Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers has returned to his home state and alma mater to serve as Kansas State University President. He graduated from the university in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Air Force through K-State’s ROTC program.

The native Kansan from Merriam loyally served his country and retired as a four-star general. From 2001-2005, he served as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As chairman, Myers was the highest-ranking uniformed officer of U.S. military forces and served as the principal military adviser to President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and the National Security Council.

As a command pilot, Myers logged more than 4,100 flying hours, including 600 combat hours. His significant commands included North American Aerospace Defense Command; U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado; Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and the 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Clinton in 2000. He has received numerous awards and decorations for his service, which include Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, and Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Myers also is a Kansas State University Foundation professor of military history and leadership. He received a Master’s Degree in business administration from Auburn University in 1977. He also graduated from Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1977, U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in 1981, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he completed a program for Senior Executives in National and International Security in 1991.

Throughout Myers’ active duty and world travels, he continued relationships with his friends back home. He has provided instruction, insight, and inspiration to current students and the K-State community. In 2000, he presented the 118th Landon Lecture at Kansas State University, where he spoke about the military’s role in international relations. Kansas State University named the military science building, home of the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs, Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall, in honor of his service and dedication. He and his wife, Mary Jo, serve as co-chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign to raise $1 billion.