Interim Presidency at Park University Assumed by Dr. Kathrine Swanson
New Interim President Announced at Park University
Kathrine Swanson has been appointed as the interim president of Park University, effective from April 23, 2025. This announcement follows the departure of Shane Smeed, who will be starting his new role at Utah Tech University in May.
Swanson brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She has previously served as a higher education leader at Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College and Collin County (Texas) Community College, now known as Collin College. Before her community college tenure, Swanson started her career in student services at Montana State University and Northern Arizona University.
Swanson's academic credentials are impressive. She earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Northern Michigan University and a master's degree in adult and higher education from Montana State University. She also holds a graduate certificate in leadership coaching from Avila University and a doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of North Texas.
In her most recent role, Swanson served as president of the Metropolitan Community College Longview Campus in Lee's Summit, Mo., from August 2021 to August 2024. Prior to this, she served as the vice chancellor for student success and engagement at MCC from August 2015 to June 2023.
Swanson has been an active member of the community, serving on the boards for Saint Luke's East Hospital, Lee's Summit Creates, Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce, Lee's Summit Workforce Alliance, Lee's Summit Civic Roundtable, and Raytown (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Parkville Rotary Club.
As a resident of Parkville, Swanson is well acquainted with the community and the university. The Board of Trustees at Park University believes her extensive experience and local knowledge make her an ideal choice for the interim presidency.
A search for the permanent 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 June 2026.
Swanson's appointment comes at an exciting time for Park University, and we look forward to the leadership and guidance she will bring during her tenure as interim president.
- Swanson's extensive background in education and self-development, having served as a higher education leader and earning multiple degrees, will likely prove valuable as she navigates the politics of her new role at Park University.
- As the interim president of Park University, Swanson will find herself dealing not only with general news related to higher education but also potentially political news, given the appointments and decisions she will be making for the university.
