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Category: Faculty and Staff

What Matters to Wildcats and Why

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Shawna Jordan “When we talk about … that fast pace and those moments of just living in a society that, at times, has lost the emphasis of community … I think of it all different ways: To take the moments and reflect in that. To take the moments and get to know the people around you … it’s who shapes you.”

This message from Shawna Jordan, associate dean for student success and undergraduate studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences, underscores the value in building and creating community and belonging in our lives. We also heard from K-State Provost Jesse Perez Mendez. Both reflected on and shared their personal journeys. If you missed them, you can find the recordings on our website at this link.

At K-State, we know that community isn’t accidental, it’s built intentionally through shared experiences and honest conversations. What Matters to Me and Why is one way we come together to build that sense of belonging. This year, as K-State focuses on the theme of community through our common read, Together by Dr. Vivek Murthy, these conversations offer a meaningful way to live out that idea. They remind us that we are, indeed, better together.

In a time when busyness often takes priority over belonging, What Matters to Me and Why invites us to pause and explore the values, experiences, and turning points that shape who we are and how we live and lead in community.

Keep reading to learn about upcoming fall 2025 speakers…

Continue reading “What Matters to Wildcats and Why” →

The moments that define service 

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Del’Sha Roberts is the student programs administrator at the Staley School of Leadership, and oversees HandsOn Kansas State, a volunteer service program that serves universitywide and the local community. Here, Roberts reflects on the value of serving from a personal perspective that helps drive her work, fulfill her passion, and connect with community on a deeper level. 

She asks readers to explore within themselves and reflect:

How can we best serve within our communities and how does that serve our personal missions and well-being?  

Del'Sha Roberts

I was recently at a conference when someone asked me a question that has lingered in my mind ever since: “When did you get involved in service, and what was it that made you want to be involved?” 

For me, service has always been part of my DNA. Growing up, my mom and stepdad both worked at a homeless shelter. I watched them give their last, donate their time, and show up for their neighbors again and again. That way of living, putting others first even in small ways, has stayed with me. 

When I think about service today, I think about small moments like these I’ve witnessed in the Manhattan community: 

  • When a community member was scrolling through Facebook saw a post from a woman who did not have a car and no way to get food. Without hesitation, she drove across town and brought her a meal. 
  • When a man sitting in line at a food distribution and spotted a snake. Instead of panicking, he calmly picked it up, carried it to the grass, and set it free, removing a danger and a fear for others. 
  • During Furniture Amnesty Day, when neighbors come together to donate and pick up free furniture, a campus employee noticed a barrier. Some families had no way to transport their items. He stepped up to provide delivery, ensuring those in need could get their furniture home. 

None of these moments were glamorous or carried public recognition. They were not about awards, headlines, or applause. They were about neighbors seeing a need and acting. 

Decorative - Mobile Food Distribution, Friday, Oct. 3 Continue reading “The moments that define service “ →

Staley School recognizes faculty and staff for excellence

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University is proud to announce the recipients of its first-ever Faculty and Staff Professional Awards. These awards mark the beginning of a new tradition to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of faculty and staff in teaching, research, service, and leadership.

Rooted in the School’s mission to develop bold, curious, and connected learners ready to take on the world’s most complex challenges, these honors reflect the commitment of Staley School faculty and staff to K-State’s land-grant values and impact far beyond campus.

“These awards are a way to pause and say: you are seen, you are valued, and you are appreciated,” said Mary Tolar, dean of the Staley School of Leadership, highlighting the spirit of gratitude that underpins the new recognition program.

Chance Lee, Del'Sha Roberts, and Andy Wefald pose with award certificatesThe 2025 recipients are:

Outstanding Practitioner Award: Del’Sha Roberts, MPH
Del’Sha Roberts, MPH is recognized for her exceptional leadership in co-curricular programs including Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows HandsOn Kansas State. Through innovative programming, strong community partnerships, and a relational leadership approach, Roberts has deepened student engagement and service learning. Her efforts, from securing grant funding and launching the School’s first Service Summit to leading global learning trips and TRHT Healing Hubs, exemplify leadership that strengthens both people and communities.

Excellence in Teaching Award: Chance Lee, Ph.D.
Known for his creativity, compassion, and interdisciplinary approach, Chance Lee, Ph.D. is honored for excellence in teaching. As director of the Nonprofit Leadership program and co-instructor of the new course “Practicing Happiness,” Lee brings innovation to the classroom and inspires students to apply leadership concepts to real-world impact. Students regularly describe him as encouraging, reflective, and deeply invested in their growth.

Excellence in Research Award: Andrew Wefald, Ph.D.
Andrew Wefald, Ph.D. receives the research award for his significant contributions to leadership studies, particularly in the areas of coaching, collective leadership, and leadership-as-practice. His work includes books, peer-reviewed articles, and collaborative projects with students and alumni. Wefald’s leadership continues through the upcoming launch of a new coaching certification program at K-State.

These awardees exemplify the dedication, creativity, and care that define the Staley School of Leadership and its vision for shaping leaders who create positive change.

Leadership Communication celebrates spring 2025 doctoral graduates

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The Leadership Communication doctoral program at Kansas State University celebrated the spring 2025 graduates in May. Xatyiswa Maqashalala, Ph.D., Tamas Kowalik, Ph.D., and Andrew Smith, 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.

Lead Comm grads with professors pose in graduation regalia
From left: Andrew Wefald, Ph.D., Andrew Smith, Ph.D., Xatyiswa Maqashalala, Ph.D., Tamas Kowalik, Ph.D., Tim Steffensmeier, Ph.D.

Xatyiswa Maqashalala, Ph.D., has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in agriculture, crops and horticulture from the University of Fort Hare (South Africa), a master’s in sustainable agriculture from the University of Free State (South Africa), a post graduate diploma in management from North-West University (South Africa), and a graduate certificate in conflict resolution from K-State.

Maqashalala’s dissertation, titled, Discourse and decolonization: Analyzing the impact of colonial history and culture on African leadership narratives, explored how colonial history and culture have shaped African leadership, while also examining how African traditions, philosophies, and values can inform the development of inclusive leadership models relevant to the African context. Focusing on South Africa, a nation with a history of colonialism and apartheid, the study analyzed the discourse of community leaders during the transition from apartheid to democracy.

“The Lead Comm program was an affirming experience for me. My professors didn’t just teach, they walked alongside me. Their constant support, openness to collaboration, and belief in my ideas gave me the confidence to grow into the scholar and teacher I am today.” Continue reading “Leadership Communication celebrates spring 2025 doctoral graduates” →

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.