Who we are

K-State First and its programs are made possible by the support of administrators, staff, faculty members, and students from across campus. K-State First has 50 First-Year Seminar faculty, 45 lead Instructors in the CAT Communities, and over 50 Learning Assistants (peer mentors). The K-State First Director and staff (listed below) work closely with a campus-wide advisory workgroup as well as committees focused on communication, research and assessment, K-State First Book, faculty development, diversity and inclusion, and overall strategic planning.

Meet the K-State First Team!

Learn more about our team of dedicated staff, graduate students, and student workers, and what we love about how our work impacts first-year students!

Tara Coleman tcole2@ksu.edu	K-State First Book Coordinator	I love planning, developing, and implementing the common reading experience for K-State students.
Dr. Brie Heidbreder heidbr@ksu.edu	Director	I love bringing together members of the K-State community who are dedicated to the academic and personal success of our newest students.
Pete Loganbill peterl97@ksu.edu	Learning Assistant Coordinator	I love working with our Learning Assistants because of the insights they bring regarding the needs of first-year students. In learning to be supportive of their peers now, they will have the ability to take that spirit of mentorship and support beyond the university.
Totty Norwood nn092300@ksu.edu	Office Specialist	My favorite thing about working with first year students is watching them gleam with excitement for the future and helping them find what they are passionate about!
Halle Schindler	Graduate Assistant: Financial Futures Initiative	I love establishing connections with students through collaborative efforts and crafting content that proves immensely beneficial for their first year in college and sets the stage for lifelong advantages.
Mariya Vaughan mbjv@ksu.edu	Assistant Director	I love working across the university with faculty, staff, and students to create a welcoming and diverse community. I also love working with first-year students in my CAT Community and FYS classes, who I learn so much from every year.