February 18, 2016
Kansas Board of Regents Feb. 17 meeting university updates
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
The monthly Kansas Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 17 included several items related to Kansas State University.
Announcements and reports
President Schulz reported that the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recently gave K-State the highest research activity classification.
The Students' Advisory Committee discussed the Kansas Legislature's approval of the Lifeline 911 bill and acknowledged the work of Reagan Kays, 2014-2015 Kansas State University student body president.
Accreditation status
Kansas State University presented the Regents with the annual accreditation PDF report, which included the Higher Learning Commission accreditation of the university and the university's academic units and programs that have specialized accreditations. K-State reported 47 programs accredited by specialized accrediting bodies. Six programs are either certified, licensed, registered or Federal Aviation Administration-approved according to the standards of their respective regulatory bodies.
Use of Technology in Teaching panel presentation
Michael Wesch, associate professor of cultural anthropology and Coffman chair for distinguished teaching scholars, was one of three panelists who discussed using new technologies during teaching.
Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Research Center
The Regents approved an amendment to K-State's fiscal year 2016 capital improvement plan and accepted the program statement for the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Research Center, a 80,833-square-foot multipurpose facility to be built behind Mosier Hall. The amendment needs approval from the Kansas Legislature.
The estimated total project cost is approximately $43.2 million to be financed through bonds and repaid with diagnostic laboratory revenue and College of Veterinary Medicine special enhancement funding.
University Engineering Initiative Act and University Research Grants program
The Regents received an update on the University Engineering Initiative Act and the University Research Grants program.
Through the act, the Kansas Legislature appropriated $1 million in 2011 and $3.5 million beginning in 2012 over 10 years for the purpose of expanding the state's professional engineer training programs at K-State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. The goal is 1,365 graduates by 2021. The update noted that state universities are well on track to reach and exceed these goals. Discussion also praised the new construction at K-State's Engineering Complex.
The University Research Grants provide $5 million annually to both K-State and the College of Veterinary Medicine for specific legislative charges. K-State's focus is global food systems and Veterinary Medicine's charge is improved rankings. The update included the importance of the NBAF and the Biosecurity Research Institute, as well as other entities in bringing leverage and dollars to the university to become a world leader in food systems.