Regents applaud their choice during Tuesday meeting
MANHATTAN – On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Board of Regents announced the appointment of Richard B. Myers as the 14th President of Kansas State University, according to a media release.
“It is with great pleasure that we are here today to make this announcement,” stated Zoe Newton, Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. “General Myers is perfectly positioned to bring K-State into the future, but understands as an alumnus the importance of honoring the traditions and history of this great university.”
U.S. Air Force General Richard B. Myers (Ret.) served as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2001 to 2005. As the nation’s highest ranking military officer, Myers served as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, Myers served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Myers has commanded at all levels and served in significant staff positions throughout the Air Force. His largest commands included U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan; Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.
Congratulations to the new @KState President and my good friend General Richard Myers. K-State is proud to have you. pic.twitter.com/kovMbmdZ2z
— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) November 15, 2016
“The decision was a hard choice because of the quality of candidates that applied,” stated Regent Dennis Mullin, Chair of the K-State Presidential Search Committee. “General Myers surfaced to the top because of his strong leadership and vision. When the Board looked at the needs of K-State today, they believed that his skill set was aligned closely to those goals. His effectiveness as Interim President and his love for K-State were also great attributes. I have really enjoyed this process and feel like it has allowed us to hire the best person as the 14th President of Kansas State University.”
“I was surprised at the large number of applicants and how qualified they were,” shared Professor Fred Guzek, faculty representative on the Kansas State University Presidential Search Committee, “and as the 2015-2016 Faculty Senate President, I was pleased to be included in the search process.”
Born and raised in Merriam, Kansas, Gen. Myers is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1965); Auburn University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (1977); Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base (1977); U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks (1981); and John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he completed a program for Senior Executives in National and International Security (1991).
“There were three things that went through my mind when I thought I might apply for the permanent position,” Myers said. “The first one is my love for the state of Kansas where I’ve never lived since I graduated from Kansas State University in 1965. I’ve pretty much been out of the state; air force things and then later on living in Virginia. So the opportunity to come back to a state I love and that has helped shaped me was important.”
Gen. Myers joined the Air Force in 1965 through the ROTC program at Kansas State University, after which he entered pilot training at Vance Air Force Base. A command pilot, he has more than 4,100 flying hours, primarily in the F-4, F-15 and F-16, including 600 combat hours in the F-4. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 9, 2005.
Aware of the financial issues facing schools at all levels across the state, Gen. Myers made one of his goals clear on day one.
“We’re on the right path, but I’m sure there are people that did not decide to come to Kansas State University or any university in this state because the financials wouldn’t support it,” said Myers. “We’ve got to find ways to help with that because if we ever lose sight of our mission then we’ve failed.”
General Myers has served as the Interim President at Kansas State University since April 2016, but he says the honeymoon is officially over.
“We’re humbled, Mary Jo and I, to be the 14th president and proud to be serving Kansas State University.”