Roger Marshall: “I rise today to honor and recognize Jerry Farley, the president of Washburn University. Dr. Farley announced his plans…”

“I rise today to honor and recognize Jerry Farley, the president of Washburn University. Dr. Farley announced his plans to retire and transition to a president emeritus role, where he and his signature bow tie will remain a part of fundraising and international student recruitment. Farley was born in Oklahoma, but moved to Topeka in 1997 after spending 25 years in various administrative roles in Oklahoma, including the role of vice president at Oklahoma University. On July 1, 1997, Farley became Washburn University's 16th president. During his leadership, Farley's vision to change Washburn from a commuter school to one that prioritized campus life has become a reality. With his wife Susan serving by his side through the years, they have helped influence and nurture student to work hard and leave the university as leaders. During his tenure, Washburn University added several buildings to its campus, including the $20 million Living Learning Center residential hall, as well as the addition of Washburn Tech, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, and a statue honoring one of the Ichobods' favorite sons, the late great Senator Bob Dole. In addition to his hard work and dedication to help build the reputation of the University, Dr. Farley always did an outstanding job of representing the State of Kansas and Washburn University as a whole. His leadership does not go unnoticed.…”