Ken Oliver

Ken Oliver joined KWU in 2018, adding to a significant record of success in higher education that has spanned more than 25 years. Oliver has spent time at five different institutions – Central Methodist, William Penn, Fort Scott Community College, Northwest Missouri State and Texas A&M-Kingsville – and at each, he has been a leader in taking those institutions to new heights. Oliver has played a key role in major milestones in fundraising, enrollment, marketing, finance, student affairs, athletics and Title IX. He has served as a vice president for more than two decades, but has held many different responsibilities in his career – recruiter, fundraiser, coach, faculty, athletic director, dean and a vice president.

He currently serves as the executive vice president of advancement and university operations while also acting as the KWU foundation administrator. His responsibility umbrella covers a number of university units – enrollment, marketing, institutional advancement, alumni and community relations, grant writing, university events, athletics, athletic training, financial assistance, human resources, business administration, mailroom, institutional technology, university store and plant operations.

He has led KWU to the most successful comprehensive campaign in school history, which has raised more than $34 million (as of Dec. 2023) while doubling annual scholarships and operation support, increased the endowment by 20%, increased the percentage of alumni giving and has spearheaded significant increases in enrollment, capped by the largest enrollment in school history in Fall 2023.

Oliver holds bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Theatre and Physical Education and Health from Central Methodist, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Northwest Missouri State. He enjoys strategic planning, spending time with his family, fishing, boating, golfing, supporting Coyote athletics and watching college football. His wife, Michelle, is a special education teacher in USD 305 and their son Brady is a junior at Salina South High School. They reside in Salina.