NW Missouri Times

Ted Place, an alumnus of Northwest Missouri State University, has taken on significant roles both professionally and in volunteer capacities to support meaningful causes. His connection to the university began at a young age, influenced by his parents' ties to the institution.

Place serves as the chief development officer at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. In this role, he leads a campaign to secure philanthropic support for enhancements to the museum's programs and facilities. Additionally, Place recently became president of the Northwest Foundation, where he is involved in preparing for the university’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Reflecting on his childhood experiences with Northwest, Ted recalls finding a $20 bill near the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building during a visit with his family. This early memory is symbolic of his later efforts to raise funds for various causes.

The Place family has longstanding connections with Northwest. Ted's parents, Charles "Chuck" and Linda Nichols Place, were alumni who instilled in him a commitment to supporting their alma mater. Chuck joined P.M. Place Stores Co., founded by Ted’s great-granduncle Pryor M. Place, eventually becoming CEO before transitioning into philanthropy after selling the company.

Ted followed a path that seemed aligned with joining his family's business but pursued higher education at Northwest instead. He earned a degree in journalism with a broadcasting minor and was active in campus life through organizations like Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.

His career included roles at Worlds of Fun amusement park and Hillcrest Ministries before moving into development positions at Kansas City University and KCPT public television station. In 2022, he accepted his current position at the National World War I Museum.

Ted emphasizes community-building over historical interest as motivation for his work at the museum: “It’s just connecting people with something that they are passionate about,” he said.

Through leadership roles within the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors—previously held by his father—Ted continues advocating for initiatives benefiting students and enhancing university resources. The foundation successfully completed campaigns such as “Forever Green,” raising substantial funds for scholarships and capital projects like Hughes Fieldhouse and Agricultural Learning Center.

As new fundraising efforts begin under Ted’s guidance alongside Mike Johnson, vice president of university advancement, they aim to address contemporary challenges while maintaining ties with alumni who share common experiences from their time at Northwest.

Reflecting on these responsibilities as president of the Foundation Board brings humility: “Knowing the people who have filled that role is very humbling...I feel a weight to get it right.”