The Kansas State University Foundation has honored Dave and Ellie Everitt of Marco Island, Florida, with the 2026 Medal of Excellence in recognition of their outstanding service, leadership and financial contributions to Kansas State University.
For half a century, the Everitts have given generously of their time and resources in support of academic and institutional excellence at K-State. Through their multidisciplinary approach to philanthropy, the Everitts have touched every student, educator and staff member.
“Today’s workforce operates in teams — in collaboration — now more than ever,” Dave Everitt said. “Giving to universitywide projects gives us a chance to touch a lot of lives and create more opportunities for students to take advantage of, and we’re excited to see what that strategy has been able to achieve.”
One of those broad-reaching projects is the couple’s support of K-State Libraries’ first-floor renovation project, which gave a home to the Center for the Advancement of Digital Scholarship that drastically reduces textbook costs for students through the Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative. Another project, the David and Ellie Everitt Endowment for the Leading Change Institutes, helps future leaders learn to tackle the complex challenges of our era through the Staley School of Leadership. And with their backing of the Berney Family Welcome Center, the Everitts have advanced K-State’s enrollment initiatives by helping provide new Wildcats with an inviting entrance to campus.
“This award is a testament to Dave and Ellie Everitt’s unwavering dedication to empowering students with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions as professionals in their chosen fields,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “We look forward to seeing their generosity continue to shape and inspire Wildcats for years to come.”
Dave is a 1975 graduate of K-State with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He began his career that year as an engineer at Deere & Co., holding a variety of management positions throughout the company in industrial and production engineering, mechanical services and sales. He was appointed senior vice president and managing director of Deere’s European, African and Middle Eastern operations in 1999, and president of Deere’s agricultural division in 2001. Everitt retired in 2012 as president of John Deere’s Global Tractor and Turf Products, and of Agriculture and Turf Division-North America, Asia, Australia and Sub-Saharan and South Africa. He currently serves as an advisor for Fulcrum Global Capital, and a director for Allison Transmission Holdings, Brunswick Corporation and Corteva Agriscience.
Ellie graduated from K-State in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles. She began her career as an administrative assistant at Deere, retiring from the company in 2010 as an information specialist.
Both Dave and Ellie have dedicated years of leadership service to K-State as active members of the Alumni Association and KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, with Dave serving on the foundation’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2023. In 2018, the board of directors was honored with the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Dave was inducted into the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 2006, and is a member emeritus of K-State’s Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Advisory Council.
“Dave and Ellie embody the heart of K-State through their extraordinary service, generous leadership and enduring belief in this university and its people,” said K-State President Richard Linton. “Their impact as volunteers, mentors, philanthropic leaders and devoted Wildcat supporters has helped move K-State forward in ways that will benefit our community for years to come. We are proud to honor the Everitts with the university’s Medal of Excellence.”
As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State. Visit ksufoundation.org/impact/category/release for more information.