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Park University’s Board of Trustees is conducting a comprehensive national search for the University’s next president.

A Presidential Search Committee representing the Park University community is guiding the process in partnership with WittKieffer, a nationally recognized executive search firm with extensive experience in higher education leadership searches.

The search is informed by input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and other members of the Park community, helping identify the leadership qualities and priorities most important to the University’s future.

Updates and information about the search will be shared on this website as the process progresses.

Search Details

Park University has engaged WittKieffer to assist the Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee in conducting a national search for the University’s next president.

The search process includes engagement with the Park University community to help inform the leadership profile and priorities for the University’s next president. The Search Committee will evaluate candidates and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for selecting and appointing the president.

Nominations and Inquiries

Members of the Park University community and the public are invited to nominate qualified candidates or submit questions regarding the search.

Nominations and inquiries may be directed to ParkPresident@wittkieffer.com.

Search Timeline

• Fall 2026 — Search Committee Meeting and Community Listening Sessions
• Late Fall / Early Winter 2026 — Candidate Recruitment
• Winter 2026 — Candidate Vetting and Interviews
• Winter 2026 — Search Committee Presentation to Board of Trustees
• Winter 2027 — Board of Trustees Interviews and Due Diligence
• Spring 2027 — Announcement

Search Committee

The Park University Presidential Search Committee has been intentionally designed to ensure a broad array of voices is reflected in the search process. The committee includes members of the University’s Board of Trustees, Park faculty and staff, and leaders in the Parkville (Mo.) community.

• Mr. Scott Jackman, Board of Trustees Chair (Search Chair)
• Dr. Andrea Hendricks, Board of Trustees Member
• Ms. Merideth Rose, Board of Trustees Member
• Dr. Patricia Ryberg, Faculty Senate President
• Dr. Matt Harris, Faculty Federation President
• Dr. Abdelmonaem Jornaz, Associate Professor of Computer Analytics
• Dr. Cassie Lamp, Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Dr. Robert Gillis, Assistant Teaching Professor of Business
• Dr. Monica Brannon, Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Success
• Ms. Josey Jenkins, Enrollment Services Director for F.E. Warren AFB
• Mx. Catherine Geehan, Associate Director of International Education
• Dr. Mike Kimbrel, Superintendent of Park Hill School District
• Mr. Ed Linnebur, Executive Director of Parkville Economic Development Council
• Ms. Darla Easley, VP of Quality and Care Optimization at NKC Health
• Dr. Jayme Uden, Chief Human Resources Officer (Ex officio)

September 15, 2026 — Park University Board of Trustees Launches National Search for University’s Next President

Park University – Transforming Futures