William Penn University Names Ken Oliver Vice President for Advancement

05/28/2026

William Penn University has announced the appointment of Kenneth “Ken” Oliver as the institution’s new Vice President for Advancement, effective July 2026.

Oliver brings more than 30 years of higher education leadership experience to William Penn, including extensive work in advancement, fundraising, enrollment management, athletics, marketing, student affairs, and university operations. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Advancement & University Operations & Foundation Administrator at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the president’s cabinet and a strategic partner in the university’s growth and long-term planning.

During his tenure at Kansas Wesleyan, Oliver led the university’s $50 million “Power of AND” comprehensive campaign, oversaw more than $20 million in construction projects, and helped increase the institution’s endowment by 40 percent to the largest value in university history at $52 million. He also played a key role in increasing enrollment by 37 percent, securing major gifts and grants, and strengthening alumni and donor engagement efforts.

Prior to his current role, Oliver served as Vice President of Advancement, Admissions & Marketing & Foundation Administrator at Kansas Wesleyan, where he helped raise more than $16 million, led a successful $5.5 million capital campaign for a new Nursing Education Center, and increased annual fund giving and donor retention.

William Penn University President John Ottosson said Oliver’s broad leadership experience and proven success in advancement made him an outstanding fit for the university.

“Ken brings years of experience in various cabinet-level positions,” said President Ottosson. “His track record of building strong advancement teams and driving fundraising success is highly impressive. Penn is fortunate to have someone with his experience as a replacement for Marsha Riordan, who had an exemplary 46-year career here.”

Ottosson also noted Oliver’s strong personal and professional ties to William Penn.

“His connection to Penn is also beneficial,” Ottosson said. “He previously served as a professor and assistant football coach at Penn during the 1990s. His wife is an alumna, as are her parents. This connection will only contribute to his success. We are excited to have him join the senior leadership team.”

Oliver is no stranger to William Penn and the Oskaloosa community. From 1996-99, he served as Director of the Navy and Gold Football Booster Club, Assistant Professor of Physical Education & Health, Assistant Head Football Coach, and Head Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Coach at William Penn. During his time at Penn, he taught courses in wellness, nutrition, outdoor education, and health methods while helping support the growth of the university’s athletics and student experience. He also received the William Penn College President’s Award for Educational Leadership.

Over the course of his career, Oliver has held numerous cabinet-level leadership positions at colleges and universities across the Midwest and Texas, including leadership roles at Central Methodist University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. His experience includes directing major fundraising initiatives, overseeing enrollment growth strategies, leading athletics and student engagement programs, and managing large operational budgets.

Oliver holds a Master of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State and bachelor’s degrees in communications, theatre, physical education, and health from Central Methodist College.

As Vice President for Advancement, Oliver will oversee William Penn University’s advancement and fundraising efforts, including alumni relations, donor engagement, annual fund, major gifts, public relations, and strategic development initiatives in support of the university’s mission and future growth.