Applied Learning Experiences

Applied Learning Experiences and Next-Gen K-State

In September 2023, under the leadership of President Linton, the University launched the Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan. This plan is comprised of ten bold imperatives designed to position K-State as a next-generation land-grant university by 2030. Imperative three focuses on providing real-world, real-time experiences for every student before they graduate.

"We will provide every degree-seeking student with applied learning experiences before they graduate, fulfilling our commitment to prepare students for life beyond K-State starting early in their college experience."

The Staley School of Leadership has been charged to engage faculty and staff across the university, and community and industry stakeholders to advance this important work. As a community, we will meet this ambitious goal by better understanding existing opportunities and deepening and expanding access for all students. Applied learning experiences have the potential to give students confidence and clarity in their future careers — and competence and purpose as they pursue it.

We want to hear from you, students. Take our one-minute snapshot survey:

Take the Survey

Meet our Team

Our Team

Core Team

Mary Tolar, Ed.D.

Dean, associate professor, Staley School of Leadership

“Applied learning is in K-State’s DNA and centers our students in how we deliver our land-grant mission. I’m as excited for the impact on our communities, industries, and neighbors as I am for all our students who will deepen learning and build skills engaging real-world challenges in real time.”

Craig Schroeder, Ph.D.

Inagural Julie and Roger Davis Executive Director for Applied Learning

"As a lifelong learner, I'm excited to contribute my skills and passion to the continued growth and development of Kansas and the students of Kansas State University.”

Maggie Billman

Programs/project coordinator, Staley School of Leadership

"As a K-State graduate, I know how deeply I was impacted by learning experiences beyond the traditional. I am honored by the opportunity to support these experiences for each degree-seeking student."

Sadye Patterson

Applied Learning Intern, Staley School of Leadership

"As a Junior at K-State, I have been involved in many Applied Learning Experiences. I want every student at K-State to have the same opportunities to participate in these amazing learning experiences!"

Emily Lehning

Emily Lehning, Ph.D

Roots and Legacies

Strategic Partner

"Applied learning is enriching, engaging, and an opportunity to connect students with interesting, real-life challenges. It is a great way to make learning come alive and for students and K-State to make a difference. I am excited to see K-State expand offerings for students and expand our reach into more communities, businesses, and organizations."

Subject Matter Experts

Kerri Keller

Kerri Keller, Ph.D.

Director, K-State Career Center

"My doctoral dissertation was examining internships as a high-impact educational practice. I also teach a class for students who are completing internships during the fall and spring semesters. I love hearing about the real-world, hands on learning experiences of our students!"

Katelin Christianer-Donkers, M.Ed.

Director, Education Abroad

“Education Abroad is such a transformative experience for students. I am thrilled to support the University’s efforts in providing all types of applied learning opportunities and to promote the benefits they bring to the students and their environments!”

Susan Rensing, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research

"I am excited to expand undergraduate research opportunities to more K-Staters and to help deepen connections to local organizations through community-based learning."

Drew Pearl, Ph.D.

Assistant professor, leadership and community-engaged learning

"Applied learning has the potential to transform the way that students, faculty, staff, and communities collaborate, learn, and thrive together."

Timeline

Achieving the bold imperative to provide applied learning experiences to every degree-seeking student by 2030 will require a phased approach.

Phase 1: Discovery and Design

Fall 2023

This phase featured review of national literature and peer programs. Targeted site visits were conducted. A core team of university leaders convened to draft definitions of applied learning and initial applied learning experiences based on early findings.

Phase 2: Continued Discovery and Design, Early Implementation

Spring 2024

This phase involves engaging academic partners across the university to define, identify, and map excellent applied learning experiences already offered. The mapping exercise will clarify opportunities, gaps, and obstacles. Working definitions will be available for the university to provide input.

Outreach to partners in communities, including our alumni, business, and industry colleagues will help inform a model that bridges K-State communities with the goal of expanding access to real-world, real-time experiences.

Phase 3: Continued Discovery and Design, Implementation

Summer 2024

This phase will focus on accountability. Further examination of mechanisms for tagging and tracking applied learning experiences will include analysis of existing systems and benchmarking systems used by peers.

Initial plans for a program to bridge K-State communities for expanded access to applied learning experiences will be shared.

An Excutive Director will be hired. This individual will lead this charge at K-State.

Phase 4: Continued Design, Implementation, and Assessment

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

This phase will include designing and launching a grant program to incentivize the expansion of opportunities through academic departments. A pilot grant process will be developed to provide direct support to students to enable them to take advantage of applied learning opportunities.

During this phase, we will identify additional applied learning experiences and engage in a process to define, identify, and map those already offered. Work will center on how to scale offerings and institutionalize access to applied learning.

Consideration of how to offer inclusive and varied experiences for all learners will be explored. Input on applied learning for all degree-seeking students will be gathered. This work will connect applied learning experiences to all learners, including online.

Phase 5: Implementation and Assessment

Fall 2025 and Beyond

Grant programs for expansion of opportunities and to support students in participating in applied learning experiences will be readied for further implementation.

Applied learning participation baselines will be established for many student groups. Implementation and assessment efforts will be solidified.