Dr. Dan Shipp

President
Maryville University

Career Overview
Dan Shipp brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success from his leadership roles at top universities. His career spans over three decades in higher education, including roles in student affairs, strategic initiatives, and university leadership.

Education 

  • BA Education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1991 
  • MA Education University of Nebraska-Omaha 1993 
  • EdD University of the Pacific 

Career Highlights 

  • 2022-2024: President, Pittsburg State University 
  • 2021-2022: Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, University of Nebraska Medical Center 
  • 2012-2021: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Nebraska-Omaha 
  • 2006-2012: Assoc. Vice Chancellor for Student Life, University of the Pacific 
  • 1996-2006: SR. Assoc. Director for Recreation Services, Mizzou 
  • 1993-1996: Campus Recreation Services, Assistant Director, University of Nebraska-Omaha 

Focus and Stance

Dr. Shipp is a nationally recognized innovator and leader in higher education, known for his unwavering commitment to student success and removing barriers for underserved communities. With a career spanning multiple institutions, Dr. Shipp has led transformative initiatives to expand access, grow enrollment, and foster inclusive learning environments.

His leadership philosophy is rooted in growth and development across intellectual, social, emotional, and intercultural dimensions. He is a strong advocate for organizational transparency, shared governance, and collaborative planning.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shipp has spearheaded strategic efforts in institutional engagement, inclusion, sustainability, wellness, and leadership development. His experience includes designing and implementing student support initiatives that promote equity and access, such as:

  • Gender-inclusive services and LGBTQ+ resources
  • Campus food pantries and community assistance programs
  • Military and veteran student support services
  • Accessibility programs, including adaptive athletics like wheelchair basketball

Dr. Shipp brings both vision and compassion to his work, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive—on campus and beyond.

Life and Family 

A family posing for a picture

Spouse: Vanessa Shipp; Children: Oliver, Oldest; Finnegan, Second-Oldest; Samuel, Youngest 

Mantra: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley 

Hobbies/Interests 

Favorite drink: Honey latte 

Golf, reading, attending son’s soccer games 

Favorite Bands: Grateful Dead, DMB, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffet 

Favorite authors: David Brooks and Paulo Coehlo