K-State in the news — May 2024
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, May 31, 2024
National/International
A teacher suddenly quit her job after 24 years because parents drove her to a breaking point: ‘We didn’t sign up to be a glorified babysitter’
5/30/24 Fortune
Studies led by researcher Tuan Nguyen, an associate professor at Kansas State University, place the current teacher shortage at 55,000 vacant positions and an additional 270,000 teaching posts currently filled by underqualified teachers.
Role Call: Universities, schools partner to train more qualified teachers, but shortage persists
5/31/24 WLRN Public Media
"They are providing more teachers into the workforce, but the number of teachers they’re providing is fairly small, relative to the size of the teacher labor market in Florida," said Tuan Nguyen, a researcher from Kansas State University. "It’s moving the needle, but only a very, very small amount relative to the number of vacancies you have."
State/Regional
*K-State breaks ground on Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation
5/31/24 High Plains Journal
The Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, which will connect Weber Hall and Call Hall on the northeast corner of the Manhattan campus when completed in fall 2026, will foster on-site collaboration between public resources and private enterprises, giving K-State students unique opportunities to address a wealth of food-related challenges for years to come, said Ernie Minton, the Eldon Gideon Dean of K-State’s College of Agriculture.
*K-State lands $6M grant led by Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Sustainable Intensification
5/30/24 the Fence Post
Kansas State University officials have cited a Manhattan-based innovation lab’s “decade of success” in providing global food security as key to a $6 million award announced recently by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
*Soybean gall midge shows up in two Kansas counties
5/30/24 High Plains Journal
Soybean gall midge, a new pest to soybean production in the United States, has been found in two northeast Kansas counties. Kansas State University entomologist Anthony Zukoff said the pest causes devastating damage to fields.
Why U.S. News & World Report ranked these colleges tops in Kansas
5/31/24 Topeka Capital-Journal
K-State is ranked second in the state and 170th nationally. The university is located in Manhattan and has an acceptance rate of 95%. In the Top Public Schools category, KSU ranks 91 out of 221. About 47% of students graduate in four years. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1 and 48% of the university's classes have 20 or fewer students.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
State/Regional
*K-State Agriculture Department gifted $25 million
5/29/24 KSNT
State lawmakers awarded Kansas State University’s Agriculture Department a $25 million gift.
The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility updates after one year of official ribbon cutting
5/29/24 WIBW
“At this point, we’re focusing on having several agreements to start the science and the research and many of those with Kansas State University, with other academic institutions, with all federal agencies, and with industry and then later when we are truly starting work at NBAF they can come together and work within using the facilities that we have here at NBAF,” said Dr. Calvijo. NBAF will continue to partner with K-State and other universities for students wanting to pursue a career as well as internships like through Bio Kansas.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
State/Regional
Helping veterans heal, one beehive at a time
05/29/24 Kansas Farmer
Today, Valor Honey has about 250 beehives and a packing facility at its farm just south of Manhattan, and a teaching space at the Kansas State University Agronomy Education Center on the agronomy farm north of campus — with hives as well.
Local
Avian Flu seen in dairy cows is spreading into Kansas
05/28/24 WIBW
“And it affects mainly their lactation the clinical signs may be fever, loss of milk production, and the milk is not consumable anymore from its consistency and a high amount of virus is checked through the milk,” said Dr. Jurgen Richt, K-State professor of diagnostic medicine pathobiology.
*Legislature awards Kansas State $25 million in matching funds for College of Ag renovations
05/28/24 1350 KMAN
Kansas State University recently was awarded $25 million in matching funds for the university’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
National/International
Rockport pet store helps its community in more ways than one
05/24/24 KRIS-TV
Pet Wants is a new store in the Rockport neighborhood. Still, the owner, Andrew Bazner, is working to help the community in more ways than one. "We want to help educate you to how you can really maximize the health and wellness and happiness, extend their lives and we got everything you need to that right here,” Bazner said, "Our food was all crafted and formulated by veterinary scientists at Kansas State University exclusively for us. It's proprietary, you can't get it at stores.”
56 Nigerians travel to US in June, July as part of Mandela Washington Fellowship 10th anniversary
05/26/24 Nigerian Tribune
A total of 56 young Nigerians are set to leave the shores of the country for the United States for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Programme which is now in its 10th year. The fellows will leave Nigeria for 28 US cities between June 18 and July 31, 2024. These fellows will also attend a summit in Washington DC, where they will engage with US leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors. Kansas State University will be one stop for the students during their time in the US.
State/Regional
How to prevent conflict with bats
05/24/24 Great Bend Tribune
It’s no coincidence that Kansas State University wildlife expert Drew Ricketts’ phone rings a bit more often this time of year with residents feeling a little bit batty. The dark, flying mammals come out of hibernation beginning in May and are more active through August. So long as the bats are not in the home’s main living space, Ricketts might suggest leaving them alone. That’s because some control measures could create a bigger issue.
Kansas awards 13 projects $3.5M in Innovative Technology Program grants
05/25/24 Wiredfocus
The Kansas Department of Transportation recently awarded 13 projects statewide $3.5 million in Innovative Technology Program grants. The program invests in projects that implement new transportation technology and improve access, safety, or mobility. It is part of the bipartisan 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program. Kansas State University – Salina was awarded $1 million for its Advanced UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center.
FFAR-funded research to prevent African swine fever virus
05/26/24 High Plains Journal
African swine fever virus is a highly contagious, fatal disease in pigs that spreads rapidly. There is no commercially available treatment or vaccine for the virus, posing a significant threat to United States swine production. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research has awarded a $1 million Seeding Solutions grant to Kansas State University to develop safe and rapidly deployable vaccines to prevent ASFV. Elanco Animal Health, K-State, Kansas State University Innovation Partners and MEDIAN Diagnostics, Inc. provided matching funds for a $2,645,427 total investment.
Wheat Scoop: Putting Kernels to the Test
05/26/24 Salina Post
The journey from a potential genetic cross to the latest released wheat variety requires years of testing by public and private wheat breeders. They keep their eye on every aspect of agronomic performance from disease resistance to standability. Equally important is the partnership between wheat breeders and the Wheat Quality Lab at Kansas State University.
Friday, May 24, 2024
National/International
Do You Shop More When You’re Stressed?
5/24/24 The Cut, New York Magazine
Megan McCoy, a financial therapist and professor at Kansas State University, points out that doom spending perpetuates itself — the shame of compulsive shopping creates more stress that feeds the cycle. “One of the best ways to shift behavior is to think less about what you want to stop doing and more about what you’re working toward,” she says.
Petfood Forum 2024 Student Program names research winners
5/23/24 Pet Food Forum
With the audience serving as industry judges, three student winners were chosen over two days of presentations to receive cash prizes for their work, two from K-State:
• US$500: Katelyn Bailey, graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, for her poster presentation on “Situational analysis for use of sorghum in North American pet food”
• US$500: Youhan Chen, Ph.D. candidate at Kansas State University, for her poster presentation on “Performance of Aspergillus oryzae fermented soybean meal in processing and expansion of extruded dog foods”
Thursday, May 23, 2024
National/International
A big start to wildfire season could mean another smoky summer in the Midwest and Great Plains
5/22/24 NPR
“As they enter this year, they have all the elements in place for another extremely active fire season,” said Christopher Redmond, a meteorologist at Kansas State University and with the Kansas Forest Service.
The Benefits of Minimalist Living: The Path Towards Happiness, Peace and Freedom
5/22/24 Medium
Kansas State University researchers found that those who attach their happiness to material goods, risk higher levels of worry, fear, anger, and material dissatisfaction.
State/Regional
Kansas reported more tornadoes so far in 2024 than all last year — or the year before. Why?
5/22/24 KCUR
El Nino is currently transitioning to a neutral condition, "a recipe for severe weather in the central United States," Chip Redmond, an assistant meteorologist at Kansas State University, told KCUR's Up To Date.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
National/International
*First graduates of Kansas State University physician assistant program aim to fill health care gaps
05/21/24 Yahoo! News and Kansas Reflector
The first graduates from Kansas State University’s physician assistant master’s program hope to help close health care gaps in the state.
State/Regional
Gov. Kelly announces more than $1.5M in local innovation technology programs
05/21/24 Salina Post
Advanced UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center
Kansas State University-Salina
Saline County
Amount: $1,000,000
Local
*Rural Kansas needs health care providers. K-State's first physician assistant cohort is stepping up.
05/21/24 Manhattan Mercury
As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University’s physician assistant studies program finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
State/Regional
KSU hires leader for Department of Grain Science and Industry
05/21/24 Baking Business
After a lengthy national search, Kansas State University’s (KSU) College of Agriculture announced on May 20 that Joseph Awika has been named head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry and director of the International Grain Program Institute. An internationally renowned food scientist, Awika also will serve as director of KSU’s Food Science Institute.
Local
K-State receives gift to expand music master classes
05/21/24 KSNT-TV
On Friday, May 17, K-State announced that Jerry A. Hall of Indianapolis, Indiana donated $375,000 to the QuVee Mock Master Class Series and $125,000 to support the Marilyn Sawin Arts Extension Across Kansas fund. The donation to the QuVee Mock Master Class Series will help K-State bring renowned artists to present at the University and provide exclusive classes. The Marilyn Sawin Arts Extension Across Kansas donation helps send K-State faculty to performing arts clinics in rural communities, according to K-State.
Monday, May 20, 2024
National/International
*How a $1m pledge from ADM will ramp up ag innovation
5/16/2024 Food Navigator USA
ADM has generously donated $1 million to Kansas State University's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, a key component of the university's forward-thinking Agriculture Innovation Initiative led by the College of Agriculture. This funding will significantly enhance the academic journey of K-State students, consequently igniting innovation within the industry.
*KSU awarded $6M grant by USAID
5/16/2024 Webull
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a $6 million grant to Kansas State University for global food security efforts. The University says its Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab will receive the funds to help strengthen existing agricultural research, education and outreach entities in Guatemala.
State/Regional
*K-State breaks ground on Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation
5/17/2024 WIBW
Kansas State University's Concrete Canoe team has advanced to the national competition after Kansas State University broke ground today for its new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The new center brings together departments of animal science, food science, and grain science to work on further collaboration. The new building will connect Weber Hall and Call Hall, which also will undergo renovations. It will serve more than half of the University’s Agriculture students. The center is the third groundbreaking in the university’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, a multi-year push to upgrade and expand facilities in grain, food, animal, and agronomy research. When completed, the Agriculture Innovation Initiative is anticipated to top $210 million raised from a combination of state, private, and university funds.
Kelce Jam 2024: Bonner Springs, K-State, KDOT team up to enhance security
5/19/2024 KCTV-KC
New technology helped the Bonner Springs Police Department keep the crowd at Saturday night's Kelce Jam safer than ever. Bonner Springs police teamed up with K-State's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems team to provide drone coverage of the largest musical festival in Kansas City. They say this gives them more coverage during events. "The drones, for us, are a force multiplier," said Major Chris Nicholson with BSPD. "They allow us to free up officers to be on the ground to assist the public and handle any issues. We can run a drone to cover what would take five or six officers." The drones help monitor the crowd remotely and show law enforcement where their officers and assets are at all times.
Local
*K-State officially breaks ground on new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation
5/18/2024 KMAN
Groundbreaking for Kansas State University's new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation was held Friday afternoon east of Weber Hall. The new facility will allocate 30% of space for on-site collaboration between public resources and private enterprises and will provide an overall modernized facility for the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry, which specializes in milling, baking, feed and pet food. The center is the final and largest piece of the $210 million K-State Agriculture Innovation Initiative, which includes funds raised from state, private and university funds.
*Salina Student Honored For Research
5/1/2024 KSAL
Excellence in research has earned several Kansas State University students, including one from Salina, recognition through the 11th annual Kirmser Undergraduate Research Awards from K-State Libraries. Karsyn Arnold is among those being recognized for her research.
Friday, May 18, 2024
National/International
Kansas wheat has potential despite odd year
05/14/24 World Grain
“Where is this crop going to go?” asked Romulo Lollato, a wheat and forages extension specialist with K-State Extension. “If things go very well down the road with nice weather this will remain a good crop. But if there is hot humid weather in the next couple weeks, it could go downhill from there. Variability is the name of the game we’re seeing."
The extent of bird flu in cows remains unknown. States are resisting federal efforts to learn more.
05/16/24 Barron's/MarketWatch
"If you want to stop the spread of this disease in cattle, any lactating cow which is moved between different farms should be tested," Jürgen Richt, a virologist who directs the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said in an email to Barron’s.
*How a $1m pledge from ADM will ramp up ag innovation
05/16/24 Bakery & Grain
"The College of Agriculture is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 higher education ag programs in the nation, and this donation will help ensure we remain at the top in educating students, leading in research and helping our partners feed a hungry world," said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean for the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension.
State/Regional
*Generous Gift Advances Music Master Class Series And Extension Programs At K-State
05/16/24 Sunflower State Radio
Through a pair of generous gifts to the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Jerry A. Hall of Indianapolis, Indiana, will help Kansas State University deliver world-class talent and teaching to music lovers at the university and across the state of Kansas.
Local
*K-State’s first PA cohort to provide health care assistance for rural Kansas
05/16/24 WIBW
Kansas State University officials said as the inaugural cohort of K-State’s physician assistant studies program finished 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages.
K-State proposes 2.8% tuition hike to Board of Regents
05/16/24 1350 KMAN
The Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday heard proposals from all six four-year universities for 2025, including Kansas State, which is proposing a 2.8% hike, amounting to roughly $139 per semester. This after last year’s increase of 5%. President Richard Linton says doing so would generate about $5.5 million in additional revenue across all campuses.
In Focus: Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, K-State ICDD
05/16/24 1350 KMAN
K-State Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy Director Dr. Colene Lind and Political Science Department Head Dr. Nathaniel Birkhead spoke on KMAN's In Focus to discuss research on political discourse and communications from legislators.
Four K-State professors awarded for teaching excellence
05/16/24 WIBW
Kansas State University officials said the four faculty members were recognized for outstanding work as educators through the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Awards.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
National/International
‘Poorly timed extremes’ to blame for deteriorating winter wheat in one top growing state
05/14/24 Successful Farming
Christopher Redmond, assistant meteorologist at Kansas State University, says that extremes in the weather that have been timed poorly “are the primary driver for the higher percentage of poor ratings in the current Kansas wheat crop.”
State/Regional
Periodical cicadas are emerging across the United States but not affecting Kansas
05/14/24 WIBW
“These are insects that spend 13 or 17 years as nymphs in the soil feeding primarily on plant roots and then they come out and they, as nymphs, latch on to structures and then the adults emerge and the adults fly around, they live about 2 weeks, and the males and females mate and then the female will lay eggs on a pencil-sized branch so after that they will die, the nymphs will emerge from those eggs fall to the soil and they’ll reside the soil for another 13 or 17 years depending on what cycle it is,” said Raymond Cloyd, an entomology professor at K-State
Local
*K-State lab awarded $6 million grant from USAID
05/14/24 1350 KMAN
A $6 million grant has been bestowed on the Kansas State University Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab (SIIL).
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
National/International
Solar storm crashes GPS systems used by some US farmers, stalling planting
05/14/24 The Star Online
Terry Griffin, an associate professor in agricultural economics at Kansas State University, spoke on the powerful geomagnetic storm that cast the northern lights’ vivid colors across the Northern Hemisphere over the weekend that also caused some navigational systems in tractors and other farming equipment to break down at the height of planting season.
State/Regional
K-State lands $6M grant led by Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Sustainable Intensification
05/14/24 Sunflower State Radio
Kansas State University officials have cited a Manhattan-based innovation lab’s “decade of success” in providing global food security as key to a $6 million award announced recently by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Officials with USAID announced that K-State’s Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab, or SIIL, will receive the grant to strengthen existing agricultural research, education and outreach entities in Guatemala.
Monday, May 13, 2024
National/International
A Kansas State University researcher recently received a $1 million grant to develop ASF vaccines
5/10/2024 RFD TV
The recent spread of high path avian influenza has underscored the need to protect the industry from foreign animal diseases. A Kansas State University researcher recently received new support to battle one of the biggest global threats to pork production— African swine fever. Dr. Waithaka Mwangi spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on the status of ASF, a $1 million dollar grant to develop deployable vaccines, and the next steps.
*ADM donates $1 million to Kansas State's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation
5/10/2024 Bake Magazine
Kansas State University announced on May 8 that ADM has pledged $1 million to the university’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, one of four new or renovated facilities included in the university’s visionary Agriculture Innovation Initiative led by the College of Agriculture.
What Farmers Need To Know About Severe Solar Event With Potential To Disrupt GPS
5/10/2024 Ag Web Farm Journal
"The good news is those radio blackouts for GPS may only last for a few hours or half a day," says Dr. Terry Griffin a Professor & Cropping Systems Economist at Kansas State University. "My message is: if this is a radio blackout then patience is your best bet. Go check the NOAA website and if the planetary K-Index is red instead of green then go have an early lunch." From an agricultural perspective, Dr. Griffin has been studying the economic impacts of GPS outages for several years. He’s found that even a few hours to half a day of lost GPS signal can come with a cost for farmers. That's especially true for farmers who miss an optimum planting or harvesting window. Pushing field work later into the season can ultimately cost them yield and performance during the season.
State/Regional
Many students from Kansas State University walked across the stage to start a new journey in life
5/11/2024 WIBW
Many students walked across the stage today at the Kansas State University commencement. The day started with the College of Arts and Science students walking leading into the College of Education, and Business, and ending with the College of Engineering. About over 3,000 students graduated today and many are ready for their next chapter in life.
*K-State's Concrete Canoe team advances to nationals after placing first at regional competition
5/12/2024 WIBW
Kansas State University's Concrete Canoe team has advanced to the national competition after placing first at regionals. According to Kansas State University officials, the Concrete Canoe team took first place at its regional competition at the Mid-America Student Symposium hosted by Missouri University of Science and Technology in April.
Local
*Woods named director of K-State's A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication
5/11/2024 The Mercury
Heather Woods, associate professor in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named director of the school after serving as interim director since November 2023. Woods joined Kansas State University's department of communication studies in 2017 and helped facilitate its recent merger with the A.Q. Miller school. She previously served as associate director of graduate programs and research in both the school and the communication studies department.
Friday, May 10, 2024
National/International
Scouts likely to see a varied Kansas wheat crop
5/10/24 Baking Business
Beyond the drought effects, scouts will be on the lookout for three other factors Kansas State University agronomists have said are present to some degree in the crop.
State/Regional
*ADM donates $1 million to agricultural innovation at Kansas State University
5/10/24 KRVN Rural Radio
ADM will give $1 million to Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The center is one of four facilities included in the Agriculture Innovation Initiative led by K-State’s College of Agriculture.
Local
*K-State student has played the organ for thousands of graduates. Now it’s his turn to walk
5/9/24 WIBW
A Kansas State student who’s played a special role in a few graduations will now walk across the stage this weekend. David Ochner, an engineering student, started playing the organ in the fall of 2019 and played for commencements starting in 2021.
*U.S. Department of Energy awards nuclear engineering scholarships to three K-State students
5/9/24 WIBW
According to Kansas State University officials, three students in K-State’s Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering received undergraduate nuclear engineering scholarships from the U.S. Department of Energy for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
National/International
Do You Need a Financial Therapist?
5/8/24 Time
“Only a small fraction of mental health programs have even a single financial-related elective, despite financial stress being the number one stressor in American life,” says Megan McCoy, an assistant professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Personal Financial Planning, who teaches courses on financial therapy and is a certified financial therapist herself.
State/Regional
*Company donates $1M to K-State for ag innovation
5/8/24 KSN
ADM will give $1 million to Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The center is one of four facilities included in the Agriculture Innovation Initiative led by K-State’s College of Agriculture.
Local
*Salina Student Honored at K State
5/8/24 KSAL
A student from Salina is among those being recognized by Kansas State University’s College of Education award winners who excelled in and out of the classroom. Elyse Ramsey is among those being recognized.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
National/International
To combat cow flu outbreak, scientists plan to infect cattle with influenza in high-security labs
05/07/24 Science
One goal of the lab work is to investigate how the virus is spreading from cow to cow. The working theory is that lactating cows with infected udders are spreading the virus to other dairy cows during the milking process, but that’s based on circumstantial evidence such as the presence of H5N1 in environmental samples from milk parlors. “The big question right now is whether the virus is mechanically transmitted or can be transmitted from cow to cow via aerosol as well,” says Jürgen Richt, a virologist at Kansas State University.
State/Regional
*Kansas State University announces schedule for weekend graduation ceremonies
05/08/24 Salina Post
Kansas State University has announced plans for this weekend’s spring 2024 graduation ceremonies at the Manhattan campus.
Local
*K-State's commencement organist prepares to graduate
05/07/24 Manhattan Mercury
For David Ochner, a fifth-year senior at Kansas State University, graduating from college also means graduating from his role as organist for the university’s commencements.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
State/Regional
State/Regional
*K-State College of Education announces outstanding students and future teachers
05/07/24 Salina Post
Kansas State University's College of Education is recognizing graduate and undergraduate student award winners who excelled in and out of the classroom. Debbie Mercer, interim provost and executive vice president and dean of K-State’s College of Education announced the spring 2024 student award winners.
KOERNER: Dining with Diabetes will be offered in June 2024
05/07/2024 Hays Post
Dining with Diabetes is a K-State Research and Extension health and wellness program that consist of a series of four classes that includes learning, demonstrations, physical activity and tasting healthy foods. The program's focus is to help individuals learn strategies to lessen the health risks of diabetes.
Monday, May 6, 2024
National/International
Bird flu's big question: What's driving its spread
5/3/2024 AXIOS
The virus' jump to cows poses new questions about it despite being studied for decades. "This is a different animal. We have to start all over again and understand what is going on," says Jürgen Richt, the director of Kansas State University's Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases.
State/Regional
*K-State Salina student project raises donations for children at Wesley
5/3/2024 12 NEWS
Students from Kansas State University Salina's Pilots For Kids program visited Wesley Medical Center this week to bring gifts to hospitalized youth in Wichita. Pilots For Kids at K-State Salina is a student-led organization dedicated to helping hospitalized children.
Biologists studying Kansas flying squirrels make surprising discovery
5/4/2024 FOX 4 Kansas City
Flying squirrels may not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking about the Sunflower State, especially given the abundance of prairie habitat. However, biologists have found them living in the state’s few forested areas, often right under (or above) the noses of unsuspecting Kansans. Adam Ahlers, an associate professor with Kansas State University's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, says an extensive survey is underway to study the animals. The project aims to find out more details about the southern flying squirrel populations in Kansas such as their genetic information and population structure.
New KSU Dairy Science Facility Funded
5/5/2024 KSAL
A late addition to the state budget aimed at replacing the Dairy Science Unit at Kansas State University will help the dairy industry in Kansas to double. According to Senator J.R. Claeys of Salina, $36 Million in funding and bonding authority was added in the budget for K-State to replace the 1977 facility. Matching funds from the industry are required to reach the goal of a $40 Million dairy on campus. Research at the dairy will drive innovation for the industry in the state.
Local
*Dean of K-State Global Campus Karen Pedersen announces retirement
5/3/2024 The Mercury
Karen Pedersen, dean of Kansas State University Global Campus, has announced her retirement, effective Aug. 5. Pedersen was named dean of Global Campus in January 2018. Global Campus contributed much to the health and vitality of the university during the six years of Pedersen's tenure, including taking a central role in K-State’s pivot to remote instruction during the global pandemic. Under Pedersen's leadership, Global Campus experienced a straight-line upward trajectory in online program offerings, online enrollments and online learners served.
Friday, May 3, 2024
State/Regional
Newstalk: K-State Salina Pilots for Kids program
5/2/24 KWCH
Jack Byrne, a student in the professional pilot program at K-State Salina, stopped by KWCH's Newtalk segment to discuss a recent initiative to visit children at Wesley Children's Hospital and efforts to interest young generations in careers in aviation.
Legislature adopts potentially unconstitutional ban on ‘foreign adversary’ property ownership
5/2/24 Kansas Reflector
The attorney general would be responsible for establishing by Jan. 1, 2025, procedures for reporting divesture actions in Kansas. In addition to annual reports by the attorney general, Kansas State University would compile a summary of foreign holdings of real property in the state.
K-State Salina alumni fellow's unique path to success in uncrewed aircraft systems
5/2/24 Salina Post
Demuth credits his education that he earned at the campus for greatly accelerating his career path. "I have never really taken the time to look back on the unusual course that I have taken through my career and how much that reflected on Kansas State University until now," said Demuth. "There is just so much that I owe to K-State that helped get me to where I am today."
Local
*K-State launches online graduate certificate in strategic health communications
5/2/24 WIBW
Officials with K-State indicated the certificate is designed for working professionals in public health and hospital administration, health care, environmental communication, public relations, research, media, government and many others as well as graduate students.
*Bringing KU and K-State together for a greater cause
5/2/24 KSNT
K-State 105 Director Jessica Gnad joined the 27 News morning show to talk about the collaboration between K-State and Kansas Health System, the importance of healthcare in the rural community and ensuring all 105 counties in the Sunflower State have access to vital local care providers.
*Valor Honey provides the opportunity for veterans and others to find a passion in beekeeping
5/2/24 WIBW
The organization is now teamed up with Kansas State University to offer accredited series of courses for those wishing to go into the field of beekeeping. Along with offering the program to veterans and K-State students, they also have Afghan refugees and offer internships as well. While currently in a warehouse the organization plans on moving operations to K-State’s campus to build the program.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
National/International
Pandemic boosts tech use in financial planning
5/1/24 Wealth Professional
The Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning, formerly known as the FP Canada Research Foundation™, has funded a study conducted by Kansas State University researchers.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Multi-Sector Actions to Eliminate Systemic Barriers in STEMM
5/1/24 WhiteHouse.gov
Kansas State University College of Education: The College of Education formulated a new group representing grant-based programs and faculty that develops strategies to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers of color from diverse populations nationally and internationally.
May Lawn Care: Do You Even Need to Water Grass?
5/1/24 Backyard Boss
However, according to Kansas State University, the amount of moisture you need to apply to your lawn at one time depends on soil type and root depth. Sandy soils, for instance, drain liquid faster than clay soils. Thus, sandy soil lawns require more frequent watering with smaller amounts per session to prevent runoff and waste.
State/Regional
*Derby student named K-State ambassador
5/1/24 Derby Informer
The College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University announced its student ambassadors for the 2024-25 academic year. Derby native Livie Heseltine, a sophomore in communication sciences and disorders, was selected as a student ambassador for the upcoming year. The student ambassadors work to promote the college to alumni, prospective students and current K-State students, both on and off campus.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
National/International
Researchers develop rapid detection tool for swine disease
04/30/24 DVM360
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) bestowed a $1 million grant to scientists at Iowa State University, as well as collaborators from South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, Ohio Animal Diseases and Diagnostic Laboratory, and Purdue University. The collaborators will use the Swine Disease Reporting System to quickly detect new strands of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV).
State/Regional
K-State Agricultural Economist Honored
04/30/24 KSAL
A Kansas State University agricultural economics professor whose nearly four-decade career includes helping to generate more than $2.7 billion through a grid premium program for producers has been named the 2024 winner of the Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence faculty award.
Local
*K-State researcher lands $2.6 million for African Swine Fever research
04/30/24 Manhattan Mercury
A K-State researcher has new support to battle one of the biggest global threats to the $57 billion pig and swine production industry in the U.S.
*Note: Asterisks indicate clips that resulted from recent news releases or pitches from Communications and Marketing.
