(a) The secretary of corrections shall appoint a warden of each of the correctional institutions under the secretary’s supervision and control. Such wardens shall be within the classified service under the Kansas civil service act, but the residence requirements of such act shall not apply to such appointment.

(b) All the powers, duties and functions of the existing director of a correctional institution are hereby transferred to, conferred, and imposed upon the warden of such correctional institution. Whenever the director of a correctional institution, or words of like effect, is referred to or designated by a statute, contract or document, such reference or designation shall be deemed to apply to the warden of the correctional institution.