Cynthia Holthaus
- Contact
- Morgan HallSuite 2001700 SW College AveTopeka, KS 66621-1117785.670.1556
- Degrees & Certifications
- Univ of Nebraska at Kearney, Bachelor of Science
- Washburn Univ School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Career Accomplishments
Cynthia Holthaus serves as Chief of Staff and Director of Government Relations. She has been at Washburn since 2010, beginning as a Compliance Officer with the University Counsel’s office before moving to the role of Special Assistant to the President, which she served for seven years before her current role, effective July 1, 2023.
Cynthia grew up in Nebraska, earning her Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2005, then moving to Topeka to attend Washburn Law School. Since earning her law degree in 2008, she served as a prosecutor in Topeka and worked with the Kansas Highway Patrol before joining the University Counsel’s office at Washburn. She was an attorney for six years, practicing in regulatory compliance and employment law. Her responsibilities in the President's Office include managing projects, being a liaison with community and campus groups, and assisting with legislative initiatives. She still practices law on a limited basis with the University Counsel’s office.
In the community, Cynthia is the University representative on the Visit Topeka Board and Intergovernmental Cooperation Council. Previously, she has served on the Momentum 2022 Downtown/NOTO workgroup, the Management Committee for Heartland Visioning. She also chaired the Charity Committee at her church, CTK, served two years as chair of Florence Crittenton’s Board of Directors, and served as a mentor for 1Ls at Washburn Law School and as a mentor for undergraduate female students through the Gold Torch Program at UNK.
When not at work, Cynthia enjoys attending Washburn and Topeka events, reading books, cooking, baking and spending time with friends and family.
