budget issues when Sam Brownback took office as Governor, leading to university budget cuts. Aside from the budget cuts, Tompkins helped search and hire four Regent university presidents: Michael Shonrock, John Bardo, Mirta Martin and Allison Garrett. Tompkins retired on June 30, 2015. Tompkins also served as Fort Hays State University's interim president from December 19, 2016 to December 15, 2017. He became interim president of Wichita State in April 2019 after the death of John Bardo. Awards Kansas Superintendent of the Year, 1992 Inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, 2001 KSHSAA Governor's Award, 2002 KU College of Education Distinguished Service Award, 2004 ESU Distinguished Alumni Award, 2005 Source: References Presidents of Fort Hays State University Presidents of Wichita State University Kansas Board of Regents presidents Pittsburg State University faculty University of Kansas faculty Kansas Commissioners of Education University of Kansas alumni Emporia State University alumni East Central University alumni Living people 1947 births