Doug Ball named interim president of Pittsburg State University
PITTSBURG, Kan. — A new president is in charge at Pittsburg State University, at least for now.
'I did grow up right here in southeast Kansas, mostly in Baxter Springs, just south of here and so Pitt State was something that was kind of always in my environment, always in my awareness,' said Doug Ball, PSU Interim Pres.
So it was an easy decision when Doug Ball decided to get his undergraduate degree at Pittsburg State University. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration… and he isn't the only one in the family who's a Gorilla.
'My father also attended here. In fact, I was born in Pittsburg while my father was a student here at Pittsburg State, and so Pittsburg State's been part of my life from day one, in some ways, literally. And so it's been exciting to be here at different times in my life and different capacities,' said Ball. That includes his career path.
Doug Ball named interim president of Pittsburg State University
Doug Ball named interim president at Pittsburg State University
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Ball joined PSU as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Administration eight years ago.
'There's really two major components of my job responsibilities, finance and facilities. So on the finance side, it's everything from accounting to budgeting and purchasing. Also that fits in there is our human resources team is part of the organization. And then on the facility sides, the planning and maintenance and care for our facilities on campus.'
He's now adding to those responsibilities, officially taking over at interim PSU president from Dr. Dan Shipp who is moving on to head Maryville University.
'It's all about keeping us moving forward on the critical projects we've got going on,' said Ball.
Ball adds that he loves Pitts State, which is a great motivation for the extra challenges that lie ahead.
'I had a fantastic impact to my life and my career as a result of my time here as a student. And I love the chance to see that repeated for students over and over again.'
Ball is serving as president on a short-term basis while the Kansas Board of Regents searches for a permanent replacement… a decision that school leaders say could take several months.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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