Kansas State launches Presidential Fellows program, schedules Extension Week
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University launched several major initiatives this week, including an inaugural Presidential Engagement Fellows program and Extension and Engagement Week, scheduled for Oct. 20-24.
The university selected seven faculty members as Presidential Engagement Fellows to bring university research and expertise directly to Kansas communities from 2025 to 2028. The fellows will focus on community health and well-being, enabling technologies, global food security and biosecurity, and sustainability.
"The future is created today, and our Presidential Engagement Fellows represent K-State's commitment to co-creating that future with every Kansas community," K-State President Richard Linton said.
The inaugural cohort includes Stephen Higgs, director of the Biosecurity Research Institute; Cassandra Jones, animal sciences professor; Theresa Merrick Cassidy, writing center assistant director; Brandon Savage, management instructor; Darrin Smith, K-State Olathe associate dean; Yue Teng Vaughan, consumer sciences assistant professor; and Linda Yarrow, health sciences assistant professor.
Kansas communities can request visits from fellows whose expertise aligns with local needs. The fellows are prepared to engage audiences ranging from elementary students to business organizations and healthcare systems.
Extension and Engagement Week
Extension and Engagement Week will feature multiple events highlighting K-State's work across all 105 Kansas counties. The week includes the K-State Extension Annual Conference and several public lectures.
Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, will deliver the President's Distinguished Lecture at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the K-State Alumni Center. Her lecture, "State of Science in America and the Future of Innovation," will examine U.S. scientific leadership and innovation.
McNutt will also present a second seminar on artificial intelligence's impact on trust in science at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21 in Throckmorton Hall.
Other Extension Week events include a leadership lecture by Kansas Leadership Center President and CEO Kaye Monk-Morgan on Monday, an adult ADHD symposium Tuesday, university updates Wednesday, an architecture lecture series Wednesday, a media engagement workshop Thursday, and a research commercialization session Thursday.
Biomanufacturing facility opens
K-State opened its Biomanufacturing Laboratory and Training Facility in Seaton Hall during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 23. The facility is part of the university's Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative to establish Kansas as a national leader in biomanufacturing and biosecurity.
The laboratory provides hands-on training with bioreactors, purification methods and advanced analytical technologies. Kansas provides $5 million in annual funding for the work, while a $7 million federal appropriation secured with support from U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran allowed facility expansion and equipment updates.
"The Biomanufacturing Initiative empowers K-State students and faculty by providing hands-on, industry-aligned training and immersive research experiences that prepare them for rapidly evolving careers in biomanufacturing," said Beth Montelone, senior associate vice president for research and project director.
The university is also renovating space in the Bioprocessing and Industrial Value-Added Products Innovation Center within the Edge District for cleanrooms and specialized spaces for vaccine and biologics production.
Southwest Kansas partnership
K-State and Dodge City Community College signed a memorandum of understanding to expand bachelor's degree access in southwest Kansas. The collaboration allows students to complete associate degrees at Dodge City Community College, then finish bachelor's degrees using K-State courses through remote instruction and on-site lab experiences in Dodge City.
Programs will focus on agriculture, education, and health and human sciences, aligning with local workforce demands.
"Both Dodge City Community College and Kansas State University share the same values and purpose: to provide opportunities for people in Kansas and beyond," Linton said. "Through this collaboration between two-year and four-year degree programs, we're creating multiple pathways and options for any Kansas student who wants to pursue higher education."
The collaboration uses the same model as a partnership K-State is developing with Garden City Community College, both aimed at bringing bachelor's degree opportunities to regions historically lacking four-year degree access.
For more information about Extension and Engagement Week events, visit the university's Extension and Engagement Week website. The President's Distinguished Lecture will be livestreamed.