Updated 5:30 a.m. Thursday (from K-State News and Communications Services)
Kansas State University administrators expressed sadness and condolences on the death of Bob Krause, the former longtime vice president for institutional advancement.
“Our condolences to Marty, his three daughters and the Vanier family on the loss of Bob Krause,” said Kirk Schulz, university president. “Bob was instrumental in helping K-State strategically grow in many ways over his tenure as a longtime university administrator. The Biosecurity Research Institute, NBAF, Colbert Hills Golf Course, the leadership studies program and Salina and Olathe campuses are examples of his impact. He was a wonderfully successful university ambassador to our alumni and community.”
Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, called Krause a tireless worker for the university.
“Bob was simply one of the brightest, politically savvy and most genuine individuals I will ever have the opportunity to work alongside,” Bosco said. “He was an incredibly tireless and passionate advocate for the school we both love. He made people better and made K-State a better place. I will miss him dearly. In his many years at the university, there was little Bob did not impact, from scholarships to construction to expanding the university’s brand thoughout the state and the world.”
Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, remembered Krause as a champion of the alumni association.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bob Krause, who was truly a champion for our alumni association programming efforts and for the entire university,” Renz said. “Bob served more than 22 years as vice president for institutional advancement, and he was vital to elevating K-State to new heights. Most memorable is the personal connections he made with prospective students and their families, which in turn positively impacted enrollment at a crucial time in our history.
Bill Snyder, K-State football coach, called Krause a true friend.
“Bob truly cared about people as K-Staters do,” Snyder said. “He was a dear friend of this university, the community and my family. He truly cared and worked diligently for the betterment of all. Bob and Marty together have contributed to enhance our football program, Kansas State and Manhattan in a very positive, caring and unselfish manner. He will be greatly missed.”
John Currie, K-State athletics director, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Krause and Vanier families during this difficult time. Bob spent a majority of his career working hard to move K-State forward and cared deeply about the university, athletics program and the Manhattan community. Our sincerest condolences are extended to his wife, Marty, his children and family.”
Jon Wefald, former Kansas State University president, praised Krause for his many contributions to the university.
“I am very sad and heartbroken that my longtime and dear friend, Bob Krause, has died,” Wefald said. “Bob and I worked together for 35 years: at Southwest State University in Minnesota from 1977 to 1982, at the Minnesota Chancellor’s office from 1982 to 1986 and, of course, at K-State from 1986 to 2009. Bob Krause was an extraordinary leader for me at all three schools.
“In reflecting about the great job Bob Krause did for K-State and me over 23 years, I think back to a number of positive attributes. His work ethic was legendary. He had an uncanny ability to solve problems. He was a team player. He had incredible passion and loyalty. He had a tremendous sense of humor. Whether it was the job of increasing our enrollment at Kansas State, supporting the football program and Bill Snyder, figuring out ways to enhance our athletic complex for all sports, or working closely with our students, Bob Krause was, in my mind, a most valuable player for K-State during my 23 years as K-State’s president.”
Krause had more than 35 years of experience in key executive leadership positions in higher education at the college, comprehensive university, and multiuniversity system levels. The last 23 years of his professional career, he served as vice president for institutional advancement at Kansas State University, and as athletic director during his last year.
More than any single individual, Krause recognized the benefit of strong, working relationships between K-State and nearby community systems leading to mutually beneficial economic enhancement. He personified the notion of “town and gown,” building and nurturing relationships with community, regional and state leaders on efforts that helped fulfill the vision and mission of K-State, the community of Manhattan and the state of Kansas.
Krause served on multiple boards, including the board and executive committee of the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp., the board and executive committee of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and was executive chair of the board of directors of the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization.
Earlier report:
Bob Krause, who spent 23 years as Kansas State vice president for institutional advancement and two years as acting athletic director, passed away Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 70.
Krause came to K-State shortly before former president Jon Wefald was hired and spent his career as one of his closest friends and associates. When athletic director Tim Weiser left the position in 2008, Krause stepped up to accept the role.
His tenure ended in controversy when a secret buyout agreement with former K-State football coach Ron Prince was revealed. Krause resigned from his position at K-State’s Olathe campus in 2009.
He and his wife, Marty Vanier, have remained contributors to the Manhattan community. Vanier works as director of operations for K-State’s National Agricultural and Biosecurity Center. Earlier this year, the couple donated $750,000 to the Flint Hills Discovery Center.