K-State Current - February 24, 2021

K-State Current is a weekly news update for the Kansas Board of Regents to apprise the Regents on a few of the many successes and achievements made by K-State faculty, staff and students.

K-State News

College of Education's Master of Arts in teaching ranks as 10th in nation Degrees offered by the Kansas State University College of Education are represented in the latest online program rankings by U.S. News and World Report, with one holding the distinction of being the highest-ranked at the university.

Ranked 10th in the nation, the curriculum and instruction department's master's degree is K-State's highest-ranked online master's program and includes the Master of Arts in teaching. This one-year, intensive online cohort degree program is designed for career changers.

The curriculum and instruction department is led by Todd Goodson, professor and chair, and the Master of Arts in teaching program is led by Tom Vontz, professor and the program coordinator.

Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, believes this is an example of the right program at the right time.

"The department has been innovative and responsive to needs," Mercer said. "The success of the Master of Arts in teaching program is a combination of quality, timeliness and responsiveness to a need that exists in the marketplace. It is also the direct result of a deep understanding of teacher preparation and the creative thinking necessary to develop and grow a rigorous online program that graduate students feel connected to."

The special education, counseling and student affairs department's online master's degree in special education — launched in 2020 — was ranked 12th in the nation. The department is led by Christy Craft, professor and interim chair, and the degree program is led by Warren White, professor.

"The No. 1 need in Kansas schools is special education teachers, and by offering our program online, K-State is making it even easier for professionals to move into careers in this highly specialized area," Mercer said.

The educational leadership department's master's degree was ranked 27th in the nation. The department is led by Jerry Johnson, professor and chair.

"Leadership matters, whether that organization is in the public or private sector," Mercer said. "Strong administrators build positive learning cultures, and what's so powerful about this degree is it brings together leaders from so many professions — education, medicine, corporations, government and nonprofits — and identifies the best theories and how to apply them. I am thrilled all of these programs are receiving the recognition they deserve."

K-State Polytechnic continuing upward momentum Spring semester at the K-State Polytechnic Campus in Salina is looking bright. Enrollment is trending higher again for the fourth year in a row, with spring 2021 enrollment up 5% and student credit hours up 9% over spring 2020, an impressive feat during the pandemic.

"It's important during challenging times to focus on what we can control," said Christopher Smith, executive director of enrollment management, marketing and financial aid. "I am proud of our team for never losing sight of the mission and keeping students at the center of everything we do."

Advancing research and training

K-State Polytechnic increased sponsored research dollars by $1.7 million from fall 2019, providing research opportunities for students and faculty, and advancing areas like unmanned aircraft systems and bulk solids.

Specialized training sessions remain paramount at K-State Polytechnic, adding a UAS course for fire and HAZMAT responders and an online Bulk Solids Academy. Experts at K-State Polytechnic conducted more than 130 workforce trainings, increasing knowledge and skills of more than 1,000 people.

K-State Polytechnic's unmanned aircraft systems program was selected to join the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative. This initiative recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems. Programs must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.

Enhancing campus life

The Polytechnic Campus is continuing to prove it stands behind the motto of "Experience Matters." A new chemistry lab was recently completed, providing students a brand-new, updated space for hands-on education and experiments. The flight ramp was also replaced, and upgrades were completed in residence halls.

"A truly personalized educational and campus life experience is paramount at K-State Polytechnic," said Kyle Chamberlin, director of student life. "Over the last year, many changes came about in the area of student life."

Chamberlin was promoted to director of student life and immediately made a positive impact on students. Already beloved by students, Chamberlin provided a trusted voice and presence for students when dealing with the uncertainties and changes the pandemic forced on the university.

Joshua Doak was added to the student life team in October 2020 as student activities coordinator. Doak works closely with students to facilitate student programming and enhance the overall student experience. Virtual student events, as well as COVID-friendly campus activities, have flourished under his leadership.

Julie Rowe, diversity, inclusion and access coordinator, is a champion for students. Rowe provides support to Cats' Corner, a food pantry and clothing closet available on campus; assists students with accessibility and accommodations on campus; supports student programming in diversity and inclusion; and is a resource for international students.

"For students, college is their time," Rowe said. "It's my privilege, and the privilege of everyone on this campus, to walk beside our students during their experience and provide resources to ensure they're successful."

Preparing career-ready graduates

Ensuring students are career-ready upon graduation is a pillar of K-State Polytechnic's mission. Sarah Werner, director of career services and financial stability, focuses her efforts on assisting students with all aspects of their job hunt — from a part-time job on campus to preparing resumes and cover letters, searching for a full-time job, and supporting students through the interview process. Werner also actively provides resources for students to increase financial literacy, working to ensure students are successfully prepared to manage finances.

The aviation program at K-State Polytechnic is tirelessly working to prepare experienced, capable graduates to meet upcoming industry demands. Currently, the professional pilot program has more than 250 active flight students who receive hands-on education on more than 30 aircraft and five simulators. To date, 2021 has shown a 60% increase in flight training hours compared to previous years.

"At K-State Polytechnic, the student experience matters," said Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of the campus. "Arming students with the best education, skills and hands-on experiences upon graduation — and enjoying the campus experience throughout the process — is a core mission."

K-State Polytechnic offers 14 degree options, minors and certificates. To learn more about available programs and set up a personalized experience, visit polytechnic.k-state.edu. Contact the Office of Admissions at 785-826-2640 or polytechnic@k-state.edu with questions.

K-State Faculty Highlights

David Hodgson and Monica Woods recognized as Professors of the Week David Hodgson, professor of anesthesiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Monica Woods, instructor of accounting in the College of Business Administration, were recognized as Professors of the Week during the Dec. 11 men's home basketball game. Faculty Senate, the Office of the President, K-State Athletics and the Division of Communications and Marketing wish to recognize these individuals' contributions to K-State.

Hodgson joined K-State's Department of Clinical Sciences in 1989. Hodgson is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists. He is a recognized expert in anesthesia equipment design, function and use. His research interests include cardiopulmonary effects of various anesthesia manipulations in horses and other species. Hodgson's innovative ideas have been directed toward enhancing patient care and safety. Design and fabrication of novel anesthetic delivery devices have been career-long interests. Helping students think critically and scientifically about clinical anesthesia-related issues have been especially satisfying for Hodgson. He teaches in the fourth-year Clinical Anesthesia rotation as well as lecturing in the third-year Surgery I course, Surgery I Laboratory and the elective, Advanced Concepts in Veterinary Clinical Anesthesia. Hodgson also plays a vital role as a graduate and residency training advisor.

Woods joined K-State's Department of Accounting in 2005. As part of her teaching appointment, she teaches ACCTG 231, Accounting for Business Operations. Woods is an exceptionally dedicated teacher. She works continually to design her classes around activities that increase the effectiveness of her teaching. Her innovative approaches in the classroom provide rigor in her classes with the ability to motivate students toward success in preparing them for their future studies and career success. Woods was selected by the College of Business Administration to receive the 2020 Ralph Reitz Outstanding Teaching Award.

Weed science research group brings home awards from national meeting

The Weed Science Society of America had its annual meeting in a virtual format from Feb. 15-19. Each year at these meetings the society honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of weed science.

Mithila Jugulam, professor of weed physiology in the agronomy department, was awarded the Outstanding Research Award. This award is for researchers who have demonstrated originality and creativity and whose work has had an impact in the field of weed science. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to both applied and basic weed science research. This award is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Jugulam received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in agriculture in India. She worked as a scientist with Indian Council of Agricultural Research before obtaining her doctorate and postdoctoral training at the University of Guelph, Canada. She joined K-State in 2011.

Jugulam's research program is internationally recognized for increasing our understanding of the evolution and fundamental mechanisms of herbicide resistance in weeds. Her research also focuses on the effect of climate change factors on herbicide efficacy, consequently weed management. She is an award-winning teacher with the responsibility to teach graduate and undergraduate courses related to herbicide physiology, molecular biology and molecular cytogenetics at K-State and also internationally. She has served as major/co-major advisor for 13 master's and doctoral students and 10 postdoctoral fellows/visiting scholars. She also served on the supervisor committee of nine graduate students.

Jugulam is a recipient of several awards, including, Outstanding Scientist Award-Sigma Xi, K-State; Distinguished Achievement Award (Research) — NCWSS; Fulbright Specialist Award; Outstanding Research Award, Gamma Sigma Delta-K-State; and the K-State College of Agriculture Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, Faculty Development Award and Academic Excellence Award (twice). Jugulam is an active member of several professional societies including International Weed Science Society, Weed Science Society of America, North Central Weed Science Society and Western Society of Weed Science.

Two students from Jugulam's research group also were recognized at this year's meeting. Doctoral student Chandrima Shyam won second place in the doctoral poster contest. Ednaldo Borgato, a doctoral student co-supervised by Jugulam and Anita Dille, professor and assistant head for teaching in the agronomy department, won second place in the Three Minute Thesis presentation contest.

Additionally, the meetings were opened by Dille, who also serves as president-elect of the Weed Science Society of America.

The nonprofit scientific society was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.

K-State Student News

Kansas State University selected to participate in Collegiate Wind Competition for the eighth time The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the Kansas State University Wildcat Wind Power team as one of 11 groups selected to participate in the 2022 Collegiate Wind Competition. Considered the country's most prominent undergraduate-level wind energy competition, it challenges teams of college students to develop a wind energy project, and design, build and test a model wind turbine.

Since 2014 the DOE Collegiate Wind Competition has provided college students the opportunity to interact with wind industry experts and build the skills and connections that will help them find jobs in the industry. The Kansas State University team has been selected to compete in seven of the past eight years.

Warren White, associate professor in the Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and Hongyu Wu, assistant professor in the Mike Wiegers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are the Wildcat Wind Power team advisers. They are currently working with students from their respective departments as well as industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, and the College of Business Administration in preparation for the virtual 2021 DOE wind competition scheduled for June 7-10.

The following colleges and universities were selected for the 2022 event May 16–19, 2022, at the CLEANPOWER Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas:

• Brigham Young University
• California State University Maritime Academy
• James Madison University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kansas State University
• Northern Arizona University
• Texas Tech University
• The Pennsylvania State University
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Washington State University Everett

Participants integrate academic coursework with hands-on learning, gain valuable wind energy experience and connect with today's industry leaders while preparing to enter the wind energy workforce.

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