History and overview

Pittsburg State University was founded in 1903 as the Kansas State Manual Training Normal School, originally a branch of the State Normal School of Emporia (now Emporia State University). With one building and 54 students, this new school would prepare teachers in curriculum areas vital to success and prosperity in the hands-on industrial age. In 1913, we became a full-fledged four-year institution as the Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, or Pittsburg State for short. Over the next four decades, our mission was broadened beyond teacher training. To reflect this, in 1959, our name was changed again to Kansas State College of Pittsburg. We became Pittsburg State University on April 21, 1977.

More than a century later, that mission remains at the core of Pittsburg State University. By providing interactive, engaging courses throughout four distinct colleges, Pitt State transforms the lives of our students, our community, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. Located in the innovative, self-made city of Pittsburg, Kansas, our campus features the region’s premier facilities for hands-on technology and business education, athletics, and the arts. And we’re proud to be the only university in the nation with the Gorilla as our mascot.

A lot has changed since 1903. Location, name, logos, enrollment, etc. Change is inevitable. Change is valuable. But through it all, our belief in the power of education remains as strong and steadfast as the day we opened our doors to 54 people ready to change the world and themselves.

The main campus of Pittsburg State University is, in many ways, a community in and of itself. Along with our gorgeous historic academic buildings, our campus also boasts some of the nation’s premier facilities for athletics, recreation, fitness, and the arts. Overman Student Center also provides a variety of dining and shopping options for students and the community. 

Campus and community facts

Home to nearly 6,000 students, Pitt State provides all the benefits of a major college but with small class sizes and personalized experiences. The university offers more than 200 academic programs and emphasis areas across four colleges, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, EdS degrees, and a doctoral degree in nursing. Our students enjoy an average class size of just 18 students and benefit from world-class faculty. More than 65,000 alumni proudly declare, "Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla.”

Pitt State employs well over one thousand part-time and full-time faculty and staff, students, graduate assistants, and researchers.

Designated as a micropolitan area, Pittsburg is the largest community in Southeast Kansas with more than 20,000 residents in the city and 40,000 in Crawford County. Pittsburg is located less than thirty miles from the Joplin, Missouri, metropolitan statistical area with a population of over 200,000. Pitt State is located in southeastern Kansas; Kansas City is located 120 miles North; Tulsa, Oklahoma is 125 miles southwest; Wichita is 160 miles west; and Springfield, Missouri is 95 miles east. 

Pittsburg State University offers a rich college experience with a broad selection of academic and social amenities.

• A beautiful 223-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art buildings that bring the real world to students
• Nearly 150 student organizations provide opportunities for engagement, community, and leadership
• Student Success and Life - Six-year student success rate (55%), Members of a student organization (17%)
• Current Enrollment Data - Total enrollment (5,774 students), Undergraduate (4,491 students), Graduate (1,283 students), (Pell Grant (28%), Underrepresented Students (30%), Student Athletes (435).
• Class of 2028 - First time in college (897 students), Kansas residents (62%), Average ACT (21), Average high school GPA (3.5). 

The mission of the Crossland College of Technology

The mission of the Crossland College of Technology is to be the center for excellence in technology for the state of Kansas. The college assumes this leadership role through programs in three schools: the School of Construction, the School of Automotive & Engineering Technology, and the School of Technology & Workforce Learning. The College meets its regional and national responsibility by giving particular attention to supporting economic development. 

Academic majors in the three schools lead to technical certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees with majors in construction management and engineering, automotive technology, engineering technology, graphics and imaging technologies, technology management, and technology studies. Graduate programs include Master of Engineering Technology and Master of Science degrees with majors in human resource development, technical teacher education, technology, technology education. A Specialist in Education degree with a major in Industrial Education is also offered.

To accomplish its mission, the college recognizes the following five areas of responsibility:

• The college supports excellence in education through its degree and certificate programs, and through its leadership in industrial technical training for the state of Kansas and the nation.
• The college promotes scholarship and creativity in the application of advanced technology by providing a resource for applied research and consultation to support industry.
• The college maintains strong industrial relationships through cooperative education, student placement, resource generation, and curricular review and development.
• The college meets its mandate to provide statewide leadership in technical teacher education.
• The college provides an educational environment which utilizes experiential and academic processes to prepare students for technical and professional careers and in their professional lives.

The Crossland College of Technology fulfills the university's commitment to assist American industry in the era of high technology growth by providing qualified graduates in the entire technological spectrum from the technician to the professional manager and applied designer/researcher. The college fulfills its teacher education mission by providing highly competitive teachers of technology for public schools from middle school through the university, for technical and vocational schools and institutions and for industrial trainers-teachers in industry world wide.

The close industrial ties lead to outstanding opportunities for co-op work while students are enrolled and an exceptional placement record for graduates.

President Dr. Dan Shipp

Dan began his job as the 10th President of Pittsburg State University on June 6, 2022.

He came to Pitt State after having served as the vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and associate to the chancellor at University of Nebraska Medical Center, a public medical school in Omaha that is at the forefront of 21st Century health sciences education, innovative research, and patient care.

Considered to be a nationally recognized leader and innovator in higher education, Dan has designed educational and support programs, services, facilities, provided planning and project leadership at multiple universities, led initiatives to grow enrollment, and removed barriers for underserved students.

He earned a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of the Pacific in California, a master of arts in education from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

He also is a graduate of Stanford’s design thinking executive education program. His academic areas of interest and study include leadership, social and emotional competency development, design thinking, collaboration, and resiliency.

Dan and his wife, Vanessa, are parents to three sons: Oliver, Finnegan, and Samuel.

Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Susan Bon

Susan came to Pittsburg State University in July 2024 to lead the institution's academic enterprise and research initiatives. In her role, she is responsible for the administration, strategic planning, development, and review processes for the university's academic programs and educational mission.

Susan is a professor, scholar, and national leader who has been focused on law and policy, disability law, civic engagement, workplace civility, and ethical leadership during her 25 years in academics.

As an academic leader, Bon has served in leadership roles across the University of South Carolina, including the President's Office, Provost's Office, Student Affairs, and most recently as an interim associate dean in the College of Education. Prior to her university faculty service, she worked at the Ohio Department of Education. She earned her law degree and a doctorate in education policy and leadership from The Ohio State University.

The position

Pittsburg State University is seeking a future oriented and industry engaged leader to be the next Dean of the Crossland College of Technology. The college offers unique high quality experience-forward academic programs anchored by strong industry partnerships, local and regional economic development, international reach, diverse program delivery methods, and the next Dean will embrace and build upon these strengths. 

The Dean of the Crossland College of Technology reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as an essential member of the Provost’s leadership team. The Dean is responsible for providing visionary leadership, fostering collaboration, ensuring financial stewardship, and strengthening industry connections. The Dean will advance the college’s mission by promoting academic excellence, enhancing student success, and engaging faculty in innovative teaching and research practices. The Dean works closely with university leadership, school directors, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to drive the college’s strategic initiatives and align with the broader goals of the institution and the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR).

Visionary and collaborative leadership

The Dean will develop and articulate a compelling vision for the Crossland College of Technology that aligns with the university's mission and strategic priorities. We expect a leader to foster a culture of transparency and proactive communication to engage faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders in the college's vision and goals. We are seeking a leader that will Inspire and support faculty and administrators in their academic and professional pursuits, promoting an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. This role will also work collaboratively with the Provost, other Deans, and university leadership to align the college’s vision with institutional and statewide initiatives from Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). In addition, we are seeking a champion for academic rigor to uphold the highest standards of integrity, quality, and ethical practices in all aspects of the college's academic offerings. 

The Dean will build strong, collaborative relationships with school directors, faculty, and university leadership to promote shared decision-making and a unified vision for the college. This role will partner with faculty to assess and refine curriculum offerings, ensuring relevance to industry needs and future opportunities for students. Our next leader will foster internal and external collaborations that support innovative teaching, research, and industry engagement. We expect a leader to promote a culture of shared governance and ensure alignment with faculty contracts and institutional policies.

Financial stewardship 

The Dean will lead the college’s financial management by promoting transparent budgeting and resource allocation that aligns with academic priorities and institutional goals. We are seeking a leader to serve as the fiduciary representative, overseeing the academic budget, resource allocation, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all college operations. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to secure resources for academic initiatives, faculty development, and student success programs. 

We expect a leader to prioritize investments in technology, infrastructure, and programs that enhance long-term academic stability and growth. Our next leader will encourage and support efforts to secure additional financial resources through grants, loans, and other innovative funding mechanisms that align with the college's mission and goals.

Industry outreach and connection

The next Dean will cultivate and strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and donors to create opportunities for students and faculty and promote the college's reputation. Leading efforts to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with regional businesses and industries that align with the college's goals and foster future-oriented collaboration is also expected from our next Dean. Our next leader will champion initiatives that connect students with career opportunities, internships, and industry experiences that enhance their professional acumen. 

Champion of success for students, faculty, and administrators

The next Dean will lead initiatives that promote student success, academic achievement, and personal growth, creating an environment that fosters engagement and well-being. We expect our Dean to be an advocate for policies, resources, and services that enhance the student experience and prepare students for successful careers in technology and related fields. A successful Dean in our academic community will collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure that students receive the support and guidance needed to achieve their academic and professional goals. 

The Dean will mentor and support faculty and administrators in their professional development, promoting a culture of academic freedom, shared governance, and collaboration. We expect our next Dean to lead faculty recruitment, retention, and evaluation efforts to attract and retain high-caliber educators and researchers. In addition, we are seeking a leader that will encourage innovative teaching and scholarly excellence, fostering a supportive environment for faculty research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional growth.

Curriculum architect

The Dean will oversee curriculum planning and assessment in collaboration with school directors and faculty, ensuring alignment with academic standards, industry requirements, and accreditation mandates. We expect our leader to advocate for a rigorous, future-oriented curriculum that meets the needs of students and employers while maintaining high standards of academic quality and integrity. Our leader will lead continuous curriculum improvement efforts, responding to emerging trends and opportunities in technology and education.

Qualifications 

Candidates must have the following educational and professional experiences:

• Master’s degree in content area within the Crossland College of Technology/related field or a combination of professional industry experience and master’s degree in a complementary field.
• Academic credentials suitable for a tenured appointment in one of the college’s schools.
• 5 years of teaching experience in higher education.
• 5 years of industry experience in a field in the Crossland College of Technology 
• 3 years of experience leading a unit  
• 3 years of experience supervising staff  
• 3 years of experience in curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation 

Preferred educational and professional experiences:

• 3 years leadership experience in a higher educational setting 
• 3 years teaching or working in a laboratory setting 
• Terminal degree in content area within the college of technology

Buffkin / Baker is assisting Pittsburg State University on this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to:

Dr. Pelema Ellis, Associate Partner | pelema@buffkinbaker.com

Or you can send an email to: deancotpittst@buffkinbaker.com

Applications should include a 1) current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above.

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by the preferred submission date of November 12, 2024.

Don Colgrove, chair
Director, School of Construction

Jason Reid
Associate Professor, School of Technology & Worksforce Learning

Tish Potter
Finance & Budget Manager, Crossland College of Technology

Ed Moore
Associate Instructional Professor, School of Construction

Christopher Pross
Associate Professor, School of Construction

Dan Spielbusch
Assistant Professor, School of Automotive & Engineering Technology

Chauncey Pennington
Associate Professor, School of Automotive & Engineering Technology

Rion Huffman
Professor, School of Technology & Workforce Learning

Derrel Fincher
Assistant Instructional Professor, School of Technology & Workforce Learning

Madisyn Hite
Director of Development, Crossland College of Technology

Samantha Pinkal Jefferson
Alumni, Crossland College of Technology

Remi Rothlisberger
Student, School of Automotive & Engineering Technology

Late September, 2024: Search committee charge and kickoff meeting

Late September, 2024: Campus listening sessions

November 12, 2024: Applicant materials due

Week of December 9, 2024: Semi-final interviews