By Lucky Kidd
HESSTON, Kan. — Mark Landes was named the 10th president of Hesston College on Monday. Landes, who previously worked for the college from 2013 to 2019 as vice president of finance and operations and during which time he was twice acting president and also served two years as interim vice president of advancement, is currently market president for Citizens State Bank in Hesston.
“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.”
Landes was unanimously selected after a nationwide search, interviews of three finalists, and a period of prayerful deliberation, by Hesston College’s Board of Directors
“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.”
In the announcement of his selection Landes said, “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.”
Over the coming weeks, Landes will begin engaging with the college community in a gradual transition including completing responsibilities with his current position, with plans to assume the president’s role by May 1, 2025.
After graduating from Goshen College in 1999, from which he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an M.B.A degree, Landes began a career in finance and administration that frequently intersected with higher education during his tenure with JPMorgan and Wells Fargo. Following his first tenure at the college, Landes served in Columbia with the Mennonite Mission Network before joining Citizens State Bank
Landes will succeed Joseph Manickam, who resigned as president last spring. 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.
