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K-State News
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K-State in the news — November 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021

National/International

Kansas State Department of Agricultural Economics Raises $2 Million For Barry Flinchbaugh Chair
11/29/21 Seed Today
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

Autonomous Pest Control Helps Farmers Economically, Environmentally
11/29/21 KSAL
Autonomous pest control vehicles could become a valuable asset to farmers in the future as they create an opportunity for new intelligence and a way of managing pests in crop fields. 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.

*First-gen student honor society inducts more than 100 in K-State ceremony
11/30/21 JC Post
More than 100 Kansas State University students are among the first class of scholars recently inducted into the university's chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, the national first-generation college student honorary society, according to a media release from the university.

Monday, Nov. 29, 2021

National/International

Jim Bob Morris on giving thanks, giving back, heritage
11/27/21 WGN Radio
Former NFL player, diverse business leader and El Bandido Yankee  founder Jim Bob Morris joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Jim Bob shares business success, lessons learned and the importance of diversity in the workplace. Listen as Jim Bob talks about his own Native American heritage and the impact of recognition on National Native American Heritage Day. Jim Bob fills us in on the inspiration for the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center at his alma mater Kansas State University and building bridges of opportunity for students at K-State and beyond. As we kick off the holidays Jim Bob shares the story of El Bandido Yankee tequila, the team and co founder Chris Chelios and the satisfaction that people across the country can raise a glass and “Break Out The Bandido” at celebrations this year.  

Some Kansas Republicans are upset as KU cuts ACT test from admissions requirements. Here's why.
11-29-31Yahoo! News
Studies suggest a 21 ACT score shows a student is ready for college in core subjects, Archer said. The 3.25 GPA comes from a previous regents study for Kansas State University admissions requirements, which determined that grade point average threshold by comparing high school GPA to retention from first year to second year of college.

25 secrets Elon Musk and every other rich person knows
11-25-21 Yahoo! Finance
Author Paul Sullivan and colleague Brad Klontz, a clinical psychologist with an academic appointment at Kansas State University, conducted research on the differences in spending habits of the wealthiest 1% and the wealthiest 5%. The 1% spent 30% less on eating out and saved it for retirement instead.

Regional/State

Kansas universities see more voter participation by students
11/26/21 Lawrence Journal World
The University of Kansas and Wichita State saw a nearly 20% increase in voter turnout compated to the 2016 election. Kansas State's voter turnout rose by 22%.

*Don't miss performances Nov. 29-Dec. 5 in Topeka by Zach Williams, The Coots and No Good Johnny
11/28/21 Topeka Capital Journal
The concert follows this season's emphasis on the music of dance and will feature the Kansas State University's tap ensemble. The group will perform to various songs including favorites from "The Nutcracker."

*Kirkpatrick receives 5-year grant to research impulsive choices
11/27/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University distinguished professor of psychological sciences Kimberly Kirkpatrick has received a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021

Regional/State

Make your turkey a healthy dish
11/23/21 Kansas Farmer
To that, Sandy Procter, Kansas State University nutrition specialist, says, well … it depends.

Home football weekends kick off early with Little Apple Pub Crawl Band
11/22/21 Manhattan Mercury 
Members of the Pride of Wildcat Land marching band spread out around Manhattan the night before every K-State home football game, playing spirit songs in local businesses to get fans excited to cheer on the Cats. Director of bands Frank Tracz said the Little Apple Pub Crawl Band is “good college kid fun” and a good way to get the community ready for a “Wildcat Victory.”

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021

National/International

KSU researchers unlock wheat gene that improves baking quality
11/22/21 Baking Business
Kansas State University (KSU) researchers have published recent findings that highlight their discovery of a gene in ancient wheat that gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough.

Swine it #118: You may not be as financially efficient in pig production as you thought - Dr. Glynn Tonsor
11/22/21 The Pig Site
Dr. Glynn Tonsor joins the Swine It podcast to discuss how the swine markets have changed, and potentially will change in the future, in regards to supply and demand and price fluctuations with the current pandemic.

Regional/State

K-State food safety scientist shares holiday meal reminders
11/22/21 Salina Post
The holiday season can be a great time for family and friends to gather, and Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said following proper food safety steps will keep uninvited guests – like foodborne bacteria – from joining the party. 

Monday, Nov. 22, 2021

National/International

*K-State researcher works to halt ASF spread
11/19/21 The Pig Site
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, will lead a new $513,000 research project to characterize African swine fever virus survival and transmission after introduction onto a farm.

Ask the Experts: Compare credit cards
11/19/21 WalletHub
Megan McCoy, Professor of Practice in Personal Financial Planning, Director of Personal Financial Planning Masters Program, Kansas State University:I think comparing credit cards can be pretty simple as long as you have a strong grasp of your personal situation. For example, points and perks do not really matter as much if you are carrying a balance. In that situation, you will want to shop for the lowest possible rates. If you plan to pay it off every month, then you can get more specific about what will benefit your lifestyle. If you fly frequently, what airline? If you stay in a lot of hotels, what brand do you prefer? These questions can help you target your search. 

Regional/State

As tax dollars dry up, university ag schools turn to agribusiness dollars and industry projects
11/22/21 KCUR
Kansas State University has a facility similar to the Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex: The O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center(link is external). The state of Kansas, the Kansas Bioscience Authority, the university and its agriculture college provided $10 million in funding for the new facility.

Local

Nearly 5% of K-State employees filed for exemption from vaccine rule
11/20/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University officials said about 5% of the more than 9,000 employees have filed a request to be exempt from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Friday, Nov. 19, 2021

National/International

Researchers identify broccoli genes that affect freshness
11/18/21 Horticulture Daily
A study published in the journal Postharvest Biology and Technology from a team of scientists at the University of Florida, Kansas State University, and Virginia Tech offers new insights into not only what makes this freshness clock tick, but also how to slow it down.

Regional/State

K-State extends vaccine mandate, discussing masking policy for spring semester
11/18/21 KSNT
On Nov. 12, K-State announced that it has extended the COVID-19 vaccination deadline for employees to Jan. 4. The original deadline was Dec. 8.

Local

Native American educator says school curriculum needs to represent "the contemporary Indian"
11/18/21 Manhattan Mercury
Alex Red Corn said now is the perfect time for local education leaders — like those in the Manhattan-Ogden School District — to “take a harder look at some out-of-date practices.” Red Corn, also an assistant professor and educational leadership coordinator for Indigenous Partnerships in the College of Education at K-State, previously has advised district officials on how to implement more in-depth Native American-focused lessons into the curriculum.

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021

National/International

We compared admissions standards at colleges in Missouri and Kansas. Here's what we found
11/17/21 Kansas City Star and MSN.com
For high school seniors around Kansas City, the shorter days and sprint toward the end of the year means more than just the quickly approaching holiday season. College application deadlines are on the horizon. These next couple weeks are that critical time when those students gearing up for the next step of their education are polishing up their essays, pulling together letters of recommendation and finalizing where they want to apply.

Regional/State

*Halting the Spread of Swine Fever
11/17/21 KSAL
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, will lead a new $513,000 research project to characterize African swine fever virus survival and transmission after introduction onto a farm. She will serve as the principal investigator on the two-year grant award from the National Pork Board and the state of Kansas National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Fund.

Local

Students advocate for polling place on campus, student involvement in local elections
11/17/21 Collegian
Over 54,000 people reside in Manhattan — just under 16,300 of which are Kansas State students. However, those students do not have easy access to vote in local elections. Sawyer Shutts, sophomore in political science, said he believes the lack of a polling place for local elections on campus is part of the issue.

Updated vaccine mandate for Student Union, Athletics Department
11/17/21 Collegian
Following an update from the federal government, employees of the Kansas State Student Union and K-State Athletics will need to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022, under President Joe Biden’s executive order from Sept. 9, 2021.

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021

National/International

Dr. Linda Y. Leitz, CFP®, EA, Receives 2021 'Bert Whitehead Visionary Award'
11/16/21 Yahoo! Finance 
Leitz obtained a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and a BA in Business Administration from Principia College.

Regional/State

Native American scholar to give public lecture at KU; will focus on addressing colonialism in education
11/16/21 Lawrence Journal-World
Alex Red Corn, an assistant professor of educational leadership at Kansas State University, will speak at noon on Wednesday at The Commons on the University of Kansas’ Lawrence campus.

Local

*‘Swan Lake’ canceled at McCain Auditorium due to seaport backlog
11/16/21 WIBW
Kansas State University says the Jan. 25, 2022, performance of “Swan Lake” by the Russian National Ballet at McCain Auditorium has been canceled.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021

National/International

PremiumSchools.org Names The Happiest Colleges in 2021-2022
11/15/21 MarketWatch
PremiumSchools.org has released an exciting new catalog of The Top 25 Happiest Colleges in 2021-2022, which provides a comprehensive index of the schools where students are happiest socially, academically, and personally.
….
Below we have listed the schools that have made our list:
….
Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS

Cocrystal Pharma Reports Third Quarter Financial Results and Provides an Update on Development Programs and Milestones
11/15/21 Yahoo! Finance
Our lead therapeutic molecule CDI-45205 was among the broad-spectrum viral protease inhibitors obtained from Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) under an exclusive license agreement announced in 2020. We believe the protease inhibitors obtained from KSURF have the ability to inhibit the inactive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase replication enzymes into an active form.

Regional/State

As tax dollars dry up, university ag schools turn to agribusiness dollars and industry projects
11/15/21 KCUR
Kansas State University has a facility similar to the Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex: The O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center. The state of Kansas, the Kansas Bioscience Authority, the university and its agriculture college provided $10 million in funding for the new facility.

Local
KSU students take CG field trip
11/15/21 Council Grove Republican
The weekend of October 22 and 23 saw a group of Kansas State University students visit Council Grove for an overnight Frontier Field Trip. 

City hires new director for T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter
11/15/21 The Manhattan Mercury
“We’re very excited to have Bryce on board,” Eastes said in a written statement. “His many years of experience working in animal welfare will be a tremendous asset for the organization. In addition, Bryce already has an established working relationship with Kansas State University, which is vital as they provide important veterinary medical support for the Animal Shelter. We look forward to his guidance and direction as we work to provide services for the community.”

Monday, Nov. 15, 2021

National/International

One-third of Iowa deer test positive for SARS-CoV-2, scientists see a new stream of mutations
11/12/21 National Post
Kuchipudi couldn’t say whether the deer displayed symptoms of the virus, instead pointing to the results of an earlier analysis conducted by Kansas State University researchers on adults and fawns, in which they injected the virus into healthy deer. While those animals didn’t appear to be affected by the virus, Kuchipudi acknowledged that environmental factors affecting health, access to resources could alter those results in the wild.

Regional/State

*Donation of remote controlled planes and drones to K-State Salina helping students soar
11/12/21 KAKE-TV
Noah Endreshak is testing out the handling on a remote control glider. The Kansas State Salina Senior is part of the school’s unmanned aircraft program. "I always knew I wanted to be a pilot or something related to aviation.”

Santa Fe Trail, Part 4: The pain of Native life on the trail
11/13/21 Santa Fe New Mexican
Alex Red Corn, an assistant professor and education leadership coordinator for the Indigenous Partnerships program at Kansas State University, said the trail was “a calculated and strategic part in a larger story of conquest.”

Local

*K-State extends vaccination deadline to Jan. 4
11/12/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University has extended the deadline for the COVID vaccination requirement for employees to Jan. 4.

*I wonder: Who exactly is required to get vaccinated under the K-State mandate?
11/13/21 Manhattan Mercury
Q: The rules about who is or isn’t covered in the K-State vaccine mandate are confusing. Which employees are required to get vaccinated under the mandate?

A: Some of that confusion has been eliminated with recent changes that put most employees at K-State under the mandate.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2021

Regional/State

Grazing fescue requires close monitoring
11/11/21 High Plains Journal
Much like humans, beef cattle can adapt over time to their grazing sources with proper management, but there are certain forages that can present issues for cattle, according to experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Local

One flown to Topeka hospital following vehicle-pedestrian accident on K-State campus
11/12/21 WIBW
The Kansas State University Police Department says officers responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident east of the intersection at Denison Ave. and Platt St. just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.

K-State student hit by car while walking on campus
11/12/21 The Manhattan Mercury
A K-State student is being treated at a Topeka hospital after being hit by a car while walking on campus.

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

National/International

New research: stopping poultry pandemics

11/10/21 The Poultry Site
The researchers, based at University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Michigan Technological University; and Kansas State University, surveyed poultry producers across the country and found that they were, on average, willing to pay up to $15,651 for additional disposal capacity.

Wheat genomics discoveries have the potential to improve bread quality
11/10/21 AgUpdate
A gene in ancient wheat gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough. That discovery came from Kansas State University researchers who published recent findings. Liangliang Gao, a post-doctoral scientist in K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, said the work is part of a larger project involving research groups worldwide.

Regional/State

*K-State’s physician assistant program receives accreditation, will begin in January
11/10/21 KSNT
In January, K-State will become the second university in the state with an accredited physician assistant program. 

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021

National/International

6 Things To Do Right Now if You Want to ‘Age in Place’ Without Assisted Living
11/9/21 Woman's World
Even though we want to continue living on our own terms, we often delay planning to do so, notes Erin Yelland, Ph.D., an associate professor and interim director of the Center on Aging in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University.

Wabash Cannonball | The Wildcat Way
11/9/21 MSN.com
Wildcat Way video describing the events leading to the use of "The Wabash Cannonball" as an unofficial anthem of Kansas State University.

Regional/State

K-State researchers uncover clues to improving pig survivability
11/9/21 High Plains Journal
Kansas State University swine researchers and graduate students are reporting findings that could help the survival rates of newly weaned pigs.

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021

National/International

K-State's Indian Students Association invites community to celebrate Diwali
11/8/21 Yahoo! News / The Manhattan Mercury
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day festival that took place Nov. 2-6 this year. The Indian Students Association (ISA) at K-State celebrated Sunday evening at the Frith Community Center at Jardine Apartments with 138 people in attendance.


K-State Expert Says Cattle Producers Can Save Money With Alternative Sources of Phosphorus
11/8/21 Farms
A Kansas State University beef systems specialist said cattle producers may have a few options available to them to offset the rising costs of adding phosphorus to their herd’s diet.

Regional/State

KSU plans calving schools around state
11/8/21 Great Bend Tribune
In anticipation of calving season, the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in December and continuing through January.  

Monday, Nov. 8, 2021

National/International

Should You Reconnect With an Ex?
11/7/21 Psychology Today
In research with cyclical and non-cyclical couples, Kansas State University's Amber Vennum and colleagues found that it's complicated. While movies, books, and TV shows portray re-connecting as romantic, the results of getting back together are less than desirable for both cycling married and cohabitating couples.

Researchers: Origins of modern wheat may provide clues to making it stronger
11/5/21 UPI
"We were amazed to discover that this lineage has provided the best-known gene for superior dough quality," co-author Jesse Poland, professor of plant pathology, at Kansas State University, said.

Regional/State

KCMO partners with K-State to reduce lead poisoning; wins $700K grant
11/5/21 KSHB-TV, Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, has joined forces with Kansas State University, Children's Mercy Hospital and the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to reduce lead poisoning in urban areas and win a $700,000 grant. K-State will have two research programs in Kansas City as part of the partnership.

*Pelicans near Kansas lake have some people concerned. What are they doing there?
11/5/21 Wichita Eagle
“Migration patterns of both birds and insects are strongly impacted by wind currents,” said Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry Professor Cassandra Jones, according to the Butler County Times-Gazette.

Local

Insufficient funds legislation passes in Student Senate
11/5/21 Kansas State Collegian
Those K-State entities affected by the legislation will have to return their specified amounts by Dec. 1, 2021.

Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

National/International

Four new shows announced for McCain Auditorium spring lineup
11/4/21  Yahoo! News / The Manhattan Mercury
The director of McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University announced four new shows for the spring schedule.

Regional/State

Kansas State University simplifies inquiry of religious beliefs for anti-vax employees
11/4/21 Kansas Reflector
Kansas State University has simplified its religious exemption form, based on new guidance from the federal government, for employees who don’t want to get a required COVID-19 vaccine.

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021

National/International

Meat ‘Sticker Shock’ Looms as $3,000 Bonuses Fail to End Worker Shortfall
11/4/21 Bloomberg News
Meat processors can also invest in automation to boost productivity and reduce labor, according to Glynn Tonsor, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. However, the industry has been pursuing this for years with little to show for it, he said. It’s also pushing for the federal government to expand work visas.

*KSU Wins Grant to Promote Rural STEM Programs for Teens
11/3/21 Government Technology
A $2.7 million federal grant will help Kansas State University's Rural Education Center promote science, technology, engineering and math to Kansas' secondary students.

Regional/State

*KSU Salina Grant to Enhance Leadership Skills
11/3/21 KSAL
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus has received grant funding that will help train its faculty and staff in strengthening their leadership capabilities.

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021

National/International

Temecula Valley Museum Hosts Thrift Style Exhibit From October 29 Until November 28
11/2/21 California Patch
The exhibition, organized by the Historic Costume and Textile Museum and the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, both at Kansas State University, and ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides a nostalgic view into American ingenuity, sensibility, and optimism during a particularly challenging time of economic hardship and war—the period of the Great Depression and World War II.

Regional/State

‘Go to the source’: Kansas State Huck Boyd lecture focuses on indigenous voices in the media
11/2/21 Kansas Reflector 
“Nothing about us without us,” said Debra Bolton (Ohkay Owingeh/Diné/Ute), director of intercultural learning and academic success at Kansas State University during the lecture on Tuesday. She was talking about how the news media can better tell the stories of indigenous peoples. 

Kansas’ tax collections in October soar $100 million above projections
11/2/21 Lawrence Journal-World
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprising the Kansas Department of Revenue, state Division of Budget and the Kansas Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University, are responsible for issuing revenue projections.

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021

National/International

KSU Rural Education Center receives $2.7M grant for boosting STEM degree, career interest
11/1/21 Yahoo! News / The Manhattan Mercury
A $2.7 million federal grant will help K-State's Rural Education Center promote science, technology, engineering and math to Kansas' secondary students.

All-female financial planning team takes second place in national competition
11/1/21 Associate Press News press release
Megan Klug, Britta Beesley and Ana Sanko, seniors in Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning program, recently received second place in the national Financial Planning Competition hosted each year by the Financial Planning Association.

Regional/State

Oct. total tax receipts in Kan. exceed the estimate by $104.2M
11/1/21 Salina Post
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet November 10.

Local

CAMERA READY: Wildcats in the spotlight at annual homecoming parade
11/1/21 The Manhattan Mercury
This year’s homecoming theme was “Lights, Camera, Cats,” and floats incorporated film franchises like “The Fast and the Furious,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe and “High School Musical” with a Wildcat twist. The parade also placed frontline workers in the spotlight through grand marshal Dr. Kyle Goerl, the medical director of Lafene Health Center.

Monday, Nov. 1, 2021

National/International

*More colleges mandate vaccines to comply with Biden order
11/1/2021 Inside Higher Education
At least two dozen major universities or university systems have announced vaccine mandates for employees in response to the Biden order, including Arizona StateKansas State and North Carolina State Universities; the Universities of GeorgiaMinnesota and New Hampshire and the university systems of AlabamaTennessee and Wisconsin.

Regional/State

Kansas AG Schmidt files lawsuit against Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors
10/30/21 Kansas City Star
Testifying to lawmakers Friday, Flanders said KU alone could lose nearly $1 billion and Wichita State and Kansas State each risked more than $100 million in federal contracts. Those contracts, Flanders said, would also mean lost jobs in Kansas.

*'It’s got to translate to real climate policy': Kansas farmers could lose millions to climate change
10/29/21 Topeka Capital Journal
“We need to make sure that we are taking the lead on recognizing that these are potential challenges we will be facing in the future,” said Ignacio Ciampitti, professor of farming systems at Kansas State University.

The secret ingredient
10/30/21 OFS Imagine a Place podcast
Podcast features Nathan Howe, associate professor and head of the interior architecture & industrial design department in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University.

Local

*K-State announces termination process for unvaccinated employees
10/29/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University officials made it clear employees will lose their jobs if they’re not vaccinated by Dec. 8 as K-State announced additional information on the COVID vaccine mandate.

*K-State Salina receives collection of UAS equipment from Dodge City family
10/29/21 Manhattan Mercury
Students at the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus now have access to more tools to help their education.


*Note: Asterisks indicate clips that resulted from recent news releases or pitches from Communications and Marketing.