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Author: Staley School of Leadership

Developing knowledgeable, ethical, caring, inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world

Mobile Food Distribution scheduled Friday, April 11

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

HandsOn Kansas State, in conjunction with Harvesters Community Food Network of Topeka, will host a mobile food distribution Friday, April 11.

The Mobile Food Distribution will take place in the parking lot of the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex, beginning at 4 p.m. until supplies run out.

Add the event to your preferred calendar for reminders and updates:
Facebook | K-State Calendar

The distribution is open to all members of the K-State and Manhattan community with food offered at no cost.

Individuals who plan to walk up are encouraged to bring reusable bags to make it easier to carry food.

Volunteers are needed to assist at the event. To sign up to volunteer, email handson@ksu.edu.

Due to construction on Denison Avenue, please read the following arrival procedures for drivers and review the map below:

  • All vehicles must enter Gate 8 and stage in the H-3 parking lot from the eastbound lane of Kimball Avenue.
  • All vehicles must exit through Gate 9.
  • Participants should plan to help open vehicle doors as needed.

A map of the Rec parking lot shows arrrows and instructions: Enter Gate 8. Exit Gate 9.

HandsOn Kansas State is a program housed within the Staley School of Leadership that promotes civic learning and leadership through meaningful volunteer and service opportunities between campus and community. HandsOn strives to develop socially-responsible citizens, knowledgeably equipped for active participation. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or questions about mobile food distributions, contact HandsOn Kansas State at handson@k-state.edu.

Celebrating Applied Learning Experiences at K-State

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

A photo of K-State Anderson Hall against a bright blue sky.

Applied Learning is part of Kansas State University’s DNA. From the beginning, students have been creating knowledge through cutting-edge research, learning with communities to effect lasting change, collaborating with global partners, and taking ownership of the world’s toughest challenges through leadership. As a Next Generation Land Grant institution, K-State has committed to providing every degree-seeking student with Applied Learning Experiences early and often, ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to flourish.

Today, Applied Learning Experiences by K-State’s definition involve a cycle of purposeful experience, intentional observation, and critical reflection through global, creative, leadership, internship, undergraduate research, and community-engaged learning experiences.

The work to define Applied Learning and to reach every learner by 2030 began in fall 2023 and continues through many teams that represent students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Although the 2030 goal is new, the impact created by student and faculty engagement is not.

“K-State has a long history of having students practice what they are learning in the classroom through real-world application, as a way to help students gain that experience and really deepen the understanding.” said Craig Schroeder, Ph.D., Julie and Roger Davis Executive Director for Applied learning.

What they’ve been up to Continue reading “Celebrating Applied Learning Experiences at K-State” →

Spotlight on Strengths: Mike Finnegan highlights success

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Dear K-State,

We have a lot to celebrate! The K-State Strengths initiative is in its 11th year at Kansas State University, providing free strengths assessments to all undergraduate and graduate students. The K-State Strengths initiative is based on CliftonStrengths and is aimed at increasing student engagement and well-being.

This academic year, more than 600 students have received one-on-one personalized coaching around their top five strengths, and more than 2,500 students have taken the Strengths assessment. These numbers are significant, but we do not measure success by the number of students who have identified their top five strengths.  We measure success by what students are achieving when they name, claim, and aim their top five strengths.

Kaitlyn Bruce, first-year student in biology from Castle Rock, Colorado, is currently utilizing her strengths to positively make an impact on K-State through connection and appreciation.

A portrait of Kaitlin Bruce

When Kaitlyn came to K-State, she had felt like she lost her identity after a high school sports injury, which caused her to not only find out who she was outside of her sport, but where she fit in at K-State. Starting over and finding her place was intense. While she was growing her passion for leadership and science, and building strong connections with other students and mentors, she utilized her strengths of WOO (winning others over), Communication, Positivity, Empathy, and Developer. Applying her Top 5 helped her understand herself and her choices more, leading to connecting with others in and out of classes to build strong relationships. Continue reading “Spotlight on Strengths: Mike Finnegan highlights success” →

K-State team bring home victory, deepens learning at Washburn Leadership Challenge 

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership
Five student team members and their graduate advisor pose for a photo holding up the "W-C" for Wildcat hand signal at the Washburn Leadership Challenge.
From left: Emmanuel Jeje, graduate teaching assistant, and K-State undergraduate students Adelaide Easter, Andrew Le, Katie Janzen, Emma King, and Jenna Wallace, pose for a photo after receiving the Team Collaboration Award at the 2025 Washburn Leadership Challenge Event

Undergraduate students Adelaide Easter, Katie Janzen, Emma King, Andrew Le, and Jenna Wallace, along with team advisor Emmanuel Jeje, graduate research assistant for the K-State Office of Engagement, represented Kansas State University at the 15th annual Washburn Leadership Challenge Event (WLCE). Proudly, they brought home the Team Collaboration Award.

Each year, students arrive at Washburn University to find a simulated real-world experience unfolding. Teams then work together to accomplish an assigned goal corresponding to the experience, and then present their plan. As the teams work through the crisis, unexpected interruptions occur to further imitate real-world crises. They are evaluated on their teamwork, effectiveness in interacting and communicating during the simulation, and the clarity and impact of their presentation at the debate. Continue reading “K-State team bring home victory, deepens learning at Washburn Leadership Challenge “ →

What matters to Wildcats, and why does that matter to you?

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

A collage in black and white of three photos of former What Matters to Me and Why Speakers.

The What Matters to Me and Why Leadership Lecture Series is an informal lunchtime series that encourages reflection within the K-State community on matters of personal values, beliefs, and motivations.

Since 2017, the Staley School of Leadership – along with a campus and community-wide committee – has hosted 31 K-State faculty and staff members from a wide variety of departments, lived experiences, and beliefs. Each one of these presenters has shared a story of their personal journey, elaborating on how they have chosen to live their life, the core values they have adopted, and the lessons they have learned. Through personal storytelling, these lectures support K-State’s Principles of Community and the Health Promoting University.

In the past year, we heard from K-State men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang, K-State First Lady Sally Linton, assistant professor for the Department of Agricultural Economics Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., and assistant professor of educational leadership for the College of Education, Dr. Alex Red Corn. Each one of these presenters reflected and shared their personal journeys. If you missed them, you can find the recordings on our website at this link.

Keep reading to learn about upcoming spring 2025 speakers…

Why it matters

At its core, What Matters to Me and Why is about connection—creating space for meaningful storytelling that deepens our understanding of one another. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over reflection, these conversations remind us that our values, experiences, and choices shape not just our careers but the way we show up in our communities.

For students, this series offers an often-unseen glimpse into the personal and professional journeys of faculty and staff—stories of pivotal moments, tough decisions, and the beliefs that shaped them. Hearing these firsthand accounts helps students navigate their own paths with greater clarity and purpose.

For faculty and staff, these events foster connection beyond job titles and departments. They offer an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and find common ground in shared experiences. It’s a space where the professional meets the personal, strengthening our collective sense of belonging.

Oh, and did we mention there’s lunch for in-person attendees? Plus, if you can’t make it in person, you can join via Zoom—just select the option when you register!

Due to recent updates with K-State Today, this will be the only reminder in the e-newsletter about the events this semester, so mark your calendars for event updates and reminders:

We can’t wait to see you at these upcoming What Matters to Me and Why lectures – in person or online, we’re excited to build community, grow, and learn together at K-State.

Have a K-State colleague in mind for this series or want to volunteer yourself? The planning committee would love to hear from you. Email Tamara Bauer at tamara@ksu.edu.

Student orgs invited to Service Summit: Elevate your service initiatives

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The Staley School of Leadership and HandsOn Kansas State invite student organizations university wide to the Service Summit, a one-day, unique event designed to enhance and elevate student-led service initiatives across campus.

Is your group hosting service events with our local community, such as community fundraisers, cleanup events, blood drives, or even awareness campaigns about social issues?

Or maybe your group has plans to start this type of work, but isn’t sure how to start. The Service Summit is the perfect opportunity to sharpen and develop the skills necessary for your group’s success!

Spots are limited, so secure your place today! Register at this link by Monday, March 24.

A digital flyer for the Service Summit event
Click the image to view a PNG flyer about the Service Summit – then print or share.

Up to two leaders from each student organization involved in service are invited, including fraternities and sororities, multicultural groups, honor societies, and student-led service initiatives. Your participation will help strengthen the service culture at K-State and beyond.

Student leaders will network, engage in workshops by experts, and more:

  • Enjoy Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch – We’ve got you covered!
  • Score Some Cool Freebies – Special swag just for attendees!
  • Strengthen Your Leadership: Gain insights into ethical and sustainable service practices.
  • Connect with fellow student leaders, community partners, and experts in the field.
  • Exclusive Funding Opportunity: Apply for mini grants to support your organization’s next service project.
  • Learn strategies to enhance your current service initiatives and increase their impact.

“We cannot wait to bring student leaders together who all value service – this is an opportunity to think more deeply about the ways in which our service activities benefit our larger communities,” said Del’Sha Roberts, administrator of student programs at the Staley School of Leadership.

“There is so much good work already happening as the University works within community, so we are looking to provide some professional development for students, which really makes these mutually beneficial relationships even more effective. Plus—free food, fun giveaways, and a whole lot of inspiration. Don’t miss it—register by March 24!”

We can’t wait to see you at the Service Summit as we work together to build more ethical, impactful, and sustainable service efforts. Add the event to your calendar for updates and reminders: Facebook | K-State Calendar | OrgCentral

If you have any questions, email Del’Sha Roberts, administrator of student programs, at delrob15@ksu.edu.

The Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service co-curricular programs, the University Honors Program, Applied Learning, and Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. The Staley School develops bold, curious, and connected learners to address our world’s most complex challenges. To learn more, visit our website at www.k-state.edu/leadership.