People with purpose: Mitzi Farmer

In every corner of campus, there are K-Staters who create the conditions for students to thrive. Mitzi Farmer, director of academic services in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design, is one of those people.

Through intentional listening, collaborative leadership and a deep commitment to student well-being, she builds the kind of connections that help students feel seen, supported and capable of succeeding.

As a first-generation college graduate, Farmer brings both empathy and experience to her role, offering guidance that meets students where they are and encourages them forward. Her work reflects a simple belief with lasting impact: when students know they belong, they can imagine new possibilities for themselves.

In this edition of People with Purpose, Mitzi Farmer shares what inspires her, how she leads and the legacy she hopes to leave at K-State.

Q: What's one small thing you do in your job that makes a big difference for one student, or a small difference for a lot of students?

Farmer: In the role of director of academic services, I intentionally make space for students, faculty and staff to have open discussions.

I provide creative, compassionate and constructive feedback that helps them move forward progressively.

Students benefit from having a safe space for academic challenges to be discussed and leave with an open mindset for learning.

Providing small gestures is impactful for students, faculty and staff to feel seen, heard and supported on their educational journey.

Q: What is your leadership style, and how does that contribute to your success in your role?

Farmer: My leadership style is collaborative with the opportunity to highlight people's talents, strengths and interests. Building supportive and resourceful relationships for effective engagement is necessary for consistent student success.

Modeling self-care practices and sharing well-being resources also fosters a community of colleagues committed to wellness, which helps alleviate workload burnout.

Leading projects with a collective vision of student success strengthens everyone's role and efforts.

Q: How do you build connections with students? How does your work foster connections with students?

Farmer: I build connections with students through authentic engagement and transparency of my undergraduate academic struggles and successes.

As a first-generation student, I needed to establish relationships that would provide guidance for academic success. As the director of academic services, I proactively incorporate resources, programming, and events that benefit all students.

Students want to fit in, influence others and earn their college degree. Getting to know a student's interests, hobbies and academic fears opens an opportunity to be seen as a resource for students to lean on for guidance. Updating students about university, college and/or degree program changes also helps build trust in academic success and degree completion.

I celebrate students' successes with small snack treats, shout-outs and stickers. I support students' challenges with encouraging words, university/college resources and active listening without judgement.

Q: What do you hope your K-State legacy will be?

Farmer: When students talk about their favorite memories of academic success and the people who helped them along their journey, I want them to mention my name and/or an experience with me that had a positive impact on their lives.

It is very important to my professional legacy that I teach students how to navigate the systems to enhance their education journey, complete degree requirements and accomplish their professional goals.

I hope to help students feel a sense of belonging that transforms their perception of themselves, others, and society. My grandmother was that person for me. She was a person with a magnetic energy that people reached out to when they needed a positive outlook and perspective on life's challenges, and she built community connections.