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Category: Faculty and Staff

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.

Share a story of support—Nominate an outstanding member of faculty/staff

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

K-State students are invited to nominate a member of the Staley School of Leadership faculty or staff for the 2025 Rost award.

All Staley School of Leadership faculty and staff are eligible, and includes:

  • The University Honors Program
  • Applied Learning
  • Leadership and service programs
  • Leadership studies academics
  • Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 2.

Established by the Staley School of Leadership student ambassadors, the Rost award recognizes a member of the Staley School faculty or staff who exemplifies the mission statement of the Staley School:

Developing bold, curious, and connected learners to address our world’s most complex challenges

The recipient of this award should not only demonstrate these characteristics in their own lives, but should also inspire others to become better leaders.

Submitted nominations are shared with anyone who is nominated, making this an opportunity to share a message of thanks, support, or kindness with someone who has made an impact demonstrating the Staley School mission statement.

The Staley School Ambassadors will form a committee, review nominations and carefully select the 2025 recipient. The award is presented at Celebrating Service and Leadership, the Staley School spring awards event.

View a list of past recipients. For questions, email Kim Ralston, communications program administrator and co-advisor for the Staley School Ambassadors, at kimralston@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 k-state.edu/leadership.

Leadership Communication celebrates fall 2024 doctoral graduates

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The Leadership Communication doctoral program at Kansas State University celebrated the fall 2024 graduates in December. Chibuzor Azubuike, Ph.D., Shukeyla Harrison, Ph.D., Ania Payne, Ph.D., and Jurdene Coleman, Ph.D., have completed their doctorates in Leadership Communication, an interdisciplinary program between the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education, the Staley School of Leadership, and the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication. 

Faculty and graduates pose for a photo in graduation regalia on commencement day. Pictured: Drs. Kerry Priest, Ania Payne (grad), Brandon Kliewer, Chibuzor Azubuike (grad), Andrew Wefald, Keyla Harrison (grad), and Samuel Mwangi. T
From left: Drs. Kerry Priest, Ania Payne, Brandon Kliewer, Chibuzor Azubuike, Andrew Wefald, Keyla Harrison, and Samuel Mwangi. T

Chibuzor Azubuike, Ph.D., has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Diaspora and Transnational Studies, and certificates in Conflict Resolution and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies.

Azubuike’s dissertation, titled, Narratives of Resilience from Indigenous Women in North America and Africa, examines the lasting consequences of colonialism on Native American and African societies, particularly the disruption of Indigenous leadership and land displacement. 
Chibuzor Azubuike

Her work points out that while much scholarship focuses on the injustices caused by colonization, the lesser-explored perspective of the resilience of Indigenous women in North America and Africa reveals that mentorship and skill-building play a crucial role in fostering resilience, empowering Indigenous women to navigate and challenge the enduring effects of colonialism in their communities. 

Currently an outreach and communications coordinator at the Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas, Azubuike said the robust curriculum and helpful peer mentors greatly impacted her success as a graduate of the Leadership Communication doctoral program. 

Ania Payne, Ph.D., has a bachelor’s degree in English, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing.

Photo: Ania Payne

Payne’s dissertation is titled, Empowering Communities: Asset-Based Approaches to Community Writing Partnerships. Her research finds that English instructors often use inconsistent and deficit-based language when describing community partnerships. To improve community writing practices, it offers recommendations for designing syllabi and classroom experiences that emphasize community strengths and foster true collaboration. 

Payne is an assistant professor of English at K-State. She gained a deep understanding of the scholarship of engagement during the Lead Comm program and appreciated the close relationships and support from faculty who motivated her throughout her time in the program. 

Shukeyla Harrison, Ph.D., has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology, a Master of Business Administration, and a certificate in organizational leadership. She is a program director in the Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering at Kansas State University. Harrison enjoyed the supportive environment of the Leadership Communication team and met lifelong friends. 

Photo of Shukeyla Harrison

Harrison’s dissertation is titled, Illuminating black students’ experiences in higher education: A critical narrative inquiry. Her research examines the gap in Authentic Leadership Theory (ALT) by exploring how authenticity is shaped in academic settings, particularly between Black students and white faculty at predominantly white institutions. It investigates the impact of white fragility on Black students’ self-authenticity, both in college and beyond. The research highlights how these challenges affect academic success and post-graduation opportunities, emphasizing the need for more equitable educational environments. 

Jurdene Coleman, Ph.D., has a bachelor of arts in psychology, a masters in family studies and human services, and a graduate certificate in qualitative research.  

Her dissertation is titled, Black leadership in education governance: A critical autoethnographic study of school board service. Using autoethnography, Coleman’s dissertation explores the experiences of being a Black school board member in a predominantly white Kansas district, highlighting the impact of white supremacist organizational values on school board processes. The study examines the challenges of representation, the necessity of navigating double consciousness, and the barriers to Black participation in governance. Coleman expands on leadership-as-practice theory, offering concrete strategies to increase Black school board member engagement and advocating for more just and inclusive school boards.

Jurdene Coleman

Jurdene Coleman is a trainer for the Kansas Department of Education’s School Mental Health Initiative. She said the Leadership Communication doctoral program opened doors to collaborating with many organizations throughout the state, creating opportunities to build skills in civic facilitation, professional development and leadership coaching.  

“Most importantly, the program taught me that leading change in communities/organizations starts with the people in those communities, and that is a lesson I will continue to exude in my professional experiences.” 

Applications for the Leadership Communication doctoral program for the fall 2026 academic year are currently being accepted. Learn more.