K-State Athletics Mourns the Passing of Former President, HOF Member Jon Wefald
Apr 18, 2022 | Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Dr. Jon Wefald, Kansas State University's 12th president and a 2008 inductee into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday (April 16).
Few collegiate presidents have been as well recognized nationally for improving the athletic and academic programs on a campus as Wefald, who retired at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
Wefald always understood that athletics is the window through which many people view the university. He structured his administration such that athletics became an integral part of K-State, and he skillfully utilized the successes of K-State Athletics as a platform to gain national recognition for its academic and student scholarship achievements. He was widely known for his availability to meet with prospective student-athletes, as well as the many student scholars, debate team and judging team champions.
"It is a sad day for Kansas State University and the Wildcat family," K-State Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "President Wefald helped transform Kansas State into what it is today and was the driving force behind elevating our university into one of the top land-grant schools in the country. His passion for athletics was also well documented, and his impact on not only our program but also the Big 12 Conference will always be a part of his legacy. He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Wefald, who helped develop a number of nationally-ranked athletic teams in the Big Eight and Big 12, played a key role in the organization of the new Big 12 Conference in 1995-96 and in K-State becoming a member of the league. He also was a key component in the hiring of Bill Snyder as the school's football coach in 1989.
"Jon was not only a very special leader of Kansas State University but also a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend," Snyder said. "Jon was a major part of the reason we came to Manhattan. He was always so very determined to assist our program and all other programs – athletic and academic – to become the very best they could be. He and his wife, Ruth Ann, cared about people – students, faculty, staff and community – and were always seeking ways to be of help. Their commitment to the university is unparalleled. Sharon, Sean, and I, and our family are grateful to Jon for so strongly supporting our time here."
Lauded by publications from the Christian Science Monitor to Sports Illustrated to USA TODAY, and by broadcasters like Paul Harvey, the accomplishments during Wefald's tenure were well noted in the national media. USA TODAY called these achievements the "Miracle in Manhattan."
Under his leadership, K-State added about 2.2 million square feet of new university buildings, including a new library, a new art museum, and a nationally acclaimed science building. In addition, during the Wefald years, enrollment increased from about 13,500 to more than 23,000, and K-State built a healthy endowment program and established a nation presence in athletics.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of former K-State President Jon Wefald's passing," K-State President Dr. Richard Linton said. "Dr. Wefald's legacy is one of transformation, growth and a true passion for our great university. I am honored and challenged by the opportunity to share the experience of serving as K-State's president and will strive to honor the example he set through his service. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
Funeral services are pending, and information will be available at a later date.
Few collegiate presidents have been as well recognized nationally for improving the athletic and academic programs on a campus as Wefald, who retired at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
Wefald always understood that athletics is the window through which many people view the university. He structured his administration such that athletics became an integral part of K-State, and he skillfully utilized the successes of K-State Athletics as a platform to gain national recognition for its academic and student scholarship achievements. He was widely known for his availability to meet with prospective student-athletes, as well as the many student scholars, debate team and judging team champions.
"It is a sad day for Kansas State University and the Wildcat family," K-State Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "President Wefald helped transform Kansas State into what it is today and was the driving force behind elevating our university into one of the top land-grant schools in the country. His passion for athletics was also well documented, and his impact on not only our program but also the Big 12 Conference will always be a part of his legacy. He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Wefald, who helped develop a number of nationally-ranked athletic teams in the Big Eight and Big 12, played a key role in the organization of the new Big 12 Conference in 1995-96 and in K-State becoming a member of the league. He also was a key component in the hiring of Bill Snyder as the school's football coach in 1989.
"Jon was not only a very special leader of Kansas State University but also a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend," Snyder said. "Jon was a major part of the reason we came to Manhattan. He was always so very determined to assist our program and all other programs – athletic and academic – to become the very best they could be. He and his wife, Ruth Ann, cared about people – students, faculty, staff and community – and were always seeking ways to be of help. Their commitment to the university is unparalleled. Sharon, Sean, and I, and our family are grateful to Jon for so strongly supporting our time here."
Lauded by publications from the Christian Science Monitor to Sports Illustrated to USA TODAY, and by broadcasters like Paul Harvey, the accomplishments during Wefald's tenure were well noted in the national media. USA TODAY called these achievements the "Miracle in Manhattan."
Under his leadership, K-State added about 2.2 million square feet of new university buildings, including a new library, a new art museum, and a nationally acclaimed science building. In addition, during the Wefald years, enrollment increased from about 13,500 to more than 23,000, and K-State built a healthy endowment program and established a nation presence in athletics.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of former K-State President Jon Wefald's passing," K-State President Dr. Richard Linton said. "Dr. Wefald's legacy is one of transformation, growth and a true passion for our great university. I am honored and challenged by the opportunity to share the experience of serving as K-State's president and will strive to honor the example he set through his service. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
Funeral services are pending, and information will be available at a later date.
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