K-Staters in the news — December 2017
Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xls) with all of this month's news stories.
Friday, Dec. 22, 2017
National/international
Kansas State Hires Firm to Assist Boosting Enrollment
12/20/17 U.S. News and World Report
Kansas State is hiring consultants to help it reverse declining enrollment.
State/Regional
Small-business office could open on KSU-Polytech campus
12/21/17 Salina Journal
A Small Business Development Council office could open in the first quarter of 2018 on the campus of Kansas State University Polytechnic, CEO and Dean Verna Fitzsimmons told members of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization at a meeting on Thursday.
Local
K-State hires Samuel as chief diversity and inclusion officer
12/21/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State has found the man who will lead the university in addressing diversity and inclusion issues on campus. The university has named Bryan Samuel as its first chief diversity and inclusion officer. He will start in March.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017
National/international
Kansas State hires firm to assist boosting enrollment
12/20/17 The Seattle Times
Kansas State is hiring consultants to help it reverse declining enrollment.
State/Regional
Poinsettias Present a Yuletide Challenge for Plant Enthusiasts
12/20/17 Kansas Ag Connection
The poinsettia is probably the most familiar form of a specialized leaf known as a bract. The bracts are bright red, and they surround the very small flowers, which are usually yellow. When shopping for a poinsettia, K-State Research and Extension horticulturist Ward Upham suggests looking for the brightest yellow flowers, as those tend to be fresher.
Local
Myers, K-State look to future to combat bioterror
12/20/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State President Richard Myers last week testified to members of U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee about the need to protect our food systems.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017
National/international
KSU selected to improve child nutrition safety
12/19/17 Women's Health Magazine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has selected Kansas State University to direct the Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs. The research resulting from this partnership will help improve food safety across all of USDA’s child nutrition programs, which serve billions of meals to children each year.
*Solution For PRRS
12/19/17 Farms.com
K-State veterinarian Bob Rowland talks about his latest swine genetic work that could well lead to the full eradication of a long-standing and devastating disease in pigs, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, or P-R-R-S...they have found that removing a certain protein from the sow's genetic make-up can lead to P-R-R-S-resistant piglets.
Local
*Chapman Center for Rural Studies receives $100K grant
12/19/17 Manhattan Mercury
The Kansas State University Chapman Center for Rural Studies has been awarded $100,000 by the National Endowment for the Humanities to help rural historical societies and museums in Kansas with professional planning in collections, preservation and programming.
K-State hires firm to assist boosting enrollment
12/19/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State is bringing in experts to help turn the tide on falling enrollment. The university said Tuesday it has hired Huron Consulting Services LLC, a national consulting firm, to help the university to rethink its enrollment strategies.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017
National/international
Your Step-by-Step Guide To Finally Becoming A Runner
12/18/17 Women's Health Magazine
FIND A RUNNING BUDDY Even better: People who got sweaty with someone they thought was fitter than them upped their workout time and intensity by up to 200 percent, a study from Kansas State University found.
C. Clyde Jones reflects on building college, community
12/18/17 Topix
Jones was involved with the university at the start. He was hired as the head of the K-State business department when it was still part of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Local
K-State scientists explore how small dams in streams disrupt native fishes
12/18/17 Manhattan Mercury
As many as 2 million small dams — less than 25 feet high — block streams throughout Kansas and the U.S., and researchers in K-State’s Division of Biology are studying how these dams affect the Kansas aquatic system.
K-State contributes to understanding of nanomaterial immunosafety in medicine
12/18/17 Manhattan Mercury
A research team that includes scientists and modelers with Kansas State University’s Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine, or ICCM, and Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State, or NICKS, has studied the inflammatory responses triggered by nanoparticles.
Monday, Dec. 18, 2017
National/international
Drought leaves U.S. Plains wheat vulnerable to freeze damage
12/15/17 Business Insider/Reuters
"With dry topsoil, we are definitely more exposed to any sharp drop in temperatures," Romulo Lollato, Kansas State University extension wheat specialist, said of the dormant 2018 crop, noting that dry soil cools more quickly than moist soil.
State/Region
*Tuffy's Pet Foods Invests in the Pet Food Science Program at Kansas State University
12/15/17 KCTV 5
Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Perham, Minnesota, announced today it has made an investment in the pet food science program in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University. They have given a gift to create the Tuffy’s Pet Foods Leadership Fund for Faculty and Program Development in Pet Food Science.
Local
Jones deserves all the tributes coming on his birthday
12/17/17 Manhattan Mercury
C. Clyde, as he is widely known, was the first dean of the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University. The college now has an annual fun run named for him. He was involved in K-State athletics, and remains a huge fan.
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
National/international
Kansas State University officials say food supply threatened
12/14/17 Associated Press (Also appeared in McClatchy DC, Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle)
The president of Kansas State University has told Congress that the school needs federal funds to continue vital research into fighting disease and biological threats that he warned could devastate America’s food supply.
State/Region
Cooperation Key for Blended Families During the Holidays
12/14/17 Kansas Ag Connection
Charlotte Shoup Olsen, a family systems specialist at Kansas State University, said it's important that adults in blended families plan ahead to make the season less stressful.
Local
Cat Coin: President Myers begins new K-State coin tradition
12/13/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State President Richard Myers awarded Vogel a K-State Coin, a tradition he recently brought with him from his time in the U.S. military. The coin features a purple Powercat and Myers’ name on one side and the university seal on the other.
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
National/international
Hyperlens crystal could show us living cells in new detail
12/13/17 Futurity
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, Kansas State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Columbia University also contributed to the study.
Would you advise Trump on science? Survey examines attitudes of U.S. researchers
12/13/17 ScienceMag
“You need to be at the table, otherwise you are on the table,” says Charles Rice, a soil scientist at Kansas State University in Manhattan who labels himself a moderate Republican. “Just ignoring [the administration] would not help the scientific community,” says Rice, who is chair of the agriculture board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), an independent body that conducts government-funded studies.
State/Region
Our food supply’s under threat and we’re not ready, K-State president tells Congress
12/13/17 Wichita Eagle
America’s food supply is threatened by both terrorism and natural plant and animal diseases, and the nation is not prepared to deal with it, the president of Kansas State University testified to Congress Wednesday.
Local
K-State receives $1.8 million grant for gene research
12/13/17 Manhattan Mercury
A worm and a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health could help a K-State researcher understand how small molecules affect genes.
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
National/international
Industry Influencer Angie Herbers Launches Beyond U, First Independent Online Education Platform for Financial Advisors
12/12/17 Business Insider
Herbers is a 2001 graduate of Kansas State University's CFP® registered undergraduate program.
State/Region
Here’s why those Christmas cookies could cost more this year
12/12/17 Wichita Eagle
“It’s supply and demand,” said Karen Blakeslee, coordinator of K-State Food Science’s Rapid Response Center. “Recovering from that takes a long time, so we’ll be seeing those higher prices for awhile since growing vanilla is both time and labor intensive. That’s just the reality of it.”
Poinsettias present a yuletide challenge for plant enthusiasts
12/12/17 McPherson Sentinel
When shopping for a poinsettia, K-State Research and Extension horticulturist Ward Upham suggests looking for the brightest yellow flowers, as those tend to be fresher.
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017
National/international
Just how racist is children’s literature? The author of ‘Was the Cat in the Hat Black?’ explains
12/11/17 The Washington Post
That’s the start of a provocative, recently published book which discusses exactly what this title says: “Was the Cat in the Hat Black?: The Hidden Racism of Children’s Literature, and the Need for Diverse Books.” It was written by Philip Nel, a scholar of children’s literature and English professor at Kansas State University who also is director of the children’s literature program at the school.
4 Simple Changes That Will Make Your Cold-Weather Workout More Enjoyable
12/11/17 Men's Health
Plus, getting after it with someone who you perceive to be athletically superior can make you go longer and harder than if you were going at it alone (up to 200 percent harder, actually), according to a Kansas State University study.
State/Region
*Event to Connect K-State Research with Greater K.C. Industry
12/11/17 Kansas Ag Connection
And even after nearly 30 years with KU, Williams also was a known fan of rival Kansas State University. KU police occasionally sent contingents to help with major events at K-State through the years, and Williams — a “very strong K-State fan” — was always the first to volunteer, Keary said.
Local
In Focus 12/11/2017
12/11/17 KMAN
Today’s guests on In Focus Clinical Professor/Pet Health Center, Kansas State University Susan C. Nelson, Kansas Farm Bureau Board member Glenn Brunkow from Pottawatomie County and KFB Director of Communications and Marketing Meagan Cramer, and Manhattan Building Official Brad Claussen and Senior Plans Examiner Ryan Courtright.
Monday, Dec. 11, 2017
National/international
Architecture students build modern duplex for low-income families
12/8/17 Cubed
A collaboration between architecture students at Kansas State University and local firm (also 2015 Curbed Groundbreaker winner) El Dorado, Waldo Duplex is a two-unit apartment building located in a historic neighborhood and intended for local families that make less than 80 percent of the city’s average income.
How often should you wash your dog?
12/8/17 Rodale's Organic Life
“There are some dogs who never get bathed and do just fine,” says Susan Nelson, DVM, clinical professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “But a general rule of thumb is no more than once a week for most dogs [unless your vet recommends it to treat a skin condition], as too frequent bathing can dry out their skin.”
State/Region
KU deputy police chief dies; ‘familiar face’ had been with department nearly 30 years
12/8/17 Lawrence Journal World
And even after nearly 30 years with KU, Williams also was a known fan of rival Kansas State University. KU police occasionally sent contingents to help with major events at K-State through the years, and Williams — a “very strong K-State fan” — was always the first to volunteer, Keary said.
Local
New domain: Photographer tells graduates to pursue 'realms of knowledge'
12/10/17 Manhattan Mercury
Knowledge can transform people, and they can transform the world, photographer Jim Richardson told graduates Friday at K-State’s graduate school commencement.
Purple pride
12/8/17 Salina Journal
After four years of study, Akers graduated Friday from Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, along with 45 others from nine states and four countries. Commencement ceremonies took place in the university’s Student Life Center.
Friday, Dec. 8, 2017
National/international
Timing of migration is changing for songbirds on the Pacific coast12/07/17 Science Daily
Gina Barton and Brett Sandercock of Kansas State University used 22 years of data from the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory in northern California, where researchers captured and marked migrants as they passed through each year. Examining how migration timing was related to three indices of climate variation, including El Niño, they focused on five species -- the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Wilson's Warbler, which are short-distance migrants, and the Swainson's Thrush and Yellow Warbler, which are long-distance migrants. They found that, over time, birds had been migrating earlier in spring and later in fall. About one third of this change in timing was explained by variation in climate indices, suggesting that some western songbirds can respond flexibly to changing environmental conditions. However, the two long-distance migrants had smaller changes in timing that were not as closely linked to climate indices.
State/Region
KFB Annual Meeting in Manhattan12/07/17 The Emporia Gazette
Other activities included a host of agriculture-related workshops and speakers including American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Director of Congressional Affairs Mary Kay Thatcher and Kansas State University President Gen. Richard B. Myers.
Local
Second of three candidates interviews for chief diversity officer position12/07/17 The Collegian
Every candidate has been given a prompt relating to the Unity Walk and KSUnite event on Nov. 14 asking how they would “continue the walk” to lead Kansas State toward diversity, inclusion and equity.
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017
National/international
Can A Broken Heart Make You Sick? It's More Dangerous Than You Think, So Here's How To Heal
12/6/17 Bustle.com
So heartbreak can cause physical harm to your body, but what about emotional harm? Researchers from Purdue and Kansas State University conducted a study of over 200 adults who had experienced a recent romantic breakup to examine any links between heartbreak and suicide risk. Each participant was given a questionnaire that measured them for suicide risk, depression, and level of perceived self-efficacy. They were also asked about their levels of investment and commitment in their relationship before it ended. Unsurprisingly, those who had stronger levels of commitment and investment had significantly higher levels of depression post-breakup. It was also found that those who had higher levels of depression were at a higher risk for suicide.
Author: Racism revealed in Dr. Seuss' work, children's literature
12/6/17 The Miami Herald
But Seuss was not without his shortcomings, says Philip Nel, an English professor at Kansas State University. According to Nel, Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat" is rife with racial caricature and "the influence of blackface minstrelsy lingers."Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/books/article188280411.html#storylink=cpy
State/Region
AFCPE Celebrates Innovation and Impact in the Field of Personal Finance
12/6/17 KCTV 5
2017 Outstanding Symposium Poster, Emily Koochel, Kansas State University for Financial Transparency Scale Development
Local
K-State interior design program ranks eighth in nation
12/6/17 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University’s interior design program continues to be one of the best in the U.S. According to the 2017-18 rankings from DesignIntelligence, the interior design program ranks eighth among all undergraduate programs and third among undergraduate interior design programs at public universities.
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017
National/international
Timing of migration is changing for songbirds on the Pacific coast
12/5/17 Phys.org
Gina Barton and Brett Sandercock of Kansas State University used 22 years of data from the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory in northern California, where researchers captured and marked migrants as they passed through each year.
State/Region
*Protecting pigs from PRRS during reproduction
12/5/17 McPherson Sentinal
In the words of Kansas State University researcher Raymond “Bob” Rowland, his latest work is helping to eradicate a devastating swine disease.
Local
K-State's Beef Cattle Institute appoints director to lead industry alliances
12/5/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine has announced the appointment of Patti Dollarhide as the new director of beef value chain alliances for its Beef Cattle Institute, or BCI, which was founded in 2007 to create a professional and educational connection with the beef cattle industry.
The Giving Tree project provides gifts to tots
12/5/17 The Collegian
Every year for more than 10 years, the Kansas State Center for Child Development Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has sponsored the Giving Tree project, which aims to provide supplies and toys to the center’s early learning classrooms.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017
National/international
Kansas architecture students wrap affordable home in corrugated metal
12/4/17 Dezeen
Students at Kansas State University have designed and constructed a two-unit apartment building that is intended to be occupied by low-income tenants.
State/Region
K-State President talks campus climate following unity walk
12/4/17 KSNT
Kansas State University President Richard Myers joins KSNT News Morning Anchor Brittany Moore on the show to discuss the campus climate following racist incidents both in the city of Manhattan and on-campus.
Local
*K-State hires new Global Campus dean
12/4/17 Manhattan Mercury
K-State has found a new leader for its Global Campus.
*K-State student receives national Marshall Scholarship
12/4/17 Manhattan Mercury
Garrett Wilkinson, senior in nutritional sciences and pre-medicine, Hutchinson, has received a Marshall Scholarship for graduate study in the United Kingdom.
Monday, Dec. 4, 2017
National/international
43 US College Students Awarded Scholarships to Study in UK
12/3/17 New York Times
The 43 recipients of the Marshall Scholarship include: Garrett Wilkinson, Kansas State University, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
*Morning Ag
12/1/17 Politico
Stopping PRRS virus in pork offspring: Kansas State University researcher Bob Rowland, who has spent 20 years researching porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which causes more than $600 million in annual losses for the pork industry, has discovered a way to create a “protective shell” so piglets are born without exposure.
How to prepare your home for winter
12/1/17 Popular Science
The first thing to look at is the heating system. According to Bruce Snead, Director of the Engineering Extension at Kansas State University, “That's the thing that provides comfort, and that’s where the dollars are spent.” Whatever system you rely on—depending on where you live, it might be wood furnaces, heating oil, or another source of heat—you don't want it to conk out in the middle of the winter, forcing you to pay for emergency repairs. So make sure it's in working order as the cold weather sets in.
State/Region
*Kansas university students, professionals worry about changes under GOP tax plan
12/3/17 Topeka Capital Journal
Carol Shanklin is dean of the graduate school at K-State. She said concern about the proposed changes is rampant among university administrators and students.
*Local students recognized for academic and other honors
12/3/17 Topeka Capital Journal
Stuart Sprague of Manhattan was recently selected as one of 10 Kansas State University graduate students to earn honors at Research and the State held in the K-State Student Union. Four students from Kansas State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance have been selected as regional nominees for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship.
Local
Halftime show: K-State band couple drums up on-field engagement
12/3/17 Manhattan Mercury
When Reilly proposed at halftime of K-State’s game against Iowa State on Nov. 25, he was not only proving her right, but fulfilling her dream.
*K-State Polytechnic commencement Friday
12/1/17 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus will hold its fall commencement beginning at 7 p.m. Friday in the Student Life Center, 2310 Centennial.
Friday, Dec. 1, 2017
National/international
* There’s no place like home: Kansas State helps astronauts return to earth
October 2017 NASA Orion Newsletter
A mock space capsule has landed at Kansas State University. In this built-to-scale model of the Orion spacecraft, student “astronauts” practice emergency escape maneuvers while a university kinesiology team studies their health and fitness levels.
How Dangerous Is a Broken Heart?
11/30/17 Psychology Today
Conducted by Heather Love and a team of fellow researchers at Purdue and Kansas State University, the study was based on 208 adults recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 64 and reported experiencing a romantic breakup in the previous three months. The three-month cut-off period was used to allow enough time for people to become aware of the symptoms or feelings they were experiencing after the breakup.
State/Region
* Research creates way to protect pigs from PRRS during reproduction
11/30/17 High Plains Journal
In the words of Kansas State University researcher Raymond Rowland, his latest work is helping to eradicate a devastating swine disease.
Local
Credit goes to Mary Vanier and family for continued support of K-State
11/30/17 Manhattan Mercury
Ms. Vanier gave $1 million to Kansas State University to create 30 matching gift scholarships. The scholarships are being established through the KSU Foundation’s K-State Family Scholarship Program, which is intended to increase scholarships to help K-State attract and retain students.
