November 22, 2024
ATA Bus receives International Innovative Education Program Award
The Kansas State University Office of International Programs, or OIP, recognizes the Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency ATA Bus as the recipient of the 2024 International Innovative Education Program of the Year Award.
The annual recognition, announced during International Education Week, is awarded to an external organization that goes above and beyond promoting international education initiatives and/or serving our global student body. Established in 2012, the International Innovative Education Program of the Year Award is determined by the Office of International Programs leadership team.
The ATA Bus service is a public transportation service for Riley County, including the city of Manhattan and the K-State Manhattan campus.
The ATA Bus provides free ride service for K-State students, faculty and staff around the Manhattan campus. In addition, the ATA Bus also offers a free ride service for students, faculty and staff with the East-West Express Services with two stops on the Manhattan campus providing students a way to get to downtown and shopping centers.
"First and foremost, thank you all so much for this award! It is such an honor to know that the work we are doing is making a difference in the lives of the talented and incredible international students at Kansas State University," said Daphne McNelly, marketing and communications specialist for ATA Bus. "We recognize that transportation is an intersectional need that removes barriers and builds connected communities and are very proud to provide that to the best of our abilities. Thank you again, for your support and recognition of this work, as it truly means so much to myself and the entire ATA Bus team. We look forward to continuing the work of connection, collaboration, and growth with you all in the future."
Grant Chapman added, "The OIP team felt strongly that the ATA Bus service benefits all students and particularly the international students and their families. Our international students and scholars do not arrive at K-State with cars, so the ATA public transportation is very important for them."
Noted past recipients of this award:
- 2021: Institute for International Education for advocacy of and granting emergency funds to international students during a pandemic.
- 2022: Institute of American Universities at the American College of the Mediterranean for establishing a full-tuition education abroad scholarship for K-State students in memory of Allison Benson.
- 2023: Konza Student Table, Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the city of Manhattan for providing meals for students including international students and families.
International Education Week runs from Nov. 10-22.