Hesston College announced on Jan. 13 that Mark Landes, a local banker and former vice president at the college, will serve as its 10th president, beginning May 1.
Landes is currently market president of Citizens State Bank in Hesston, Kan. He served the college from 2013 to 2019, primarily as vice president of finance and operations. He also held interim roles during his tenure, serving twice as acting president, as well as leading fundraising efforts for two years as 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,” said search committee chair and board member Luanne Southern. “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.”
A 1999 Goshen College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Landes also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Goshen. His professional experience includes nearly a decade engaging with all sectors of higher education while working at JPMorgan and Wells Fargo.
After his previous tenure at Hesston College, Landes and his family served with Mennonite Mission Network in Colombia. Returning to Kansas in 2020, he began working as market president for Citizens State Bank.
He lives in Hesston with his wife, DeeDee, and their three children.
“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 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.”
Board chair Ken G Kabira said: “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.”
The college began its search for a president last spring after President Joseph A. Manickam resigned. Ross Peterson-Veatch, the interim president, will continue in that role through the transition period and then resume his position as vice president of academics.
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