Thursday morning at Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union, the nine-member Kansas Board of Regents voted unanimously to appoint Richard Linton as the 15th president of Kansas State.
“I move that the board appoint Richard Linton as the 15th president of Kansas State University,” Regent and search-committee chair Carl Ice said. “My motion includes authorizing the board, chair and president to negotiate the compensation package and authorizing the Chair to sign the letter of appointment.”
Linton will succeed President Richard B. Myers, who began his tenure in 2016. Myers announced his retirement for the end of the calendar year in May 2021.
“The tenure of President Myers has been marked with many successes for students, faculty and staff, the residents of Manhattan and the state of Kansas,” Regent Cheryl Harrison-Lee said. “President Myers, the regents are grateful for your service to Kansas State University. Thank you for your commitment to higher education and for all the work you’ve done.”
Richard Linton is dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. He is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and previously served as faculty at Purdue University and The Ohio State University.
Linton opened his address with a light-hearted comment after receiving applause from the audience.
“Well, I haven’t done anything yet, and you’re already clapping,” Linton said. “That makes me feel very good, makes me feel very welcomed,” Linton said. “Good morning, Wildcat family. I must say that I am overwhelmed with emotions today. I am thankful, I am honored and I am excited to take on this incredible new opportunity as president at Kansas State University.”
Donning a purple tie and revealing a new pair of purple socks, Linton said he and his family would begin the process of moving to Manhattan over the next few months. He said he looks forward to meeting the K-State community and is projected to start his new position in mid-February.
“I’m very much looking forward to being a committed part of the Wildcat family,” Linton said.
Linton ended his address by holding up the “WC” hand gesture and saying, “Go ‘Cats!”
