Pittsburg State University. 

President Dan Shipp announced his decision on Feb. 18 that he will leave at the end of May to become the next president of Maryville University in St. Louis.   

Seach committee chair 

Kansas Board of Regents Chair Carl Ice announced that Rick Webb will serve as chair of the search committee.  

Webb serves as the executive chair of Watco LLC, a global transportation and supply chain services company based in Pittsburg. He is a Pitt State graduate. 

“The Board is thankful to Rick Webb for agreeing to chair the search for the next President of Pittsburg State,” Ice said. “As an alumnus of the university, an experienced business leader, and engaged member of the Pittsburg community, Rick brings the skills and dedication needed to lead the committee’s work of identifying candidates.” 

Search committee members 

KBOR approved members of the search committee on Wednesday; the committee includes a mix of alumni, community members, faculty/staff, students, and business leaders. 

Faculty and Staff 

• Abigail Fern, executive director and associate vice president of marketing 

• Jason Reid, associate professor in the School of Technology and Workforce Learning 

• Anthony Crespino, associate athletic director for operations and special projects 

• Carol Meza-Bake, assistant professor in the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences 

• Susan Bon, provost and executive vice president 

• Michelle Hensley, executive assistant to the registrar 

• Molly Baumgardner, associate vice president for public affairs and engagement 

• Lisa Paterni, assistant instructional professor and executive in residence 

• Karen Johnson, associate professor in the School of Nursing 

Students 

• Kate Strader, elementary education 

• Hannah Eckstein, elementary biology, SGA president 
• Frida Herrera Escobedo, psychology 

Alumni/Community Leaders 

• Pat Crossland, Crossland Construction 

• Miles Schnaer, Crown Automotive 

• Paula Baker, Freeman Health System 

• Todd Ferguson, Girard Schools 

• Dick Coleman, Millers/Mpix 

• Riley Scott, Scott Consulting LLC 

• Thom Watts, 93.9 Radio 

• Leah Smith, Insurance 

• Blaise Bauer, Girard Schools (retired) 

• Shane Kannarr, Kannarr Eye Care 

• Bill Wachter, One Media, Inc. 

• Amanda Sukraw, Community National Bank 

• Steve Westfall, Tuthill Corporation 

Search process 

The national search process will be a closed process, meaning the identities of potential candidates are not disclosed. 

It will include opportunities for the campus and community to provide input on what priorities and qualities the next president should have. Those opportunities will be announced by KBOR soon, with the goal of finalizing the process so that a new president is in place for the 2025-2026 school year.