Following a national search, Hesston College announced today local businessman and former college administrator Mark Landes will serve as its next president.
Landes, who is currently the market president of Citizens State Bank in Hesston, faithfully served Hesston College from 2013 to 2019, primarily as the vice president of finance and operations. During his tenure, he also held multiple interim roles: twice as acting president, as well as a two year stint leading fundraising efforts as the interim vice president of advancement.
“Mr. Landes was chosen for his business and financial acumen, as well as his history and experience serving the college in various capacities,” states Luanne Southern, presidential search committee chair and Hesston College board member. “His knowledge of the broader Hesston College community and his investment in the college’s mission as a faith-based institution of higher education also contributed to his selection.”
Following extensive interviews with final candidates and a period of prayerful deliberation, Hesston College Board of Directors was united in their final decision as every member voted in favor of Landes as the 10th president of Hesston College.
“The board of directors is unanimous in its belief that Mark is uniquely called and gifted to lead our institution into its next season of growth and impact,” says Ken G Kabira, Hesston College Board of Directors chair. “Under Mark’s leadership, we envision a future marked by academic excellence, superior student outcomes, financial stability and a strengthened presence within the broader Anabaptist, professional and regional communities.”
Landes is equally enthusiastic about his return to Hesston College.
“During my six years at Hesston College, I developed a deep appreciation for the richness of our 100-plus year history and the distinctiveness of the Hesston Experience,” Landes shares. “I am honored and excited to come back to Hesston College, and I look forward to joining a leadership team who is actively focused on stabilizing our position and securing Hesston College’s future.”
As president elect, Landes will begin engaging with the college community in the coming weeks and months for a gradual transition back to campus. He plans to complete his responsibilities with his current position during this time and then assume the president’s role by May 1, 2025. During the transition period, Landes will focus on reacclimating himself with the college and its constituents while offering his financial expertise to the business office.
Hesston College launched its search for a president last spring following the resignation of former president Joseph A. Manickam. The extensive nationwide search was led by Academic Search and overseen by the presidential search committee. Their diligent efforts culminated with on campus visits in November 2024 with three final candidates. The search committee’s findings were then shared with the board of directors who voted unanimously for Landes. Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch, the college’s interim president, will continue in this capacity throughout the transition period and will return to the vice president of academics position as Landes assumes the president’s role.
MORE ABOUT MARK LANDES
As a graduate of Goshen College in 1999, Mark Landes began his career in finance and administration which would continuously intersect with higher education. His professional experience includes nearly a decade engaging with all sectors of higher education while working at JPMorgan and Wells Fargo.
In 2013, Mark came to Hesston College and spent the next six years as an administrator. His primary role was vice president of finance and operations, and he also held several interim roles while at Hesston College. He served two short periods as interim president, oversaw athletics for a year and led fundraising efforts as interim vice president of advancement for two years. During his time leading advancement, the Be Greater Capital Campaign was conceptualized, launched and successfully executed upon. Mark’s time at Hesston College originally ended when he and his family chose to serve abroad in Colombia, South America with Mennonite Mission Network. Upon return to Kansas in 2020, he began working as the market president for the Citizens State Bank in Hesston.
Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and also his M.B.A. from Goshen College. He believes in Anabaptist education and the wonderful potential for growth that exists within the liberal arts environment. He is drawn to organizations where mission, purpose and challenging work can intersect in meaningful ways. He lives in Hesston with his wife, DeeDee, and their three children. He enjoys staying active with his family, friends, church and community.