K-State in the news — December 2021
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.
Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021
National/International
It’s Okay If You Don’t Have Baby Fever!
12/22/21 Atlantic
In 2011, the Kansas State University psychologist Gary Brase and his wife, Sandra, explored the phenomenon by asking people, in part, “Do you at times feel a bodily desire for the feel, sight, and smell of an infant next to you?” The Brases found, perhaps intuitively, that people who get baby fever tend to react more strongly to the pleasant things about babies (like their oddly intoxicating head smell), and less strongly to the unpleasant things about babies (like most of their other smells).
Cocrystal Pharma’s COVID-19 Oral and Intranasal/Pulmonary Protease Inhibitors Exhibit Powerful In Vitro Potency Against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant
12/22/21 Yahoo News
CDI-45205 is among a group of protease inhibitors obtained by Cocrystal under an exclusive license agreement with Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) in 2020.
Wheat Worries Pile Up
12/22/21 Progressive Farmer
Jeanne Falk Jones, a Kansas State University agronomist stationed in Colby, in the northwestern part of the state, acknowledged that wheat has incurred damage, particularly where the winds blew hard enough to expose crowns and remove residue.
*K-State Funded for New African Swine Fever Studies
12/22/21 Farms.com
Dr. Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, received a $513,000 grant from the National Pork Board and the state of Kansas to lead the studies. An announcement from the college indicates the work will include learning how the virus could be introduced to farms, such as through feed ingredients contaminated prior to importation, and how that risk could be reduced.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021
National/International
K-State Salina To Add 15 Cessna 172, Cirrus SR20 Trainers
12/21/21 Aviation Week
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is adding 15 aircraft to its training fleet, including 10 new Cessna 172 Skyhawks with Garmin 1000 avionics and five new Cirrus SR20 aircraft.
Regional/State
Lobbyists form contractor alliance to seek $315 million for university building repair backlog
12/21/21 Lawrence Journal-World
Richard Myers, the retiring president at Kansas State University, said he had fewer objections to a plan that hinged on universities raising more cash for building maintenance.
Local
K-State employee data safe despite ransomware attack on vendor
12/21/21 1350 KMAN
Kansas State University says it has not received any information about sensitive data being leaked to hackers following last week’s ransomware attack on UKG, the external vendor for the KRONOS system used for some of K-State’s employees.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021
National/International
Six basic facts people are always surprised to learn about money, according to the people who teach them
12/21/21 Business Insider
Financial behaviorist and financial education professor at Kansas State University Blain Pearson, Ph.D., CFP says that students are surprised to learn that stock market volatility is dramatized by news outlets.
Regional/State
K-State Researcher: Autonomous Pest Control to Benefit Farmers
12/21/21 Kansas Ag Connection
Kansas State University precision agricultural engineer Ajay Sharda says that small, robotic vehicles could identify sites of infestation, decide if it is beyond a critical level and whether it should be sprayed.
Local
New K-State President Talks Agriculture…Steps to Dormant Seeding a Lawn
12/9/21 Agriculture Today
The dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University, Richard Linton, who in February will become the next president at Kansas State University. He sits down with Ag Today to discuss his background as a food scientist, an administrator at three leading land-grant universities and his aspirations for Kansas State University.
Monday, Dec. 20, 2021
National/International
Climate change is making nights warmer — and crops may never be the same
12/17/21 Biz News Post
Grain quality is also affected, said Krishna Jagadish, a professor in the agronomy department at Kansas State University. Jagadish and his team have set up sensor-filled tents at the university in order to study the HNT impact on crops in a large scale. They have noticed “a change in [the] entire composition of grains in terms of starch, protein and lipid” when plants are exposed to higher night temperatures than are typical. “Our hypothesis after working in rice, wheat and corn, (is that) the high-starch cereals will be more susceptible to high night temperature,” Jagadish said. “So, we anticipate that in corn the yield reduction and quality impact will be higher than [in] rice and wheat.”
Regional/State
The real reason behind rising meat prices
12/17/21 Brownfield Ag News
Kansas State University ag economist Glynn Tonsor says there are two major factors at play. “One is the supply side, the cost of offering meat items to consumers is well above what it was in the past,” he says. “And secondly, and equally as important, demand for those meat items from consumers, both here in the US and abroad, is quite strong.”
Local
*K-State to get new band space named in honor of Frank Tracz
12/18/21 Manhattan Mercury
A gift from a Manhattan couple will honor the current K-State director of bands by naming the new band hall after him.
*Storm recap: Cleanup continues, events rescheduled after Wednesday's storm
12/17/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University workers spent Thursday clearing fallen trees and limbs around the campus. University spokeswoman Michelle Geering said Edwards Hall was hardest hit, as that building lost part of its roof under high winds. Edwards Hall holds offices for Human Capital Services, K-State Poli
Friday, Dec. 17, 2021
National/International
5 dead, 21 tornadoes confirmed after record-setting winds lash central U.S.
12/15/21 NBC News
Tractor-trailers in the state blew over and there were brownout conditions and close to zero visibility near Wakeeney, Kansas, and officials urged people to stay off the highways. Kansas State University Salinas said its campus suffered weather damage and was closed.
eMoney Advisor Expands University Program to Empower the Next Generation of Financial Planners
12/16/21 Associated Press
One of the forthcoming initiatives set to expand the University Program is the inaugural University Program Student Advisory Board, which aims to support eMoney’s NexGen efforts while offering first-hand experience working in FinTech, networking and professional mentorship. Scheduled to begin in 2022, this cohort of students from select CFP Board Certified universities -- including Kansas State University, University of Georgia – Athens, and University of Missouri -- will serve as leaders in educating future financial planners.
Local
BIG GUSTS: Storm, powerful winds cause power outage, damage throughout area
12/15/21 The Manhattan Mercury
Because of the weather conditions, Kansas State University officials postponed finals on Wednesday afternoon. K-State planned to hold final exams as scheduled on Thursday. Officials said Wednesday's postponed finals would take place on Friday in Manhattan, but they canceled finals in Salina because of the complications from the storm.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021
National/International
5 everyday money mistakes that are worse than you might think
12/15/21 Business Insider
We asked a financial therapist and a financial behaviorist, who both teach at Kansas State University, about the most common money mistakes that people make.
Regional/State
Expert gives tips for choosing the best firewood
12/14/21 Gardner News
Not all firewood is created equal. That’s the word from Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham, who said the wood from some tree species produces more heat than others.
Local
*K-State band hall to be named after longtime band director
12/15/21 KMAN
K-State’s new band hall at Memorial Stadium will be named in honor of its longtime band director.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021
State/Regional
Kansas City COVID-19 deaths more than doubled in the past week, data shows
12/14/21 Kansas City Star
“The virus hates summer… so [it survives] only a day or so, depending on the surface. But the virus loves winter,” said Dr. Jürgen Richt, director of the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at Kansas State University. “In many of our surfaces— plastic, metal, wood, whatever— the virus survives three weeks, so a long time.”
Local
'What I’ve done is just a reflection of you' | KSU President Myers honored with retirement ceremony Monday
12/14/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University President Richard Myers delivered some of his final remarks as leader of the university Monday.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021
National/International
Salina-area colleges host December graduations
12/13/21 Yahoo News
At K-State Salina, the ceremony was hosted at the Student Life Center on the campus, with 38 students graduating with a variety of associate and bachelor degrees.
Common conflicts couples have regarding money
12/13/21 Medium
Conflicts around money and finances are one of the main reasons couples get divorced. A study from Kansas State University for the National Survey of Families and Households reported that “arguments about money (are) by far the top predictor of divorce.”
Local
Perseverance; Flexibility learned during pandemic will help new K-State graduates, speaker says
12/13/21 Manhattan Mercury
Working on their degrees through the COVID-19 pandemic taught K-State’s newest College of Education graduates to persevere, which will serve them well in their future teaching careers, said Katie Buhler, the commencement speaker for the college’s ceremony Saturday.
*Master Osage teacher receives honorary doctorate
12/10/21 KMAN
A man integral to revitalizing the written form of the Indigenous Osage language received his honorary doctorate Friday at Kansas State University’s Graduate School Commencement Ceremony, delivering his remarks as the ceremony’s speaker in Osage as well.
Monday, Dec. 13, 2021
National/International
‘Hero’ college student died helping car crash victims, family says
12/10/21 The Daily Beast
A 21-year-old Kansas State University veterinary student is being called a “hero” after she was killed while running through a highway to try and help crash victims, her family says. Autumn Johnson, from Alaska, was hit by a box truck after running through the state’s Interstate 70 to help people who were involved in a rollover crash.
17 easy ways to beat bloat without totally changing your diet
12/10/21 Yahoo! Life
Walk it off: Even if you can't get to the gym, try to squeeze in a 30-minute workout daily, Lyons says. The simple boost in metabolism will you burn waistline fat more efficiently. And if you want to workout, skip those gadgets that promise "miraculous abs in minutes." A study from Kansas State University found most devices designed to target abs (think infomercials) don't live up to their promises. You'll see better results with traditional exercises.
Regional/State
*K-State rolls out economic prosperity plan
12/13/21 Farm Progress
Kansas State University, as the nation's first operational land-grant university, has served the people of Kansas and beyond since its founding in 1863 as Kansas State Agricultural College. For 158 years, its teachers, researchers and Extension personnel have been helping improve the quality of life for Kansans at home, on the farm and ranch, and in their communities.
Fundraiser will support veterinary students in memory of K-State student hit by truck
12/10/21 Kansas City Star
A fundraiser has been started for the family of a 21-year-old Kansas State University student who was killed by a truck Sunday as she attempted to help strangers on the highway, according to a GoFundMe page that has been set up.
Local
*Influence: New K-State president inspired by father to pursue science
12/11/21 Manhattan Mercury
Newly appointed K-State President Richard Linton said he was inspired to become a scientist by his father, a chemist who developed colors for DuPont.
*K-State offers support for students affected by Aggieville shooting
12/13/21 Salina Post
On its social media page, Kansas State University offered support for students "affected by the shooting in the Aggieville business district."
*Digital hunt: K-State librarians search for record of first indigenous student
12/11/21 Manhattan Mercury
The secret to finding the first Indigenous student to ever enroll at Kansas State University lies within a massive collection of digital records.
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
National/International
Aggressor Adventures and North American Travel Journalist Association Announce the Travel Journalism Internship Program Recipient
12/9/21 Yahoo! Finance
Aggressor Adventures and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) announce today the selected candidate for the Travel Journalism Internship Program. Becca Paine, Agricultural Communications student at Kansas State University, was selected for her thoughtful essay submission and impressive background.
Kansas universities to pause COVID-19 vaccination plans
12/9/21 Associated Press/The Charlotte Observer
The University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State had said in October they would require vaccinations in order to comply with a directive from President Joe Biden that all federal contractors be immunized against the virus. The universities each receive millions of dollars in federal contracts.
Regional/State
Family honors memory of K-State student killed trying to help stranger on highway
12/9/21 Fox 4 KC/KSNT
Earlier this week, a Kansas State University student was killed while trying to help a stranger on the highway.
From the time she was 3-years-old family says Autumn Johnson knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.
Lenexa biodefense company says its product eliminates 99.9% of delta variant in the air
12/9/21 KSHB
Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and several school districts use DHP in their dorms and classrooms, but it isn't designed to be used in residential homes.
Local
POMP: K-State fall commencement ceremonies taking place Friday and Saturday
12/10/21 The Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University is preparing for fall commencement ceremonies this weekend.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021
National/International
Animal health experts: US ag needs to be prepared for disease outbreaks
12/8/21 Farm and Dairy
The economic impact of something like an African swine fever or highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak would be severe. On a local level, diseases that lead to livestock losses can bring higher food prices and disrupt the food supply chain, said Dustin Pendall, of Kansas State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics.
Regional/State
How far north can we grow cotton in Kansas?
12/9/21 Kansas Farmer
Is there room for more cotton in Kansas … the Wheat State? There certainly is, says Kansas State University water resources engineer Jonathan Aguilar, who is currently studying the best ways to grow a crop that is traditionally grown farther south. Kansas currently has a thriving cotton industry, with the state forecasted to harvest 101,000 acres in 2021.
Local
* President Myers talks Kansas State economics
12/6/21 KMAN
As they continue to envision the future, Kansas State University has created an economic prosperity plan.
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021
National
KU, Kansas State, Wichita State to put COVID vaccine mandate enforcement on pause after federal court ruling
12/7/21 Yahoo News
The state's three largest universities are pausing efforts to require COVID-19 vaccination for their staff after a federal judge in Georgia blocked implementation of a Biden Administration directive that federal contractors be immunized against the virus.
Local
*K-State fall commencement to feature several student speakers and performers
12/7/21 Manhattan Mercury
Fall commencement ceremonies at Kansas State University are taking place Friday and Saturday, and will feature multiple student speakers, musicians, and marshals.
Excerpts from Bob Dole's March 25, 1985, Landon Lecture
12/7/21 Manhattan Mercury
The Mercury has selected excerpts from former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s March 25, 1985, Landon Lecture address, “The Dream of America,” at Kansas State University. Dole, the first Kansan sitting in public office to speak at a Landon Lecture, died Sunday at age 98.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021
National
The Timesian Urge to Explain a Meme
12/6/21 The New York Times
“No matter one’s gender identity or expression, deploying one or more gender constructs playfully in the meme can be subversive and potentially liberatory as a practice,” said Heather Woods, a meme researcher and an assistant professor of rhetoric and technology at Kansas State University.
*K-State’s Economic Development Plan Focuses On Agriculture, Biosecurity Innovation
12/6/21 Successful Farming Today
The economic development plan outlined by Kansas State University emphasizing innovation in agriculture, biosecurity and extension services is expected to create 3,000 jobs and encourage investment of $3 billion in the state during the next decade, officials said.
Local
*It's a date: Linton will take over on Valentine's Day
12/6/21 JC Post
Richard Linton was selected as president of K-State by the Kansas Board of Regents at a December 2 meeting on the Manhattan campus and plans to start as the the 15th president of Kansas State University on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2022.
Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
Regional/State
*K-State’s economic development plan focuses on agriculture, biosecurity innovation
12/4/21 Kansas Reflector
The economic development plan outlined by Kansas State University emphasizing innovation in agriculture, biosecurity and extension services is expected to create 3,000 jobs and encourage investment of $3 billion in the state during the next decade, officials said.
*First-gen student honor society Tri-Alpha inducts more than 100 in inaugural K-State ceremony
12/4/21 Seminole Sentinel
Diana Dominguez, senior in dietetics and nutrition and health, Seminole, Texas, has been inducted into Kansas State University's chapter of Tri-Alpha Honorary Society for first-generation college students.
Local
*New K-State President Linton's first order of business: "Listen to a lot of people"
12/3/21 Manhattan Mercury
Newly appointed Kansas State University president Richard Linton said his first order of business will be to “listen to a lot of people.”
*K-State recognizing Osage Nation language master teacher with honorary doctorate
12/3/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University will present an honorary doctorate to a member of the Osage Nation credited with preserving and making the Osage language more accessible.
Friday, Dec. 3, 2021
National/International
North Carolina State dean named new Kansas State president
12/2/21 Associated Press
A dean at North Carolina State University with extensive experience in agriculture and food sciences will be the next president of Kansas State University, the Kansas Board of Regents announced Thursday.
How to Save the Prairie, Acre by Acre
12/2/21 The Washington Post Magazine
Researchers at Kansas State University realized 25 years ago that if conservation was going to happen in their state, it would be at the hands of rural landowners. Through research funded by state and federal agencies, they began teaching farmers and ranchers how to practice conservation.
Regional/State
North Carolina State dean named new Kansas State president
12/2/21 The Kansas City Star
A dean at North Carolina State University with extensive experience in agriculture and food sciences will be the next president of Kansas State University, the Kansas Board of Regents announced Thursday.
Local
Regents hire North Carolina State dean as next K-State president
12/2/21 The Manhattan Mercury
The Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday hired Richard Linton to be the next president of Kansas State University.
Thursday, December 2, 2021
National/International
My Dad Judges My Husband for Not Making More Money
12/2/21 The Cut
“There needs to be a boundary between your marriage and your father,” says Megan McCoy, a licensed marriage and family therapist and professor of personal financial planning at Kansas State University.
Regional/State
*K-State Salina offering free year of tuition with scholarship
12/1/21 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus announced it is awarding tuition-free scholarships for one year for eligible incoming freshmen from the state of Kansas.
Local
Board of Regents interview finalists for K-State president Wednesday
12/1/21 The Mercury
The chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday afternoon said the board had "a good pool" of candidates as it narrowed down the finalists for the next president of Kansas State University.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021
National/International
AFCPE Members Recognized for Innovative Work in Building Economic Security in Their Communities
11/30/21 MarketWatch
The Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics announced it has surpassed its $2 million fundraising goal for the Barry Flinchbaugh Chair in Agricultural Economics.
Regional/State
New Morgan Family Arena coming to Kansas State in late 2023
11/30/21 WIBW
K-State Athletics is recognizing Ward and Brenda Morgan of Manhattan, Kansas, for their lead philanthropic gift to support a new K-State volleyball arena.
Local
In Focus 11/30/21: Timothy Shaffer
11/30/21 1350 KMAN
On Tuesday’s edition of In Focus we spoke with Dr. Timothy Shaffer – Associate Professor at K-State Department of Corrections and Director of the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy.
