May 24, 2024
Kansas legislature invests in strategic strengths at K-State
Submitted by Government Relations
The 2023-2024 legislative session delivered on transformational funding to support research, impact and engagement at Kansas State University, including new infrastructure and innovation for agriculture, funding for the Biosecurity Research Institute and immersive training for aerospace and aviation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unprecedented level of support from the Kansas legislature this session,” said Marshall Stewart, senior vice president and chief of staff. “This funding will enable us to significantly enhance our programs and initiatives, ensuring that K-State delivers on the promise to serve the educational and economic needs of our state.”
The more than $76 million investment in K-State strengthens initiatives that enable K-State to be a next-generation land-grant university and meet the needs of Kansans.
The funding received includes:
• Agriculture Innovation Initiative — $25 million
• Biosecurity Research Institute — $2.2 million
• Central Immersive Training Hub at K-State Salina — $3.95 million
• Jet Turbine Training Program at K-State Salina — $1.2 million
• Kansas Animal Diagnostic Lab planning — $250,000
• Kansas Water Institute — $5 million
“K-State’s pivotal role as a land-grant institution is highlighted by this funding,” President Richard Linton said. “We are deeply appreciative of the Kansas legislature’s contribution, which allows us to strengthen our academic and research efforts. This investment further establishes K-State as a leader in innovation, an enhancer of our workforce and a supporter of our communities, staying true to our mission of bettering Kansas and the world.”
Additionally, the university is set to receive funding for capital renewal, demolition, cybersecurity, National Institute of Student Success Academic Playbook and need-based aid through the Kansas Board of Regents dispersal of higher education funding.
Guided by the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, this year’s legislative funding supports areas that align with workforce needs for growing industry sectors and economic development initiatives like the KC Biohub, security, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, artificial intelligence and digital twin simulation.
This investment funds ongoing interdisciplinary research and development for the Kansas Water Institute, Agriculture Innovation Initiative and Biosecurity Research Institute, each working to strengthen key areas for Kansas including natural water resources, agriculture and bioscience and food security.
The funding also supports a new innovative hub for immersive training. The Central Immersive Training Hub will provide opportunities for simulated training and enhanced preparedness for first responders, security and military forces, and law enforcement teams.
Other K-State items adopted by the legislature this year include the renaming of K-State Polytechnic to K-State Salina, authorization to sell the Honors House, and bonding authorities to renovate the Strong Complex and to begin construction on the K-Aires facility, which is a part of a public-private partnership with Pure Imagination Studios.
Learn more about this past state legislative session on the government relations website.