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Topekan Tim Clothier named as interim president of Emporia State University Foundation

Tim Clothier, a Topeka businessman whose association with Emporia State University dates back to the early 1970s, will serve as the interim president of the Emporia State University Foundation, the foundation’s executive committee announced today, May 18, 2011.

The executive committee recommended Clothier to Dr. Ed Flentje, ESU interim president, who approved the appointment.

“The Foundation’s trustees are pleased that Mr. Clothier accepted this assignment,” said Foundation Chair Ken Hush. “Tim is well-known and regarded by the ESU family and will bring a progressive business approach to foundation management.”

Clothier, an ESU alum and native Kansan now residing in Topeka, has previously served as chairman of the ESU Foundation and president of the ESU Alumni Association.

“This is an exciting time for Emporia State University,” Clothier said, “as we look toward the future and the possibilities before us.”

“We’re fortunate to have Tim in this capacity,” Hush said. “He has a sincere passion for ESU and the local Emporia community. His past leadership roles with the ESU Foundation and Alumni Association provide him with a comprehensive knowledge of where ESU has been and where it’s going.

“Currently, he’s part of the fundraising-development team, which is another plus since he is familiar with the players on our Foundation team and our internal systems. Tim was an obvious choice,” Hush added.

Clothier graduated from ESU in 1978 and was hired into the corporate offices of Payless ShoeSource in Topeka, where he worked for 27 years. For the past four years, he has owned and operated Cold Stone Creamery in Topeka. Clothier also served 12 years on the Topeka USD 501 school board where he ensured the successful fundraising and installation of Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.

“With his entrepreneurial and business background,” Hush said, “he understands the paramount importance of accountability, meeting organizational objectives, bringing groups and individuals together for mutual goals and achieving stronger relationships for the long-term. His ability to embrace change brings a refreshing approach to the climate we are in, and he’s a natural fit to guide us through this transition while the search for a new Foundation president commences.”

Clothier’s wife, Lynn, also graduated from Emporia State University. They have three adult children, the youngest of which will be a student-athlete in the ESU football program this fall.