Rice named first recipient of the Mary Vanier Endowed Professorship
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016
MANHATTAN — Charles W. Rice, university distinguished professor of agronomy at Kansas State University, has been named the first recipient of the Mary L. Vanier University Professorship.
The award, newly created by Mary Vanier, Manhattan, honors and supports innovative faculty members across the academy who are doing exceptional work.
"Endowed professorships, such as this one, are an integral factor to Kansas State University having the ability to recruit and retain distinguished faculty who conduct research on our campus and teach and mentor our students," said April Mason, provost and senior vice president of Kansas State University. "Mary Vanier's gift will allow us to honor our outstanding faculty and provide necessary support for the award recipients to expand their work."
Rice, who is internationally renowned for his research into the role of climate change in agriculture and soil microbiology, is honored to have received this endowed professorship.
"This endowment will enhance my research and outreach on soil microbiology at K-State," Rice said. "The additional funds will greatly help with travel, equipment needs and support of the students in my program."
"The Innovation and Inspiration Campaign is raising $1 billion to move K-State toward our vision of being recognized as a Top 50 public research university by 2025, and supporting faculty is a key component to our success," said Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University. "Mary Vanier's continued support for faculty, students and programs at K-State, and the support of all our donors, are what make this a university that is always breaking new ground and reaching new heights."
Philanthropic contributions to K-State are coordinated by the Kansas State University Foundation. The KSU Foundation was established in 1944 as the official fundraising arm of Kansas State University. It is a separate, independent entity chartered by the state of Kansas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education corporation. The foundation is leading Innovation and Inspiration: The Campaign for Kansas State University to raise $1 billion for student success, faculty development, facility enhancement and programmatic success.
