K-State faculty, student recognized for exceptional teaching, leadership with Presidential Awards
Thursday, May 23, 2024
University leadership surprised the recipients of the Presidential Awards in their classrooms and offices. The awards recognize excellence in teaching and leadership.
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has honored three faculty members for their excellence in teaching and leadership with the 2024 Presidential Awards.
Ray Buyle, professor and head of the GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head. Endy Kailer, doctoral student and graduate teaching assistant in agronomy in the College of Agriculture, received the Presidential Graduate Teaching Assistant Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Christian Larson, instructor of kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Sciences, received the Presidential Award for Undergraduate Teaching.
University leadership surprised the recipients in their classrooms or offices to notify them of the awards.
The annual awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of each awardee in teaching or leadership. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 honorarium sponsored by the university's Office of the President and Curtin Property Company, a real estate development firm with offices in Manhattan and Kansas City.
"More than 30 years ago, during conversations with the president's office, we realized the absence of a comprehensive universitywide recognition program to honor the faculty, graduate teaching assistants and department heads who are the core of inspired education at Kansas State University," said Chris Curtin, president and CEO of Curtin Property Company.
"We believed that by recognizing these distinguished individuals, we would celebrate all those who create a remarkable educational experience at K-State," Curtin said. "On behalf of Nancy Curtin and our family, I want to express our deep gratitude to former presidents Jon Wefald, Kirk Schulz and Richard B. Myers, along with President Richard Linton, for collaborating with our family in this crucial initiative to recognize and reward the true champions of educational excellence at Kansas State University."
Ray Buyle, Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head
Since assuming leadership of the GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science in 2017, Buyle's exceptional leadership has propelled the department to new heights. As head of the department, Buyle oversees a wide array of responsibilities, including academic programs, advising, industry relations and outreach, student internships and job placement, faculty and student development, and fiscal management. His efforts have been recognized through a unanimous endorsement by faculty and staff, with a remarkable 95% approval rating in a recent administrative review.
With more than 23 years of industry experience, Buyle brings practical insight to his role. Under his leadership, the department has achieved a 100% career placement rate for graduates and has facilitated thousands of internships and industry partnerships.
"This award is a testament to the efforts and accomplishments of my faculty and staff," Buyle said. "I was quite surprised to have been selected, but I was not surprised by the strong support of my architectural engineering and construction science family. I am blessed to work with such talented and caring people."
Buyle's commitment to service extends beyond academia. He has organized student-centric construction service projects in various states, showcasing his dedication to community engagement and student development. Additionally, his efforts in renovating the department's facilities through more than $5 million in industry support demonstrate his strategic vision and ability to secure philanthropic support.
"I am fortunate to have great fellow department head mentors within the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, not to mention the guidance and example of the department heads who preceded me," Buyle said. "This position has been the most rewarding of my career. I love this place, and I love working here."
Endy Kailer, Presidential Graduate Teaching Assistant Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Kailer, an international student from Brazil, embodies resilience and dedication. She has excelled in her academic pursuits and is now recognized for her unique teaching style. Her journey from teaching English for 11 years in Brazil to becoming a guest lecturer and invited speaker from various disciplines reflects her commitment to education and service.
Recognized for her excellence in teaching, Kailer has received numerous accolades, including the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture National Graduate Student Teaching Award, the Education and Outreach Award of the American Society of Agronomy, the Richard Elmore Brown Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture, the Graduate Student Council Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Award and the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Excellence in Teaching Award. Her innovative teaching methods, such as the creation of epoxy-resin blocks for soil microbiology demonstrations, have garnered praise from students and faculty alike.
"I am humbled and grateful to be recognized for my teaching, which is a true passion of mine. As an educator, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of my students, just as my own teachers and professors did for me all the way back in Brazil," Kailer said. "I am deeply thankful to my mentors at K-State for their guidance and support, which has allowed me to pursue my dream of sharing my love of soils and connecting with others."
As an instructor for the Soil Microbiology Laboratory, Kailer's enthusiasm and active engagement, as well as her innovative hands-on activities, inspire her students and colleagues. Her dedication to teaching, coupled with her compassionate nature, positions her as a role model for future educators.
"It is my priority to prepare engaging and relatable lessons that leave a lasting impact on my students," Kailer said. "My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel a sense of belonging and connection to the material, empowering them to reach their full potential. This recognition means the world to me, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue inspiring and educating future generations."
Christian Larson, Presidential Award for Undergraduate Teaching
With more than 16 years of dedicated service to the kinesiology department, Larson has consistently demonstrated exceptional teaching skills and a genuine commitment to student success. Since joining the department in 2007, Larson has earned recognition through various teaching awards, including the Stamey Teaching Award, the Mortar Board Outstanding Teaching Award, and the Commerce Bank and W.T Kemper Foundation Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. His ability to connect with students and deliver engaging lectures has made him a respected figure within the university community.
Larson credited his faith and the support of his family, as well as his department head Craig Harms, other faculty members and his students with setting him up for success.
"Without this incredible group of people, my job would be impossible," Larson said. "Thank you to President Linton and the selection committee for the honor of receiving this award. I am so proud to be part of the K-State family."
Larson's teaching skills extend to both large lectures and smaller classroom settings. As the lead instructor for Biobehavioral Bases of Physical Activity, a course with more than 220 students, he ensures quality education while also supervising graduate teaching assistants in the department. Additionally, Larson teaches courses such as Biomechanics and Principles of Exercise Training, both of which have consistently high enrollment. His commitment to student success is evident in his thorough involvement in advising, where he assists nearly 600 students in the department.
"I can't put into words how much fun my students have made my job," Larson said.
The awardees were recognized at the 2024 All-University Awards Ceremony in April.
