I grew up on a farm outside Larned, Kansas, where my family raised wheat, milo, and cow/calf livestock. In the fall of 1973, I moved to Manhattan to attend Kansas State University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 1976 and later returned to earn my MBA in 1985.

My professional career began in the home loan industry, where I spent nine years with Home Federal Savings & Loan Association. I then spent four years as a commercial loan officer with Union National Bank (now Commerce Bank). From there, I transitioned into real estate appraisal, working for ten years in both residential and commercial markets—including six years running my own business, Fox Appraisal.

In 1999, I joined the Kansas State University Foundation as Director of Real Estate, where I served for 24 years until my retirement in October 2023. In that role, I managed real estate gifts from donors, facilitated property acquisitions and sales, and helped oversee numerous campus development projects. I worked closely with city planning staff on land platting and helped lead the construction of multiple Foundation office buildings throughout Manhattan.

My wife Marilyn—who recently retired after many years of teaching 8th grade at Anthony Middle School—and I have been married for 47 years. We raised our two children here in Manhattan and now enjoy spending time with our four grandchildren. Our daughter lives in Manhattan with her husband and two boys, and our son lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two girls.

For 45 years, Marilyn and I were also active in the local residential rental property business, deeply invested in the neighborhoods and people that make Manhattan such a special place.

Community Service Work

• Former member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (served on various committees in the 1970s and 1980s)
• Graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Manhattan class of 1985
• Member of the Manhattan Optimist Club since 1981 (President in 1995; currently serving on the board of directors)
• Member of First United Methodist Church of Manhattan since 1985 (served multiple terms as Trustee; currently serving)
• Served on the Sigma Chi Fraternity house corporation for 35 years (including 30 years as Treasurer)
• Former member and Treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 74 and the Manhattan High School Booster Club
• Served on the Board of Directors for Meadowlark Hills for 9 years (including 2 years as President)
• Current member of the Sunset Zoological Park & Wildlife Conservation Trust Foundation Board of Trustees (member since 2006; served as President for 2 years and Treasurer for 10 years, stepped down at end of 2024)
• Volunteer with the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry
• Friendship Meal delivery volunteer
• Treasurer of the Grandview Hills Neighborhood Association