Regents designate John Schwenn as Emporia State University’s interim president

Dr. John Schwenn

The Kansas Board of Regents has designated John Schwenn to serve as Interim President at Emporia State University.  Schwenn is currently the University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs.

He will assume his new responsibilities upon the departure of ESU President Kay Schallenkamp who, after nearly nine years of outstanding leadership, will leave ESU this summer to assume the presidency of Blackhills State University in her home state of South Dakota. 

Schwenn, who will serve as Interim President until Schallenkamp’s permanent successor is installed, will not be a candidate to hold the job permanently. 

“I am grateful for the trust and confidence the Board of Regents has placed in me to lead this great and unique institution until a new President is on campus.  We have terrific administrators, faculty leaders, and student leaders and we will all work together during this time.  I have noted the issues our faculty, students, alumni, and community members consider important in a president and I will take these into consideration,” Schwenn said. 

Schwenn came to ESU in 1989 as the Associate Chair of the Teachers College’s Division of Psychology.  Since his arrival, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.  He was appointed as ESU’s Chief Academic Officer in 1997. “He knows the University and has been a key leader there for more than 15 years,” said Reginald Robinson, Board of Regents President and CEO.

“John Schwenn is well-equipped to provide precisely the kind of leadership the Board of Regents expects from an Interim President,” said Board of Regents Chairman Donna Shank.  “The Board is confident that under John’s leadership, Emporia State University will continue the positive movement that has been generated by Kay Schallenkamp during her time at ESU.” 

Schwenn holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, with a major in Psychology.  He earned his masters and doctoral degrees in Rehabilitation and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

“He knows and understands the broader higher education landscape in the state of Kansas, and he has been active in the Emporia community as well,” Robinson said.  “John is remarkably well-suited to lead ESU during a time of transition as it prepares for the arrival of a new leader,” he said.

The Board’s vote to designate Schwenn as ESU’s Interim President was unanimous.  “The Board is grateful for Schwenn’s willingness to assume this critically important responsibility,” said Nelson Galle, Board of Regents Vice Chair. “We have enjoyed working with him during his tenure as ESU’s chief academic officer, and we look forward to working with him in a new capacity as he steps up to the opportunity of providing institutional leadership as an Interim President.”  

During his service as interim president, Schwenn will be paid an annualized salary of $150,000. 

Last Updated July 2, 2007>