Interim President Assignment at Park University Falls to Dr. Kathrine Swanson
Kathrine Swanson, Ed.D., has been appointed as the interim president of Park University, effective from April 23, 2025. This appointment comes following the departure of Shane Smeed, who accepted the presidency at Utah Tech University. Smeed's last day at Park University was April 1, 2025, and he will begin his new duties on May 1.
Swanson's professional journey in higher education began at Montana State University and Northern Arizona University, where she started her career in student services. She later moved on to community colleges, serving as a higher education leader at Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College and Collin County (Texas) Community College (now known as Collin College).
Before joining Park University, Swanson served as the president of the Metropolitan Community College Longview Campus in Lee's Summit, Mo., from August 2021 to August 2024. She also served MCC as its vice chancellor for student success and engagement from August 2015 to June 2023.
Swanson's commitment to the community is evident through her membership in the Parkville Rotary Club and her service on various boards, including 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.
Swanson joined Park University's Board of Trustees in July 2024 and will step down to assume the interim president role. She holds a master's degree in adult and higher education from Montana State University and a doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of North Texas. She also earned a graduate certificate in leadership coaching from Avila University.
A search for Park University's 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 resides in Parkville and recently completed a term on the Executive Women's Leadership Council with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. She is ready to bring her wealth of experience and dedication to Park University during her tenure as interim president.
- Kathrine Swanson, with her extensive background in education and self-development from prestigious institutions like Montana State University and University of North Texas, might find herself discussing important general news topics, including politics and higher education, in her new role as the interim president of Park University.
- As the interim president of Park University and an active member of the local community, Kathrine Swanson's commitment to various boards, such as the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce and Parkville Rotary Club, could potentially involve discussing politics and current general news in addition to education and self-development matters.
