BY: TIM CARPENTER
Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Daniel Shipp, president of Pittsburg State University in southeast Kansas for nearly three years, has been hired to lead Maryville University in suburban St. Louis.
Shipp was chosen to succeed Mark Lombardi, who plans to retire after 18 years at the private university. Shipp is to begin his new duties in June.
“I am inspired by Maryville’s bold vision, its commitment to expanding access and opportunity and its innovative approach to education,” Shipp said.
In a note to PSU faculty, he said “we’ve made significant progress that has been critically important to the success of this beloved institution and the many communities we serve in southeast Kansas. I am more than proud to have successfully served as your president during this transformational period of time.”
Maryville University was founded in 1872 and enrolls more than 9,000 students at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Nearly half of the university’s students pursue health or business degrees. The university serves students from 50 states and 56 countries, and has more than 50,000 alumni.
Carl Ice, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, said Shipp prioritized student success at PSU. During his tenure, PSU increased on-time graduate rates, expanded student financial aid and reduced student debt. He said Shipp consented to remain at PSU through the end of May.
Rick Webb, executive chairman of the Watco transportation company, was named chairman of the PSU presidential search committee by the Kansas Board of Regents. Webb earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from PSU.
“As an alumnus of the university, an experienced business leader and engaged member of the Pittsburg community, Rick brings the skills and dedication needed to lead the committee’s work of identifying candidates,” Ice said.
Prior to taking the PSU presidential job in April 2022, Shipp was vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and associate to the chancellor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and executive vice president and provost of the University of Nebraska System. He previously held administration positions in student affairs and enrollment management at University of Nebraska at Omaha.
He earned a doctorate at University of the Pacific, a master’s degree at Nebraska-Omaha and a bachelor’s degree at University of Nebraska at Lincoln.