Kansas Board of Regents Presidential Search

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) invites applications and nominations for its next President and CEO. Reporting directly to the Board, the President and CEO serves as the leading voice for public higher education in Kansas and provides strategic leadership for a system that serves more than 228,000 students and includes six public universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges, and one municipal university.

This is a premier leadership opportunity for a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered executive who can advance public higher education in Kansas.

The next President and CEO will bring integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to align diverse stakeholders around student success, workforce needs, and long-term system priorities.

System Profile

The Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state’s six public universities and the statewide coordinating board for Kansas’s 32 public higher education institutions. The colleges and universities in the Kansas public higher education system educate learners in urban and rural communities alike, support transfer and degree completion pathways, and help build the talent pipeline that drives Kansas’s long-term economic vitality.

In is governing and coordinating roles, KBOR helps shape policy, promote accountability, and align higher education with the needs of students, communities, employers, and the state. Its work extends beyond governance to advancing affordability, access, student success, and workforce readiness across Kansas. 

In addition, the Board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs. It also authorizes private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas.

KBOR is guided by a strategic plan, Building a Future, that is built on helping Kansas families, supporting Kansas businesses, and advancing prosperity across the state. For the next President and CEO, this is an opportunity to lead a broad, mission-driven system at the intersection of education, public policy, workforce development, and economic growth.

Learn More About KBOR

Candidates seeking additional context are encouraged to explore the following KBOR resources for more information about the Board, the public higher education system, and statewide strategic priorities:

• Kansas Board of Regents Home Page
• Building a Future (KBOR Strategic Plan)
• Building a Future Dashboard
• Public Institutions (Accessible List)
• Kansas Higher Education Data Books
• Kansas Higher Education Statistics

Leadership Opportunity

The Board seeks a strategic, credible, and inclusive leader with the experience to guide a complex statewide system and build trust across constituencies.

• Student-centered leadership and a strong understanding of access, success, and completion.
• Strategic enrollment and workforce alignment experience.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation, and revenue strategy.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Skill in working effectively with legislators, government agencies, and institutional leaders.
• Commitment to clear communication, sound judgment, and productive collaboration.

Role Overview

The President and CEO leads KBOR’s strategic agenda and advises the Board on policy, finance, academic affairs, and governance while strengthening outcomes and partnerships across the state.

As the primary spokesperson for KBOR, the President and CEO represents the system in communications with the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, institutional leaders, business and workforce partners, the media, and other public constituencies on matters affecting higher education in Kansas.

• Lead systemwide strategy, planning, and policy implementation.
• Oversee budget development, financial analysis, and resource planning.
• Strengthen alignment among higher education, K-12, and workforce partners.
• Use data to inform statewide goals, performance, and decision-making.
• Serve as KBOR’s chief spokesperson with government, institutional, business, and public audiences.
• Maintain strong working relationships with institutional presidents, chancellors, and governing boards.

Candidate Profile

• Significant executive leadership experience in higher education, public policy, or a comparably complex organization.
• Earned doctorate or terminal degree preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required state or federal security credential. 

For a complete position overview, please visit the AGB webpage for the KBOR Presidential search.

Application Process

How to Express Interest

For best consideration, applicants should submit the required materials by Thursday, June 25, 2026:

• A letter of interest addressing the expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications described above;
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae; and
• A list of five professional references with each person’s position, email address, and telephone number(s). References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

Application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal using this link: Kansas Board of Regents - President and CEO.

The search is being conducted as a Board-led closed search. Applications will remain confidential until the finalist is announced.

Please direct any nominations, expressions of interest, or questions regarding the application process to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to the AGB Search consultants assisting KBOR with this search:

 Please direct media inquiries to Matt Keith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..