Kansas State University

Letter from President Myers

Submitted by President Richard Myers

Dear faculty and staff,

I hope each of you had an enjoyable winter break, and that you're moving toward another successful academic term as we're already in the second week of the spring semester. It's certainly great to see all of the students back on our campuses.

At least two things happen about the same time every January; our spring semester classes begin and the Kansas Legislature convenes. I want to share a couple of quick reminders for the university community as the 2017 legislative session is underway.

Please voice your opinions on any legislative matters that are of interest, but remember not to use your university title or university resources. If you have questions about proposed bills or anything else that may affect higher education, please contact Dr. Sue Peterson to get as many details as available. She provides frequent updates on legislative issues that appear in K-State Today during the session. This is a great source for information about higher education topics addressed in Topeka and Washington, D.C. 

For me, the winter break was a great time to watch our Wildcats defeat Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl, spend quality time with family, review successes our university has enjoyed in recent years, and consider the many opportunities that await K-State in the future. 

In the role Mary Jo and I share as co-chairs for the Innovation & Inspiration Campaign, we have seen firsthand the inspirational power of K-State 2025. There were those who doubted that K-State could ever raise $1 billion in private funds, yet we are on track to meet, and possibly exceed, this goal. Many donors have shared that the aspirational goals of K-State 2025 were a key factor in their giving, and the progress we have made is evident to anyone who drives through campus.

And, as we know, the momentum of K-State 2025 and other university progress is closely tied to the health and growth of our local, regional and statewide communities. Earlier this month, Manhattan was again recognized nationally, this time being named as the 8th Best College Destination by the American Institute for Economic Research.

Every unit in our institution has developed K-State 2025 plans and reviews them annually for progress. I have rarely seen such involvement at every level in an organization. We can be justifiably proud of the tremendous amount of time and energy spent on this effort, and I encourage the entire university community to help us as we continue moving forward.

Best wishes this semester. I look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions on making K-State an even better place to work and learn.

Richard B. Myers
President, Kansas State University