February 1, 2021
Nick Lander recognized as Professional Staff of the Week
Nick Lander, Housing and Dining Services associate director for student living, was recognized as Professional Staff of the Week at the Jan. 30 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 his contributions to K-State.
Lander has worked to provide K-State students with safe, comfortable on-campus living accommodations that support their academic pursuits since 2008. This year, however, he found himself attempting to carry out the department's mission with the added challenges presented by a global pandemic. Lander rose to the occasion, coordinating the initial closing of the residence halls as students moved to remote instruction last spring, and overseeing the return and quarantine protocol for K-State's study abroad students in Italy when borders closed. Working with campus partners and public health officials throughout the summer, he played a prominent part in the development and implementation of the department's successful reopening strategy and fall semester operational plan that allowed for the prompt transfer and attentive care of students in designated quarantine spaces. Lander is a trusted colleague and leader among HDS employees with a campuswide reputation for professionalism and expert problem solving, working closely with the Athletics Department, International Student and Scholar Services and others over the years to ensure a quality living experience tailored to the diverse needs of all students.