The state’s outgoing education commissioner will join the Kansas University faculty this summer, KU announced Tuesday.

Andy Tompkins will become an associate professor in the School of Education’s educational leadership program. The program prepares students for careers as principals, superintendents and other school administrators.

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“I was out there looking to continue work in leadership development to support our schools,” Tompkins said. “This is a place I could do that and not move again.”

Tompkins said he would keep living in Topeka while working at KU.

He has been education commissioner since 1996 and announced earlier this year he would step down June 6. He previously was interim dean of the education school at Pittsburg State University and spent 17 years as superintendent in the Salina, El Dorado and Satanta school districts.

“The School of Education is very excited to bring Andy to KU,” said Fred Rodriguez, interim dean of the School of Education. “With his strong interest in teaching and research, he will take us in new directions, and he will raise our profile regionally and nationally.”

Tompkins, the longest-serving education commissioner in state history, holds a doctorate in educational administration from KU. His bachelor’s degree is from East Central State University in Ada, Okla., and his master’s is from Emporia State University.

“It’s a great place,” Tompkins said of KU. “We’re fortunate in this state. I feel awfully good about our colleges and universities.”