Professional Associations
Park University’s Board of Trustees appointed Kathrine Swanson, Ed.D., to serve as the University’s president, effective April 2025. Swanson is leading the University’s 2025-2030 strategic plan — Transforming Futures: Real lives, Real learning, Real impact — designed to support students in developing as leaders through an educational model that combines career-focused learning with the durable skills of the liberal arts. She is proud to be working alongside the faculty and staff to shape the experience of the next generation of Park students, the skills they develop, and the impact they will go on to make in their professions, communities, and our shared society.
A resident of Parkville, Swanson brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience to the role. She served as president of the Metropolitan Community College Longview Campus in Lee’s Summit, Mo., from August 2021 to August 2024, and as MCC’s vice chancellor for student success and engagement from August 2015 to June 2023. Prior to joining MCC, Swanson held leadership positions at Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College and Collin County (Texas) Community College (now Collin College). She began her career in student services at Montana State University and Northern Arizona University.
Swanson earned her doctorate in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in adult and higher education from Montana State University, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Northern Michigan University. She also holds a graduate certificate in leadership coaching from Avila University.
Swanson joined Park University’s Board of Trustees in July 2024 and stepped down from the Board to assume her president responsibilities. A search for Park University’s next president will begin in the coming months. A University presidential search committee will develop a prospectus in the fall, followed by a national search of candidates, with an expected start date for the new president by July 2027.