K-State in the news — October 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.
Friday, October 29, 2021
National/International
NIFA invests in beginning farmers and ranchers
10/28/21 Farm Progress
Kansas State University will provide start-up resources to develop the Center for Farm and Ranch Transition within the Department of Agricultural Economics to provide critical services for beginning farmers/ranchers in Kansas. Resources will include a land-link program to match existing landowners with beginning farmers/ranchers; technical services to facilitate farm transitions; and training programs.
Regional/State
*K-State Salina receives collection of UAS equipment from KS family
10/28/21 Salina Post
A gift from a Kansas family gives unmanned aircraft systems students at the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus even more tools and equipment to help their education.
Local
*KSU military scientist testifies to U.S. Senate committee on transitioning to civilian life
10/28/21 KMAN
The founder of Kansas State University’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs shared lessons from his research and practice on how to better aid soldiers transitioning out of the military with the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Wednesday.
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Regional/State
* $325,000 to K-State Supports First U.S. Research Project into Novel Tick Disease
10/27/21 Kansas Ag Connection
Researchers at Kansas State University are the first in the United States to look into methods of keeping a foreign tick-borne livestock disease at bay.
Inaugural KSU Salina Social Work Wildcat Conference Trains Industry Professionals
10/27/21 KSAL
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus hosted nearly 90 participants from three states in its inaugural Social Work Wildcat Conference.
Local
Intro to Gerontology sparks interest in the Center on Aging
10/27/21 Collegian
Within the college of health and human sciences lies a niche field of study: gerontology, the study of the aging process. With 123 undergraduate students, the Center on Aging focuses on educating students in the field of gerontology.
Executive order requires K-State employees to be fully vaccinated by December
10/27/21 Collegian
Under President Joe Biden’s executive order from Sept. 9, 2021, all Kansas State employees — including student employees — must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, 2021.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
National/International
Puradigm Ozone & Hydrogen Peroxide Test Results of HVAC Air Purification Wall Unit
10/26/21 Associated Press
Puradigm a leading manufacturer of proactive air and surface purification technologies that have been proven to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the Delta Variant, announced that two studies conducted by the Kansas State University Food Science Institute showed that both ozone and hydrogen peroxide levels produced by the Puradigm Air HVAC 9 Inch Air Purification System pose no risk to building occupants per U.S. safety standards.
Regional/State
These three Kansas cities rank among the country's 100 best places to live, study says
10/26/21 Topeka Capital-Journal
As home to Kansas State University, Manhattan had "great access to education," according to Livability. Manhattan also scored high for its affordability and quality of health care.
Should I Let My Child Win?
10/26/21 Atchison Globe
K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles encourages adults to be “judicious” in the effort they put toward winning.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
National/International
Inaugural KSU Women in Business Summit aims to increase interest in opportunities
10/25/21 Yahoo! News / The Manhattan Mercury
Organizers of the inaugural Women in Business Career Summit at Kansas State University say they hope the event will encourage more women to pursue business professions.
Regional/State
A changing climate will cost Kansas farmers millions in future harvests
10/25/21 KCUR
“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.
Local
Riley County agrees to provide K-State Police with upgraded 911 response system
10/25/21 The Manhattan Mercury
Riley County agreed to expand its 911 response system contract to include the Kansas State University Police.
Photos valued at $8,000 stolen from KSU fraternity
10/25/21 WIBW
Two photos valued at $8,000 were reported stolen over the weekend from a fraternity at Kansas State University in Manhattan, authorities said.
Monday, October 25, 2021
National/International
*Universities in several red states say they’ll follow federal vaccine mandate
10/24/21
On Friday morning, Kansas State University was the first to announce its vaccine requirement. It was soon followed by similar statements from the University of Kansas and Wichita State in the afternoon.
A national network examining Earth's planetary limits
10/22/21 Phys.Org
Melody LeHew, a professor of interior design and fashion studies at Kansas State University, said more than just engineers, economists and biologists need to study these and related fields, but others need to get out of their silos to contribute to solutions.
Regional/State
*These three Kansas universities will require employees to be vaccinated by December
10/22/21 Kansas City Star
Employees at the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University must all be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8.
Amelia Earhart’s long-hidden poems reveal an enigma’s inner thoughts
10/24/21 Portland Press Herald
“She was such a complex person, who had a defined sense of what was and was not public, and poems may be the way she tried to thread that needle,” said Traci Brimhall, a poet and professor at Kansas State University. Brimhall wrestled with Earhart’s poetry for an article she wrote for Literary Hub.
Local
*K-State mandating COVID vaccine for employees by Dec. 8
10/23/21 Manhattan Mercury
Vaccinations against COVID-19 will now be required among all employees at Kansas State University.
*Flying high: Rebranded K-State Salina campus looks to future of aviation, technology
10/23/21 Manhattan Mercury
Alysia Starkey, the dean and CEO of Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, said she is proud of how far the institution has come in the 20 years since she started as a library aide.
*Senior K-State administrators to retire in 2022
10/23/21 Manhattan Mercury
Two senior administrators at Kansas State University will retire in 2022. University officials announced Wednesday that chief of staff and director of community relations Linda Cook will retire on Jan. 31, and vice president for communications and marketing Jeff Morris will retire on March 19.
Friday, October 22, 2021
Regional/State
New Political Maps Could Give More Power to Kansas College Towns
10/21/21 Kansas Public Radio
The same surplus exists for House districts in Riley County. Students at Kansas State University bump numbers in House District 66 to roughly 8,000 people more than the ideal range, and nearly 3,000 people above the ideal range in House District 67.
Leaves change color in fall, K-State horticulturist explains how this beautiful phenomenon happens
10/21/21 Atchison Globe
A favorite part of the fall season for many is the changing color of the tree leaves, but have you ever wondered how this happens?
“Specific pigments determine individual colors,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham. “Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun.”
Local
Rising costs of beer, gas and groceries have K-State students feeling the pinch, economics club finds
10/20/21 Salina Journal
College students in Manhattan are feeling the pain at the pump as inflation drives up the cost of living. Students at Kansas State University have experienced major increases in the prices of gasoline, beer and groceries, according to an annual analysis by economics students.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
National/International
Institute leader helps found national network examining planetary limits, publish essay in Energy Research & Social Science
10/20/21 University of Dayton
Co-author Melody LeHew, a professor of interior design and fashion studies at Kansas State University, said more than just engineers, economists and biologists need to study these fields, and other disciplines should contribute to solutions.
Regional/State
*Kansas State University students from Oklahoma earn summer 2021 degrees, graduation honors
10/20/21 Guthrie News Leader
Nearly 570 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in summer 2021. The graduates are from 58 Kansas counties, 38 states and 27 countries.
K-State Speaker: Ag Can Play Powerful Part Reducing Greenhouse Gases
10/20/21 Kansas AgConnection
A University of California-Davis professor who has spent nearly two decades studying the relationship between the livestock industry and air quality told a crowd of nearly 800 at Kansas State University that agriculture can be a powerful part of the solution in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Kansas State University professor fights climate change with soil, carbon sequestration
10/19/21 Kansas Reflector
Two carts nestle in a corner of Throckmorton 2209. As she lets the door close, Tiffany Poydras, a master’s student in agronomy at Kansas State University, stops speaking abruptly.
Local
*K-State College of Veterinary Medicine receives HEED Award for diversity efforts
10/20/21 Junction City Union
The Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is being recognized nationally for its commitment to diversity and inclusion with a 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence, or HEED, in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
National/International
Backgrounding can add value, flexibility
10/19/21 The Marietta Daily Journal
Dale Blasi, beef specialist at Kansas State University-Extension, said, "These resources are a substantial investment but necessary for successful backgrounding."
Regional/State
Kansas State University professor fights climate change with soil, carbon sequestration
10/19/21 Kansas Reflector
Two carts nestle in a corner of Throckmorton 2209. As she lets the door close, Tiffany Poydras, a master’s student in agronomy at Kansas State University, stops speaking abruptly.
Local
When buying holiday toys, is simpler better?
10/19/21 Wamego Times
Children may be asking for the flashiest and brightest – and by association, often the most expensive – toys this year, but K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says those may not always be the best choice for their long-term growth.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
National/International
A Syrian Seed Bank’s Fight to Survive
10/18/21 The New Yorker
As Shehadeh was leaving Syria, Mike Pumphrey—a wheat breeder and geneticist who, at that time, was carrying out research at Kansas State University—was receiving increasingly urgent calls from wheat farmers. A pest called the Hessian fly had reëmerged in eastern Washington State, and the severity and regularity of its outbreaks were getting worse. In the past, wheat in Washington State had grown more by the time the flies were ready to attack. Now, warmer springs were allowing the flies to start breeding earlier in the year.
Book World: Amelia Earhart's long-hidden poems reveal an enigma's inner thoughts
10/18/21 The Houston Chronicle
"She was such a complex person, who had a defined sense of what was and was not public, and poems may be the way she tried to thread that needle," said Traci Brimhall, a poet and professor at Kansas State University. Brimhall wrestled with Earhart's poetry for an article she wrote for Literary Hub.
Regional/State
State, industry leaders say more engineers needed in Kansas
10/18/21 Fox4
The governor signed a ceremonial bill on Monday, which was passed earlier this year, that sends money from expanded lottery act funds to the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State to attract more engineering students.
Colin Powell's military career brought him to Fort Leavenworth
10/18/21 KMBC
K-State President Richard Myers was the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and served under Powell.
"This story might not be understood a lot. He was a normal human being; as normal as you can be with all he had accomplished," Myers said.
Local
K-State President Richard Myers says America lost great leader in Colin Powell
10/18/21 The Manhattan Mercury
K-State President Richard Myers said Monday that America lost a “great military man and statesman” with Colin Powell’s death.
Monday, October 18, 2021
National/International
25 secrets Elon Musk and every other rich person knows
10/17/21 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
Area 'Critter Control' business humanely removes wildlife that causes problems for people
10/18/21 Topeka Capital Journal
Shearer graduated from Manhattan's Kansas State University with a degree in wildlife and fisheries biology, then worked 13 years for Critter Control of Kansas City before buying Critter Control of Kaw Valley in January 2018.
Local
*Jerry and Nancy Jaax to receive K-State Alumni Association’s Alumni Excellence Award
10/15/21 Manhattan Mercury
The K-State Alumni Association will honor Kansas State University alumni Jerry Jaax and Nancy Dunn Jaax as the recipients of the Alumni Excellence Award. They will receive the award at a banquet on Friday, Nov. 12, at the K-State Alumni Center.
Friday, October 15, 2021
National/International
The Rapid Decline of the Pollinators We Need
10/14/21 Western Ag Reporter
Brian Spiesman, an assistant professor at Kansas State University who focuses on pollinator ecology, agreed with Tronstad and added that ABB’s status is also indicative of the broader concerns with pollinator populations.
Regional/State
Agriculture continues as prime focus for Kansas climate team
10/14/21 AgUpdate
Intently focused on the weather information needs for farmers and ranchers for over 30 years as the assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University, Mary Knapp has consistently put agriculture at the center of her climate analyses.
Local
Lafene offers COVID-19 vaccinated students opportunities to win prizes
10/14/21 K-State Collegian
Lafene Health Center used a student incentive program to get students vaccinated against COVID-19. The names of six students who received a dose were drawn every Friday from Aug. 13 to Oct. 8. Lafene will award the grand prize on Friday, Oct. 15, according to the incentives program website.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
National/International
7 Reasons Why Couples Fight So Much About Money – And How To Find Peace
10/13/21 BuzzFeed
I talked to Elle Martinez, host of the Couple Money podcast, and Megan McCoy, a financial therapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and director of the Personal Financial Planning Masters Program at Kansas State University, to weigh in on some of the common reasons couples bicker over money, and how to get past these stumbling blocks and work toward building a life together.
*Calling rural veterinarians
K-State homes in on what producers need from rural vets
10/14/21 Midwest Messenger
“We recognize the common concern, and we’re attacking the problem in a multi-factorial way,” said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.
Regional/State
*K-State Salina announces new online program for working professionals
10/7/21 Salina Journal
The Aerospace and Technology Campus announced Thursday it will offer a new online high-tech certificate program in applied data science and machine learning for working professionals beginning in spring 2022.
Local
*Free show at McCain Auditorium to celebrate new renovations
10/13/21 KMAN 1350
McCain Auditorium is holding a free show Nov. 7 by BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet in honor of the newly renovated and expanded lobby.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
National/International
Dog Tracker Charts Pet Scratching Activity
10/12/21 VetTimes
Researchers have correlated scratching activity detected on a dog activity tracker with owner observations, validating it as a reliable method of detecting potential underlying skin conditions in dogs.
A team including researchers from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Holland Management Services, Zoetis and the Pet Insight Project team at Kinship (part of Mars Petcare) say the study shows use of the Whistle device could help signal earlier veterinary intervention.
State/Regional
Salinan among KSU students promoting libraries, educating peers
10/12/21 Salina Post
Twelve Kansas State University students have been selected to join the K-State Libraries Student Ambassadors. The ambassadors help promote and advocate for all libraries, including Hale Library.
Local
University's Indigenous Peoples' Day Conference follows first-ever presidential proclamation
10/12/21 The Manhattan Mercury
Organizers and participants of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Conference at Kansas State University say a presidential proclamation recognizing the changed emphasis of the holiday is a good start toward long-term change.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
National/International
USD 435 Parents as teachers: Everyone is welcome to tap, tap, tap their toes
10-11-21 Yahoo News
Presented by Julie L. Pentz and the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble, the program's focus is to bring families together to learn positive family and child development skills through tap dance.
State/Regional
In a land of plenty, food desert prevalent across Western Kansas
10-11-21 Salina Post
Rial Carver, Extension specialist with K-State Research and Extension’s Rural Grocery Initiative, said food deserts can be viewed in two ways.
Local
*K-State Veterinary Medicine to create hotline for diagnosing toxic animal emergencies
10-11-21 1350 KMAN
Rapid response to animal health emergencies has prompted the creation of a new veterinary toxicology training program at Kansas State University.
Monday, October 11, 2021
National/International
How long do grass seeds take to grow? Expert tips for a luscious lawn
10-10-21 Newsweek
For grass seeds planted in spring, you'll have to wait at least two to three weeks (or more) for emergence, according to an article from Kansas State University.
Local
*K-State student leaders, President Myers respond to calls for increased sexual violence awareness and prevention
10-9-21 Manhattan Mercury
K-State student leaders are hopeful that a rally for sexual violence awareness will spur change on an administrative level.
*K-State to give employees week off with pay during holiday season
10-9-21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University employees will get a week off with pay to end the year.
Friday, October 8, 2021
National/International
OPINION: Save energy: Kansas observes Energy Efficiency Day
10/7/21 Yahoo News
The KCC Energy Office, in conjunction with the Kansas State University Engineering Extension, offers small businesses a free energy assessment and assistance applying for a USDA Rural Energy for America Program grant to help pay for improvements. Since 2016, more than $1 million has been awarded to fund energy saving upgrades in Kansas.
Regional/State
*KSU Salina Introduces Program For Working Professionals
10/7/21 KSAL-AM
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus continues to be at the forefront of the technology industry by offering a new online high-tech certificate program in applied data science and machine learning for working professionals beginning in spring 2022.
Local
Students seek emphasis of inclusion in presidential search
10/7/21 The Collegian
With President Richard Myers retiring at the end of the semester, the Kansas Board of Regents is searching for his replacement. Some Kansas State students shared their thoughts on what values the new president should hold.
Thursday, October 7, 2021
National/International
* Researchers publish article on data collection of maternal mortality due to violence
10/6/21 Medical Express
Jennifer Miller, director of the Kansas State University bachelor's degree in public health program, and Susan Rensing, teaching associate professor in gender, women and sexuality studies, were recently published in the Journal of Women's Health. Their research, "Integrating National Violent Death Reporting System Data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees," examined the NVDRS-RAD data from 2014 to 2017 and argues that the data for pregnancy-associated maternal deaths should be integrated into the work of Maternal Mortality Review Committees.
This Week in Should-Be-Obvious Science: New Study Finds Being Respectful to Your Employees Makes Them More Resilient
10/7/21 Inc.
The pessimistic half won out, so here goes: a new study of more than 1,000 young Americans by a team of researchers out of Kansas State University recently published in the International Journal of Business Communication revealed that when bosses are respectful to their employees, those employees like their jobs more and are more resilient.
Regional/State
* K-State Salina to offer online high-tech certificate program
10/7/21 Salina Post
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus continues to be at the forefront of the technology industry by offering a new online high-tech certificate program in applied data science and machine learning for working professionals beginning in spring 2022.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
National/International
Textron to Deliver 10 SkyHawks to Kansas State University
10/5/21 Flying Magazine
The order will expand the K-State fleet from 10 to 20 Skyhawks. All the aircraft will be equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.
State/Regional
Safely Preserving Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes for Fall
10/5/21 Atchison Globe
Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee shares tips and safety precautions for home canning.
Local
*Nearly 20 new planes added to K-State fleet to train students in Salina
10/5/21 WIBW
Nearly two dozen brand new, high-tech airplanes have been added to the K-State fleet to train students at its campus in Salina.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
National/International
Kansas State University professor co-leads $10M grant to study artificial intelligence in agriculture - USDA-NIFA project aims to help farmers employ precision ag technologies more effectively in the Colorado River Basin.
10/4/21 SeedQuest
Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economist at Kansas State University, adds that "multiple things" affect meat prices over time, not just consolidation. He expects current high prices to come down gradually by themselves.
Investing in Genetic Testing
10/4/21 The Eagle
The saying “knowledge is power” often rings true in making decisions, and in the case of beef cattle genetic tests, this information can be a powerful tool provided producers know how to interpret the information for the herd, according to a Kansas State University beef cattle geneticist and animal sciences professor.
Local
‘Our bodies are ours and ours alone’: Women across Kansas march to defend abortion rights
10/4/21 Manhattan Mercury
The law disproportionately affects women of color as well as nonbinary and transgender people, said Rachel Levitt, assistant professor in the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies department at Kansas State University.
Levitt said 50% of transgender and nonbinary people will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. In contrast, one in five cisgender men and one in three cisgender women will experience sexual violence.
Monday, October 4, 2021
National/International
Biden v Big Meat: Can the US tackle rising beef prices?
10/1/21 BBC/Yahoo! News
Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economist at Kansas State University, adds that "multiple things" affect meat prices over time, not just consolidation. He expects current high prices to come down gradually by themselves.
Ashleigh Banfield wonders if Katie Couric ‘derailed’ her career: ‘It broke my soul’
10/1/21 New York Post
Her career’s demise at NBC has long fueled media-world water cooler talk. And in 2007, Banfield attributed her falling stock to a controversial speech she gave at Kansas State University about the Iraq War coverage.
Regional/State
*K-State opens new auditorium for Veterinary School
10/1/21 WIBW-TV
K-State’s Veterinary School has a brand new space for lectures and events.
*K-State Salina partnering with NOAA for pilot prep program
10/1/21 Salina Post
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus are partnering on a unique program to prepare students to serve as officers and pilots with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.
Local
*K-State receives $3.4 million to build new core research facility
10/1/21 Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University received a $3.4 million grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to create a new research and biosecurity development lab space.
*On the job: K-State production highlights joys, complaints of working people
10/2/21 Manhattan Mercury
“Working,” which opened at K-State Thursday, brings together stories of people from all t
Friday, October 1, 2021
National/International
K-State reports lowest fall semester enrollment since 1990
9/30/21 Yahoo! News / The Manhattan Mercury
Kansas State University's fall semester enrollment is at its lowest point in more than three decades.
University administrators announced Thursday that fall 2021 enrollment is 20,229 students. This is a decrease of 625 students, or 3%, from the fall 2020 semester when the university reported a headcount of 20,854 students. For fall 2019, the university tallied 21,719 students.
Regional/State
Kansas universities continue to lose students while community colleges pick up a few
9/30/21 KCUR
Kansas State University’s enrollment declined 3.4% this fall and 17.6% over the past five years.
Karen Goos, K-State’s vice provost for enrollment management, said pandemic challenges continue. But she said that recruitment of new freshmen and transfers has stabilized.
Local
K-State gets $3.4 million for new infectious disease lab
9/30/21 WIBW
Kansas State University is getting $3.4 million to build a new lab facility.
Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall announced the university was awarded funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services. They say the lab will help the college lead the nation in researching and combating infectious threats across the country.
Weekly Coronavirus Positive Rate Dips to Fall Low at K-State
9/30/21 KMAN
The weekly positive rate of coronavirus on campus at Kansas State University has dipped to its lowest point of the fall.
