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Author: Staley School of Leadership

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

Block Party welcomed students back to campus

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

A student learns about opportunities at a tent and table at the Block PartyThe fourth annual Staley School Block Party, hosted Wednesday, Aug. 28, was once again filled with fun, connection, and plenty of opportunities to learn about all the amazing programs our School has to offer!

Students and other guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere, complete with the yourUnforgettable 360 Photo Booth capturing memories, refreshing shaved ice treats from the nonprofit leadership team, and an exciting showcase of ways to get involved on campus.

From student organizations, to community involvement locally and globally, to academic programs, there was something for everyone, and the energy throughout the event was contagious.

The Staley School is grateful to everyone who joined in to make this event one to remember.

Be sure to check out…

Questions about anything? Email us at leadership@ksu.edu and we can help you find the best way to develop your leadership, scholarship, and practice service-learning and applied learning in your communities.

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, and Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. The Staley School equips learners with leadership skills and academic excellence through applied learning experiences, in-class learning, and community partnerships around the world. To learn more, visit www.k-state.edu/leadership.  

Public policy essential skills workshop for students

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Students, are you interested in learning how public policy affects your everyday life and how you can make an impact? The Staley School of Leadership Student Ambassadors invite students to a dynamic workshop series led by Caitie Whelan, a former Congressional staffer and policy entrepreneur. Whelan is known for her practical, relatable approach to understanding and shaping public policy, and her workshops are designed to be accessible to everyone—no prior experience or political knowledge is required.

Seats are limited to 40 students per session, so be sure to register early. Light refreshments will be provided.

What students will gain

  • Understanding how public policy affects you – From what’s on your dinner table to the roads you drive on, public policy shapes your world.
  • Tools to engage with policymakers – Learn how to communicate with local and state politicians to advocate for change.
  • Clarity on how to influence decisions – Discover which government representatives handle specific issues, and how to frame your message for the best results.
  • Actionable skills – Walk away with a toolkit of practical skills that will empower you to make a difference.
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This workshop series is perfect for students looking to play an active role in shaping their community and future. Whelan makes the world of public policy approachable and hands-on, ensuring you leave each session equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take action.

“I believe opportunities like this are essential for personal growth. Before attending, you may feel uncertain, but by the end, this experience is likely to have a lasting impact on your life,” said Lauren Taylor, senior studying communications with a minor in leadership studies and certificates in nonprofit leadership and social media marketing. Continue reading “Public policy essential skills workshop for students” →

Announcing the 2025 James R. Coffman Leadership Institute: Empowered Individuals, Enhanced Institutions

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Kansas State University proudly presents the 2025 James R. Coffman Leadership Institute. This three-day institute, Jan. 8-10, 2025, will offer faculty and unclassified staff a unique opportunity to refresh and enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. The Coffman Institute serves as a launching point for continuous leadership development, professional networking, and empowerment of K-State professionals. The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.

Purpose of the Institute 

The three primary objectives of this institute are: 

  1. Provide an opportunity for participants to refresh and develop their leadership skills in a safe yet challenging learning environment.
  2. Provide an opportunity for networking and interdisciplinary cooperation for faculty and staff.
  3. Infuse Kansas State University with more empowered faculty and staff leaders.

Building relationships

An essential key for leadership success in any organization is building strong relationships. Institute participants will have the opportunity to explore and initiate collaborative projects and discuss leadership issues. They will also have the chance to strengthen current relationships and to build new ones with other professionals at Kansas State University. 

Recognizing your leadership style

The James R. Coffman Leadership Institute is based on the philosophy that every individual can successfully lead. This success depends on learning leadership skills as well as recognition of one’s leadership style. Further refining of one’s leadership style, understanding its associated strengths and challenges as well as its impact on decision-making, conflict resolution, and problem-solving preferences will be a major focus of the institute. 

Institute format

The James R. Coffman Leadership Institute is a three-day experience.

Activities are arranged to maximize participant learning and engage all learning styles. Topics may include: inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, change management, leadership style assessment, shared leadership, and team building. Formats: workshops, panel discussions, small and large group activities, small group discussions, multimedia presentations, case studies, and self-assessments. 

What to expect

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a focused and in-depth adult learning experience aimed at leadership development. They will be offered knowledge and skill-based learning modules to engage them cognitively and behaviorally. Attendees will also interact with other professionals who want to make a difference at K-State. Conference activities will take place at K-State’s Manhattan campus and in the local Manhattan community. As a feature of the institute, participants will get to experience and interact with different parts of the campus and community. 

Nomination deadline: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

Interested individuals may self-nominate, or a dean, director, or department head can nominate. In the case of a self-nomination, the nominee’s dean, director or department head will be asked to confirm support of the nominee. All nominations can be completed via the 2025 James R. Coffman Leadership Institution Nomination form. 

Prior to submitting a nomination, all applicants should be available to attend the institute in its entirety and be in good standing with their department. Please do not self-nominate or nominate individuals who have previously attended the James R. Coffman Leadership Institute. 

What previous participants have had to say

  • Over 90% of past participants reported that workshops were extremely effective-to-effective. “It was so empowering and an honor to attend.” 
  • “My biggest takeaway from the institute was not learning new leadership concepts or skills but rather an increased awareness about leading on purpose and with purpose.”  
  • “The institute has equipped me with knowledge about my strengths which will be helpful in collaborating with others on research projects and project proposal, and leading my research them. My goal is harnessing my strengths to improve my research program.” 
  • “My expectations were pretty high, and you managed to surpass them.” 
  • “Both the community building and leadership goals were definitely met.” 
  • “Very effective…well organized, meaningful sessions and activities.” 

Additional information
For additional information please contact Kait Long, Staley School of Leadership, at kaitlinl@ksu.edu or Megan Eakin, Human Resources, at meganeakin@ksu.edu.

 

Coach Jerome Tang to present What Matters to Me and Why

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

What Matters to Me and Why leadership lecture series. Image of Coach Jerome Tang, K-State Men's Basketball Coach

The Staley School of Leadership invites students, staff, faculty, and community members to kick off the 2024-25 What Matters to Me and Why leadership lecture series with Kansas State University’s men’s basketball Coach, Jerome Tang.

This What Matters to Me and Why lecture will take place noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the K-State Student Union Forum Hall and on Zoom. The Staley School will hand out cookies, and we encourage attendees to enjoy lunch on their own before or after the event.

Registration is required and due by 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2.

What Matters to Me and Why encourages reflection within the K-State community on matters of personal values, beliefs, and motivations in order to better understand the lives and inspirations of those who serve and shape the University. The presenter is encouraged to share a story of their personal journey – how they have chosen to live their life, the core values they have adopted, the personal choices they have made and lessons they have learned.

“This series is approaching its ninth year with nearly 30 K-Staters having presented, which really speaks for itself when you consider the value and impact it creates for our campus community,” said Tamara Bauer, Ed.D., assistant professor of teaching and director of leadership and service programs at the Staley School of Leadership.

“Programs that positively impact Wildcats’ social well-being is so critical to the strength of our campus success, and this form of storytelling helps us understand one another and build trust, which really makes a difference as we work across the University to deliver excellence for our students and communities.”

This informal leadership lecture series supports K-State’s Principles of Community and the Health Promoting University by encouraging reflection on matters of personal values, beliefs and motivations to better understand the lives and inspirations of those who serve and shape the university.

This series is sponsored by the Staley School of Leadership and supported by a cross-campus planning committee.

Additional opportunities from the Staley School that focus on social well-being include ‘Cats Connect, Wildcat Dialogues, and many more. Subscribe to the Staley School web calendar events to receive regular event updates.

Facilitators needed for Wildcat Dialogues

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Wildcat Dialogues is an intercultural leadership experience designed to introduce first-time students to tools they can use to engage in meaningful dialogues across differences to help create communities of belonging at K-State. 

Are you ready to serve as a small group facilitator? Sign up by Monday, Sept. 9. K-State students, faculty and staff are invited to join us as facilitators. Facilitators are needed each year to play a critical role helping first-year students connect with each other, share their stories and engage in meaningful dialogue. Training is provided and facilitators will get a free Wildcat Dialogues T-shirt.

Wildcat Dialogues will take place 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the K-State Student Union. In addition, facilitators are needed to host a small make-up session 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24.

As a small group facilitator you will:

  • Guide groups of 8-10 students in a dialogue to help them develop skills in intercultural leadership
  • Actively contribute to the university in its mission to create a campus culture of belonging for all students
  • Develop your own ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue around difficult topics

How can you join us? All facilitators will participate in training on intercultural learning and small group facilitation, as well as detailed information on the program for Wildcat Dialogues.

To prepare, there is a short training module to complete on Canvas, and facilitators will need to attend a training session and practice session.

Facilitators will need to attend one of the following training sessions in-person at the Leadership Studies Building:

  • 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10
  • 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
  • 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Additionally, first-time facilitators (and anyone who would like to) will be asked to attend a facilitation practice.
  • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16
  • 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17

Are you ready to serve as a small group facilitator? Sign-up using this link by Monday, Sept. 9.

Join us as a facilitator and gain essential skills during this applied learning opportunity.

Have questions or want to know more? Check out the FAQ’s about the event or email Tamara Bauer or Austin Drake, Staley School of Leadership, tamara@ksu.edu or adrake329@ksu.edu.

 

Create belonging at Wildcat Dialogues on Sept. 18

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Video preview: WIldcat Dialogues. Participants share what you can expect at this event.

Are you in your first year (or first time) at K-State? Join us for a K-State tradition – Wildcat Dialogues.

Mark your calendars for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18! Wildcat Dialogues is an intercultural learning and leadership event designed for all first-year K-State students. This evening provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and building connections, as we work to create a community of belonging for all. For those who can’t attend Sept. 18, there is a make-up session 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. See registration forms for details.

Registration is due by Sunday, Sept. 15:

During Wildcat Dialogues, students will:

  • Learn how to create communities of belonging
  • Build cross-cultural relationships through meaningful dialogue
  • Engage in active listening, empathy and perspective-taking
  • Build a skillset to understand cultural differences and similarities

Continue reading “Create belonging at Wildcat Dialogues on Sept. 18” →

Students facilitate learning with local JAG-K

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Being a part of the Staley School of Leadership means having real-world opportunities to practice leadership. Jess Pittenger, a sophomore majoring in philosophy in the pre-law track with a minor in leadership studies, experienced this firsthand.

Pittenger, a co-chair for the Staley School Ambassadors’ education committee, developed a plan to facilitate a leadership learning experience with the organization JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas). This nonprofit organization provides elective classes for Kansas high school students, offering academic resources, assistance with post-graduation plans, and exposure to extracurricular activities.

Continue reading “Students facilitate learning with local JAG-K” →