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Arts and Sciences Faculty/Staff Newsletter

Author: marcia

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FACULTY ENHANCEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS!

Congratulations to our Faculty Enhancement Program awardees for fiscal year 2025!

  • Raelynne Hale, assistant professor in modern languages, for “Environmental Literary Research in Latin America and Spain.”
  • Madeleine Jansen, assistant professor in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, for “Chamber Music Kansas: A Community Concert Series.”
  • Will Stafford, assistant professor in philosophy, for “The Philosophy of Intuitionistic Type Theory.”

This program serves to increase the numbers and proportion of faculty members engaging in research, scholarship and creative activities, particularly those with potential for garnering extramural funding and in disciplines that have not historically had access to substantial start-up packages or extramural funding. Awardees receive up to $10,000 each and mentorship from a senior colleague at K-State or elsewhere.

Tenure-earning faculty members within three years of hire were eligible to apply for funding for summer salary and other research and scholarly support. Applicants identified a project that would enhance their competitiveness for extramural funding.

A LOOK BACK AT OUR AWARDS CELEBRATION

We were pleased to honor some of our college’s exceptional faculty and staff members at an awards celebration on March 6! We are so grateful for their dedication and excellent work!

Be sure to nominate deserving faculty, advisors and staff members for the next round of awards by November 1!

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 awardees!

Annette Maggio Administrative and Support Staff Award
Kim Coy, Physics

William L. Stamey Award for Undergraduate Teaching
Abigail Langston, Geography & Geospatial Sciences
Stacia Gray, English

William L. Stamey Award for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Garrett Nelson, Mathematics

William L. Stamey Award for Advising
Ben Worcester, Music, Theatre, and Dance

Ronald N. Gaches Undergraduate Teaching Award
Ivan Blank, Mathematics (not pictured)
Sim Jun, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work (not pictured)

Ronald N. Gaches Lifetime Teaching Award
Michele Janette, English (not pictured)

Keller Family Award for Innovation in Teaching
Jesse Nippert, Biology (not pictured)
Robbie Bear, Biology

Davids-Dunham Award for promoting belonging
Keisha Clark, Social Transformation Studies
Julio Hernandez Pavon, Psychological Sciences

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES

Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration

Thu., March 6 | 5-7 p.m.
Rockin’ K’s meeting room, 1880 Kimball Ave., #100
RSVP by March 4

Join us in honoring some of our college’s outstanding faculty and staff members! Dean Culbertson will present our 2024 awards for excellence in teaching, advising and administrative support. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Please RSVP by March 4. We look forward to celebrating with you!

 

Coffee Collabs

graphic that shows cup of coffee and says Arts and Sciences Coffee Collab

Coffee Collab: Extension Connections with Dr. Gregg Hadley

Wed., March 5 | 10-11:30 a.m.
123 Leadership Studies Building
RSVP encouraged. Please use the form to express interest in this topic even if you can’t attend.

K-State Research and Extension Director Dr. Gregg Hadley will provide information about what KSRE does, how it is organized, and how faculty members can connect with the Extension network across the state. This is a key opportunity for faculty interested in partnering with Kansas communities for research or engagement. The K-State strategic plan emphasizes leveraging the Extension network as a key asset for connecting with communities. Come learn how to build those connections!

Coffee Collab: Improving your writing practice

Thu., March 27 | 9:30-11 a.m. (rescheduled)
113 Leadership Studies Building
RSVP encouraged

Led by Theresa Merrick, assistant director of K-State’s Writing Center, this session will focus on strategies, habits and tools to improve writing productivity and help writers feel more confident tackling research and workplace writing tasks. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a writing plan and interact with fellow writers. Participants are encouraged to bring a writing sample and laptop.

 

Sherlock & Co.: A Year of Mystery

graphic showing drawings of a hand holding a magnifying glass, a pipe, a hat.

Friday, March 28 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Union Wildcat Chamber and Zoom

A panel of faculty members and students will give lightning talks on the origins and legacy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Visit the English department’s event calendar for more info on the presentations.

 

Math Circle Seminar 15-Year Celebration

graphic showing fireworks and text that says Math Circle Seminar at K-State 15 years!

Sat., March 29 | 1-3 p.m.
Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Celebrate art and math and the 15th anniversary of K-State’s Math Circle Seminar! Enjoy activities for all ages, a math and art tour, and more!

The Math Circle Seminar offers first- through eighth-grade students a friendly environment to explore challenging mathematical topics not typically taught in school. Participants solve complex problems, prepare for math contests and play math-inspired games.

 

ArtSci Drop-By

black graphic with purple and white text that says ArtSci Drop-By and a purple neon pizza sliceThu., April 3 | 5-6:30 p.m.
Union Station by JP’s, Harvest Section

Enjoy this laidback opportunity to socialize with friends and colleagues from around the college! All Arts and Sciences staff and faculty are welcome. An hors d’oeuvre buffet will be provided.

 

Tell your graduate students! — Grad Student Appreciation Pizza Party

Purplish graphic with info about the pizza party and an underlying photo of pizzas

Tue., April 8 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Union Station by JP’s
RSVP by 3 p.m. Fri., April 4

We will celebrate Arts and Sciences graduate students with a free pizza party during Graduate Student Appreciation Week April 7-11! One lucky grad student will win a $500 prize for academic or conference expenses!

 

GOOD TO KNOW

Human Resources — New time and leave process coming

A new, universitywide time and leave process is expected to launch this spring. Training will be provided for all faculty/staff, supervisors and timekeepers. More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is on the K-State Human Resources Time and Leave System page.

 

Summer Camps — Website updates requested, new registration process launched

Updates are requested for the university’s summer camps webpage. If your unit has camp information to update or add, please email marketing@k-state.edu with “summer camps website update” in the subject line by March 28.

Also, please be aware of the new online registration process for camps and other activities involving minors.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Nominate a graduating student for an Alumni Association award

graphic that says "nominate a student" and photos of student awardeesEach year, the K-State Alumni Association recognizes graduating students for their accomplishments in leadership, service and academics. Let’s make sure Arts and Sciences students get recognized! Nominations are due March 9.

 

Attend or present at Posters, Pinot and Partnerships events

Graphic with various research-related photos and info about Posters, Pinot and Partnerships event on March 13, 2025

Thu., March 13 | 4-6 p.m.
Hale Library, Hemisphere Room, 5th Floor

The Office of the Vice President for Research is hosting this series of networking events designed to bring scholars together, spark interdisciplinary connections and celebrate the breadth of creativity and inquiry at K-State. Faculty and staff are invited to attend and present posters. View March 13 event info.

 

Noontime Yoga at K-State

Willie the Wildcat seated in prayer poseK-State’s Noontime Yoga (and Pilates) can help you focus on your mental and physical well-being in a friendly, non-competitive environment. This volunteer-based program is free, and students, staff, faculty and community members of all levels and abilities are welcome.  

Classes meet from 12:05-12:50 p.m. every day, Monday-Friday, at various locations on campus. View each day’s teacher and location on the full schedule and join the group’s email listserv to receive updates. (The International Student Center will soon be unavailable, so watch for updates.)

Noontime Yoga started in 2002 as a part of K-State’s Campaign for Nonviolence.

 

Walk Kansas — Registration opens March 4

Photo of people walking in a 5K wearing Walk Kansas t-shirtsWalk Kansas is an eight-week, team-based challenge, presented by K-State Research and Extension, that encourages people to walk, run, roll, bike, swim, or do whatever activity they enjoy to live more healthfully. Solo participants are also welcome. The initiative includes challenges related to nutrition and other healthful lifestyle habits as well. Participants get helpful information, recipes, a t-shirt and more, and can track their activities through an app. The program will take place March 30-May 24. Registration opens March 4.

CONGRATULATIONS!

College teaching, advising and support staff awards

Congratulations to the winners of our college’s 2024 teaching, advising and support staff awards! See the announcement for more information about the awards and praise for each awardee.

Join us in honoring the awardees at an awards celebration Thu., March 6! See the Upcoming Events section above.

Our congratulations and deep gratitude go out to all the awardees!

William L. Stamey Awards for Undergraduate Teaching

Abigail Langston, assistant professor, geography and geospatial sciences

Stacia Gray, senior instructor and Writing Center director, English

William L. Stamey Award for Graduate Teaching Assistant

Garrett Nelson, graduate teaching assistant, mathematics

William L. Stamey Award for Advising

Ben Worcester, academic advisor, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Ronald N. Gaches Lifetime Teaching Award

Michele Janette, professor, English

Ronald N. Gaches Undergraduate Teaching Awards

Jung Sim Jun, associate professor, sociology, anthropology, and social work

Ivan Blank, professor, mathematics

Annette Maggio Award for Administrative and Support Staff

Kim Coy, academic recruitment assistant, physics

 

K-State Professors of the Week

Photos of Tom Sarmiento and Christine AikensCongratulations to Tom Sarmiento, associate professor of English, and Christine Aikens, university distinguished professor of chemistry, on being recognized as Professors of the Week in January and February! Faculty Senate, the Office of the President and K-State Athletics coordinate this program to show appreciation for those who teach at K-State. Recipients are selected by Faculty Senate caucuses.

 

Psychology program among top in nation!

U.S. News and World Report badge for 2025 top psychology programsKansas State University’s undergraduate psychology program ranks near the top 25% of the nation according to U.S. News and World Report!

Of 436 “national universities,” USNWR ranked our program 118th for 2025. More information, including how they rank schools, is available on the website.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES

Civil Rights Teach-In

purple graphic with white text about Civil Rights Teach-In Jan. 29, 2025

Wed., Jan. 29, 2025 | 2:30-5 p.m.
Leadership Studies Building, McVay Family Town Hall
Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee

Join the conversation on social justice issues during K-State’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance Week!

Teach-ins are held for learning, discussion and movement towards action, usually around a challenging sociopolitical issue. They often include expert presentations and audience participation and are not limited to a strict timeframe.

Join us for K-State’s 11th Annual Civil Rights Teach-In and hear K-State experts present about this year’s theme: wellness of the body, mind and world. Then, join the conversation during a panel discussion with the presenters.

For questions, contact Dr. Kimathi Choma, kchoma@k-state.edu, 785-532-6904.

2:30-2:40 – Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

2:40-3:20 – Land, Embodiment, and Wellbeing
Dr. Melissa Poll, Social Transformation Studies and English

3:30-4:20 – Neuroscience, the Human Brain, and Wellbeing
Dr. Julio Hernandez Pavon, Psychological Sciences

4:30-5:00 – Panel Discussion: How Can the Sciences and Humanities Intersect to Support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Well-Being?
Dr. Keisha Clark, Social Transformation Studies; Dr. Melissa Poll; Dr. Julio Hernandez Pavon

 

Faculty Meetings – Spring 2025

Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1
4 p.m. | 114 Willard Hall

All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Faculty may vote.

 

ArtSci Drop-By

graphic with text about ArtSci Dropby on Feb 6 2025 and image of purple neon light that looks like pizzaFeb. 6 | 5 p.m. | Union Fireside Lounge outside JP’s

Join us at this fun, informal social for all Arts and Sciences faculty and staff! An appetizer buffet will be provided!

 

Coffee Collabs

graphic that shows cup of coffee and says Arts and Sciences Coffee Collab

Improving your writing practice

Thu., Feb. 13 | 9:30-11 a.m.
113 Leadership Studies Building
RSVP encouraged

Led by Theresa Merrick, assistant director of K-State’s Writing Center, this session will focus on strategies, habits and tools to improve writing productivity and help writers feel more confident tackling research and workplace writing tasks. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a writing plan and engage in interactive activities with fellow writers. Participants are encouraged to bring a writing sample and laptop.

Extension Connections with Dr. Gregg Hadley

Wed., March 5 | 10-11:30 a.m.
123 Leadership Studies Building
RSVP encouraged but not required. Please use the form to express interest in the topic even if you can’t attend.

K-State Research and Extension Director Dr. Gregg Hadley will provide information about what KSRE does, how it is organized, and how faculty can connect with the Extension network across the state. This is a key opportunity for faculty interested in partnering with Kansas communities for research or engagement. The K-State strategic plan emphasizes leveraging the Extension network as a key asset for connecting with communities. Come learn how to build those connections!

 

Arts and Sciences Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration

Thu., March 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Location to be announced

Join us as we present awards to some of our outstanding faculty and staff members!

 

Important academic dates

See university academic calendar for more details.

Feb. 7 – Instructors may drop students for non-attendance
Feb. 14 – A/Pass/Fail Grading Option Request Deadline
Feb. 14 – Academic Progress Reports Available in SSC-Navigate
Feb. 17 – Census: 20th Day Deadline for making changes to program/plan
Feb. 24 – Academic Progress Reports end in SSC-Navigate
Feb. 25 – Last Day to Drop Classes with no ‘W’ grade on official transcript

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

College and university awards

Apply or nominate an ArtSci colleague or student for the following university and College of Arts and Sciences awards.

Faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants
Staff
Department/Unit
Students
Engagement—Faculty and professional staff

 

Encourage your students!

Undergraduate Research Awards

College Undergraduate Research Awards are offered every spring, summer and fall. Recipients get $1,000 awards to conduct research and creative projects with a faculty mentor. All degree-seeking undergrads in any major in the college are invited to apply. Applications for Summer and Fall are due March 1 and May 1! View our spring 2025 awardees.

Other research award opportunities are offered by the Johnson Cancer Research Center and Chapman Center for Rural Studies as well as K-State’s Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research.

Mark Chapman Scholars Program

The Mark Chapman Scholars Program helps promising Arts and Sciences students fund meaningful summer projects early in their undergraduate careers. Five awards of $5,000 each are given annually—$3,000 to fund a summer activity and $1,000 per semester in the following academic year. Applications are due March 3.

ArtSci Student Mentorship Program

The ArtSci Mentorship Program is open to all undergrads in the college. Students are paired with professionals who provide insight and guidance for career preparation and help students develop a professional network. Students must sign up by Feb. 2 to be onboarded before the program launches Feb. 10. The program coordinator is Paige Altwegg, paltwegg@k-state.edu.

K-State Undergraduate Research Symposium

graphic showing event title and photo of people at past eventTue., April 15 | 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
K-State Student Union, Ballroom and Courtyard

All undergraduate students participating in mentored research are encouraged to participate in this two-session symposium. They may exhibit traditional research posters or show artifacts that aid in presenting creative work. Students should start planning now and join the symposium Canvas page for information on poster design, presentation tips, printing and more. Registration closes March 23. Learn more from Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research.

STAFFING UPDATES

 

ARTS AND SCIENCES NEXT-GEN STRATEGIC PLAN

close-up photo of 2 students working in a lab with the text Arts and Sciences Next-Gen Strategic Plan After more than a year of collaborative work, the College of Arts and Sciences has a Next-Gen Strategic plan to align with the university’s Next-Gen K-State plan. To develop the college plan, members of our faculty and staff engaged in many discussions about our values and hopes for the college. Please view the result of this hard work and use it to guide your priorities and decisions.

College of Arts and Sciences Next-Gen Strategic Plan