November 20, 2024
President Linton Next-Gen K-State monthly update
Dear K-State community,
At Kansas State University, we're on an exciting journey to reimagine how we educate, inspire and prepare our students for the future. As we become the next-generation land-grant university, one thing is certain: academic innovation is the key to meeting the needs of our learners — whether they're just starting their studies or continuing their professional growth.
We know that to stay ahead in this fast-paced, interconnected world, we can't rely on the same ways of doing things. That's why we're committed to embracing new approaches to education, focusing on flexibility, adaptability and creativity in how we teach and learn. It's all about making sure we're meeting the needs of students at every stage of their academic and professional careers.
A new focus on innovation
To make this vision a reality, we've taken some important steps, including an academic innovation structural redesign within the Office of the Provost. This new structure, funded by internal reallocations within the provost's office and launched this summer, will help us infuse innovation across all parts of our academic programs. The reorganization ensures that we have the right resources and expertise to help our faculty push the boundaries of academic excellence in the classroom and beyond.
We also welcomed Margaret Mohr-Schroeder to K-State as our very first vice provost for academic affairs and innovation. Margaret has a wealth of experience leading academic innovation, and we're thrilled to have her here with us. She'll be key in guiding us as we develop new courses, programs and credentials that are in sync with the ever-changing needs of learners, both now and in the future.
Key initiatives in innovation
One of the major drivers of academic innovation here at K-State this year is the Academic Program Review and Revitalization Initiative, or APRR. This expanded process goes beyond the traditional program review and is focused on areas like recruitment, admissions, enrollment and retention — giving us a full picture of how our programs are performing and how we can improve. We'll be using data and market analysis to create plans that ensure meaningful program assessment and development. The Graduate School partnered with six graduate programs to pilot our Enhanced APRR process. This process mirrors the current APRR process but expands strategically to address recruitment, admissions, enrollment, retention and program factors beyond the scope of the current APRR. The Graduate School provides all program data as well as a full market analysis to guide their strategic thinking and results in a three-year plan of action with annual measures to ensure meaningful progress.
We also launched this year's Academic Innovation Fund, which will provide $1 million to support new and creative academic programs. The first round of funding was announced earlier this year, and we're already gearing up for the next round, with awardees to be selected in March.
We're also seeing great momentum in the areas of microcredentials — smaller, more flexible learning opportunities that allow students and professionals to gain specialized skills. Last year, the Academic Innovation Task Force created a framework for these credentials, and we're now starting to roll out our first programs. These offerings will provide learners with pathways to grow their expertise and stay ahead in their careers.
Additionally, we approved and launched several new academic programs and certificates, including the Staley School of Leadership's graduate certificate in leading change. These initiatives are expanding learning opportunities for students, which further positions K-State as a leader in accessible, innovative education.
The new Graduate School Mentoring Program, a partnership between the Graduate School and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, connects first- and second-year graduate students with business leaders in the community to help them build professional networks and develop skills that will support both their academic and career goals. We have 32 graduate students representing 21 academic programs in the mentoring program this year.
Looking ahead
This is just the beginning. We're not slowing down in our commitment to enhancing the flexibility of our academic offerings, supporting faculty in developing innovative teaching methods and building stronger connections with industry to ensure our programs align with the evolving needs of the workforce. The world of academic innovation is constantly changing, and K-State will continue to lead the way in shaping these transformations.
I'm excited to share more updates as we continue building on the momentum we've already created. Together, we're making K-State a place where academic innovation thrives — ensuring our students, faculty and lifelong learners have the tools, knowledge and support they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
And if we do good for Kansas, we will do good for the world.
Thank you for your continued dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
As always, go 'Cats!
Richard Linton
President