Former Western Carolina University Chancellor, John Bardo, visited WSU April 17 after applying for the presidential position. He is now dubbed the 13th President of WSU which will take effect July 1.
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY – John William Bardo has been named by the Kansas Board of Regents as the new president of Wichita State University, effective July 1.
Bardo will become the 13th president of Wichita State, following President Donald Beggs’ resignation June 30.
“My wife and I are very excited to be part of the WSU family,” Bardo said. “Wichita State is a wonderful university with great potential. Wichita is a tremendous community and we’re delighted to be back. I look forward to working closely with the university’s students, staff and faculty, as well as with Wichita’s business and civic leaders, in advancing WSU’s mission.”
Leadership experience
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| John William Bardo |
Bardo served as the chancellor of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, in North Carolina from 1995-2011. In 2011, he returned to the classroom as a professor of education.
Bardo started his career at WSU. From 1976-1977 he was graduate coordinator of the Master of Urban Studies program. And from 1978-1983, he was chair of WSU’s Department of Sociology and Social Work.
From 1983-1986, Bardo was dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
From there he went to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs from 1986-1989 and as assistant to the president for planning and evaluation from 1989-1990.
From 1993-1995, Bardo was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Mass.
Bardo holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Ohio State University; a Master of Arts in sociology from Ohio University; and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Cincinnati.
“The board is proud to announce that Dr. Bardo will be the next Wichita State University president. He rose to the top of an exceptional field of candidates,” said Ed McKechnie, chair of the Board of Regents. “The board believes his leadership experience and vision for WSU are an outstanding fit to honor the traditions and shape the future of WSU.”
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