Search follows the interim leadership of Kathrine Swanson, Ed.D. and builds on the
momentum of its 150-year legacy

As we begin this important search, we are looking for a leader who will build on Park University’s long-standing commitment to access, opportunity and student success.”

— Scott Jackman, chair of the Park University Board of Trustees

PARKVILLE, MO, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Park University’s Board of Trustees today announced the launch of a national search for the University’s next president. The search begins as Park builds on the momentum of a milestone 150th anniversary in 2025 and looks to identify a leader who will guide the University through its next era of growth and innovation in higher education.

“As we begin this important search, we are looking for a leader who will build on Park University’s long-standing commitment to access, opportunity and student success,” said Scott Jackman, chair of the Park University Board of Trustees. “Our Search Committee reflects the full breadth of the Park community, and we are committed to a thorough and inclusive process that identifies the next leader to guide our University forward.”

Park University has engaged WittKieffer, a nationally recognized executive search firm with extensive experience in higher education leadership searches, to assist the Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee in conducting the national search. The process will include engagement with students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and other members of the Park community to help identify the leadership qualities and priorities most important to the University’s future. The Search Committee will evaluate candidates and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for
selecting and appointing Park’s next president.

Kathrine Swanson, Ed.D., has served as Park’s president since April 2025 and will continue to lead the University throughout the next academic year.

“Park University’s mission and momentum remain strong, and it has been an honor to help guide our community during this transition,” said Swanson. “I’m confident this search will identify a leader who can build on the foundation we have in place and who sees the opportunities for success at Park for
generations to come.”

The Search Committee will begin its work this fall with community listening sessions, followed by candidate recruitment and vetting through the winter. The committee expects to present recommended candidates to the Board of Trustees in early 2027, with an announcement targeted for spring 2027. Updates and additional information about the search will be posted at www.park.edu/presidentialsearch.
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Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City, Park University is a nonprofit, private institution that is a national leader in higher education. Park University currently serves more than 4,900 students on 3 campuses nationwide and online, including Parkville, Mo.; Gilbert, Ariz.; and El Paso, Texas; and 5 military installations across the country. Park University’s mission is to offer access to a transformative education that equips learners to realize their individual purpose, navigate their professional journeys and thrive through purposeful work. www.park.edu
Melissa Ford Molloy
Vice President of Advancement, Marketing & Communications
melissa.molloy@park.edu / (816) 584-2135

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