Ross accepts position with The Edison Project

Wichita State University's interim vice president for student affairs, Tony Ross, announced that he would resign effective June 1 to accept a position with The Edison Project as vice president of development. The Edison Project is the country's leading private manager of public schools

Ross came to WSU in July 1994 as associate to the president and was named interim vice president for student affairs by then-president Eugene Hughes last year.

He came to Wichita State from Northern Arizona University, where he worked for 11 years as dean of students and assistant vice president for student services.

Ross was among the finalists who are to be interviewed in May for the permanent position of vice president for student affairs.

Wichita State President Don Beggs said he appreciates Ross' years of service to WSU and accepts his resignation with regret. "Dr. Ross has served WSU and me very well and he was a leading candidate in the eyes of the search committee as well as in mine to fill the position on a permanent basis," Beggs said.

"He has provided superb leadership to a strong division and he has been a great source of help to me personally. We will miss Tony as a friend and colleague, and we wish him well. I fully expect Tony is going to be very successful wherever he is."

Ross said he has mixed feelings about the move.

"I've accepted the offer from Edison because I believe in their work and it's a great professional opportunity for me," Ross said. "At the same time, I have a profound respect and appreciation for Wichita State, the staff, the faculty, students and the greater Wichita community.

"My wife Laverne and I have many friends on campus and in the community whom we consider life-long friends. We'll miss Wichita State and Wichita. We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us, but we're also sad about leaving," Ross said. Ross' wife Laverne White has accepted a vice president's position with The Edison Project, as well. They will reside in Phoenix, Ariz.