About Us

PAR STRATEGIES, LLC

PAR Strategies, LLC provides expert counsel in the areas of leadership development, executive coaching, strategic direction, and executive-level planning in government relations. PAR Strategies, LLC focuses on three things: (1) People - Focusing on relationships and developing an ability to grow people is critical to organizational and governmental success. (2) Access - Providing access to the correct resources, data, and strategic partnerships will achieve the goals and objectives set out for the organization. (3) Results - All efforts are aimed toward achieving desired results.

Our Visionary Principal

Eric L. Sexton, PhD

Since 2017 Eric L. Sexton, PhD has been the principal for PAR STRATEGIES, LLC he has 26 years experience providing strategic direction, leadership, development, government relations, and executive level planning at postsecondary educational institutions. He served Wichita State University by building long-term relationships with alumni, athletic boosters, and elected and appointed officials at the local, state and federal levels to advance the university mission to provide for academic, research and athletic needs.

Eighteen of his years at Wichita State were spent in the area of government relations at the local, state and federal levels of government. In his capacity as Executive Director of Government Relations, he secured the distinction of WSU becoming 15th in the country in directed federal appropriations for important programs. His ability to develop lasting relationships and provide clear explanations of policy preferences provided the best opportunity for success. In addition, he served as Director of Athletics where he took a growing and successful program ($26 million operating budget) to new heights (38 MVC titles), overseeing arguably the greatest eight years in Shocker Athletic history and while operating 7 of 8 years in the black.

In his early career prior to WSU, Sexton served as IBM’s Marketing Representative for southwest Kansas K-12 schools. He led sales and marketing of computer hardware and software to 125 school districts, managing proposals, presentations, and support staff to deliver tailored technology solutions.

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Sexton is heavily involved in the community, including board service on the Kansas Historical Society Foundation. Among others Sexton served on the Wesley Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Derby Community Foundation, and was a founding member of Real Men, Real Heroes. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Sexton to the Presidential Commission for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Eric is an avid golfer and competes in amateur events. He also enjoys hunting quail and pheasant. In addition, he spends time doing Kansas staycations with his wife of 36 years, Kathy Sexton.

Who We Are

As the founder of PAR Strategies, LLC, Eric L. Sexton, PhD dedicated 26 years sculpting the future of post secondary education through robust government relations and executive planning. Presently, Dr. Sexton offers his expertise to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group as a consultant and independent contractor.

Sexton puts a high priority on connecting clients with legislators and key decision-makers, as well as helping them tell their stories using appropriate metrics and date. Sexton's clients get strategic guidance to best achieve their public policy and advocacy goals.

A negotiation with State Agencies, Local Officials, and Congressional Officers is a key skill that Sexton employs routinely to assist clients in achieving their goals.
His insightful contributions to Foulston's Kansas Legislative Insights newsletter and his active engagement in Topeka during legislative sessions are a testament to his enduring influence and steadfast commitment to advocacy.

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Success

Sexton’s track record and deep understanding of legislative processes render him an indispensable resource for organizations seeking meaningful consulting services.

Recently, Sexton’s strategic relationships and skilled negotiations led to acquisition of a $5 million grant, a legislative and administrative victory aimed at workforce development in Kansas. This critical funding spurred a significant investment of private capital, resulting in the successful relocation of a notable West Coast company to Kansas, bringing both employment opportunities and a stronger economic outlook for the state.

Connections

Just as important as specific legislative successes, Sexton has fostered critical connections and relationships for clients. When the opportunity arises to engage in the legislative process, his clients are positioned for maximizing success.

Sexton has consistently forged essential relationships that provide the framework to connect people with the right access to yield results.

Dr. Sexton’s comprehensive grasp of legislative intricacies make him an asset for any entity in pursuit of results-oriented consulting services.

During his tenure at Wichita State University (WSU), Dr. Sexton built relationships that took the university to new heights. As Executive Director of Government Relations, he positioned WSU as 15th nationwide in securing directed federal appropriations, showcasing his skillful policy advocacy and partnership development.

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In the athletic domain, Sexton’s tenure as Director of Athletics from 2008 to 2015 was transformative. Under his stewardship, Shocker Athletics entered a golden era, securing 38 Missouri Valley Conference titles and enhancing the program’s stature through strategic retention of coaches and improvement of facilities.

Most Recently

  • Helped advance efforts to increase funding of the Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship to address the rising costs of medical education, and improve the state's ability to recruit and retain physicians.
  • Helped obtain state legislative support for housing, innovation, and high-impact economic development projects in a growing North Central Kansas community.

Clients & Current Work

  • Provides strategic consulting via Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy group.
  • Authors Kansas Legislative Insights, offering actionable policy analysis.
  • Architect of a $5M workforce development grant, spurring private investment and relocating a West Coast company to Kansas.

Community & National Influence

  • Nonprofit Leadership: Currently serves on the Kansas Historical Foundationand and The Friends' of Cedar Crest Foundation. Formerly served on Wesley Medical Center Board of Trustees, Derby Community Foundation and was a founding member of Real Men, Real Heroes.
  • Presidential Appointment: Commission for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (2002, G.W. Bush).

Transformative Leadership at Wichita State University

As a cornerstone of WSU’s growth, Dr. Sexton’s legacy includes:

  1. Government Relations Excellence
    1. 18 years leading efforts to secure federal, state, and local funding.
    2. Elevated WSU to 15th nationwide in directed federal appropriations through strategic partnerships.
    3. Mastered policy advocacy with a focus on clear, actionable solutions for institutional needs.
  2. Athletic Program Renaissance (2008–2015)
    1. Directed a $26M operating budget, achieving 38 Missouri Valley Conference titles.
    2. Maintained financial health, operating 7 of 8 years in the black.
    3. Oversaw facility upgrades and coach retention, marking the "golden era" of Shocker Athletics.
  3. Key Achievements at WSU
    1. Academic: Record Academic Progress Rate of 977.
    2. Facilities: HD scoreboard/sound system at Charles Koch Arena; baseball/golf training complexes.
    3. Fundraising: $4.2M record SASO campaign (2012–13).

Personal Passion

  • Avid Golfer: Competes in regional/national amateur tournaments.
  • Outdoorsman: Enjoys quail and pheasant hunting.
  • Family: Kansas staycations with his wife of 31 years, Kathy Sexton.
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Boost Your Leadership

Engaging with us offers numerous benefits, including enhanced leadership capabilities and strategic direction. Get in touch today.

Boost Your Leadership

Engaging with us offers numerous benefits, including enhanced leadership capabilities and strategic direction. Get in touch today.