Thomas Lane, vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students, has been named chief of staff to the president by K-State President Richard Linton. Lane, who has been serving as interim chief of staff since July, will fully transition to his new role on Nov. 8.
Lane brings extensive experience working closely with campus and community partners and with leadership to address critical issues. The chief of staff serves as a key connector between the President and the broader university and external communities by strengthening relationships with faculty, staff, students, governing boards, community partners and public officials.
“Thomas is a gifted leader who fosters trust and builds relationships,” said Richard Linton, K-State president. “He has earned the confidence of colleagues across K-State by being collaborative, thoughtful and focused on solutions. Whether it’s student success or university wide priorities, he knows how to connect people and will keep the university moving forward.”
Lane became vice president for student life and dean of students at K-State in July 2019. He was later named vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students in July 2023. As vice president and dean of students, Lane has led the strategic direction for all units within the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, or DASSA, supporting students’ academic success, well-being and life beyond the classroom. He has worked closely with campus and community partners to ensure students feel supported, connected and prepared for their future.
During his time at K-State, Lane has championed K-State involvement as a JED Campus, a strategic collaborative to enhance mental health and suicide prevention systems, policies and programs. He has expanded support for student mental health, food insecurity, leadership and well-being programs by partnering with the KSU Foundation. He also facilitated the re-affiliation of previously independent student organizations with the university to improve the student experience. His efforts as co-chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management committee and as lead of K-State’s Student Success Playbook work group have strengthened student retention and persistence at the university.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as vice president and dean of students and to work alongside dedicated colleagues who care deeply about the success and well-being of our students,” said Lane. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. As I step into this new role as chief of staff to the president, I look forward to building connections, supporting our university community and helping advance K-State.”
A search committee has been appointed to lead an expedited search for an interim vice president and dean of students. The internal search will be open to current and qualified K-State employees, and the committee will be chaired by Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management. Lane will continue to serve as the vice president and dean of students until an interim is named.
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