Kansas State University

• A fun Q&A with the deans
• Upcoming events from the Dean’s Office and around the college
• Resources and opportunities, including student research funding
• Good-to-know info on free speech, wellness, graduation and student services
• Alumni Spotlight: Media and Comm alum and New York meteorologist Rhonda Lee
• Pics from our Week of Welcome Ice Cream Social

Hello, Arts and Sciences Students!

We are enjoying getting to know you through college events like our Week of Welcome Ice Cream Social, student organizations like Arts and Sciences Ambassadors, your classes and other activities.

And now, you can get to know us a little better! Once upon a time, we were students just like you!

Chris Culbertson is the dean of the college. Before becoming dean, he was interim dean and associate dean for research. He is also a chemistry professor in the analytical division of the department. His research is focused on developing devices for the early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancers. He collaborates with other researchers to overcome biomolecule separation, detection and quantitation challenges in complex biological matrices. He was the department’s lead advisor for 10 years.

Q: What music are you listening to most these days?
A: Zac Brown Band (“Chicken Fried”), Jimmy Buffett, Daddy Yankee, Chris Tomlin, RedBone, Tracy Lawrence

Q: Did you have a job in college? If so, what was it?
A: I cleaned toilets for the first two years in college and then worked as a diver at the New England Aquarium for the last two years.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I work with Rotary International and the United Nations Environment Program to clean up the rivers of the world.

Scott Tanona is the associate dean for academic affairs and planning. He’s been in that role since June 2020. He is also an associate professor of philosophy, specializing in the history and philosophy of physics, science in society, and ethics and values in science.

Q: Music? A: Lately, I’m listening to Arlo Parks, Tems, Big Thief, Khruangbin, Kendrick Lamar, and the HU, plus a pretty regular fallback to 90s alt. The last two live music events I went to were Blaggards and Green Day.

Q: College job? A: Yes, several! Telecalling, groundskeeping, working the floor at a chemical company filling bottles and cleaning vats, and other miscellaneous jobs here and there.

Q: Free time fun? A: Camping, hiking, mountain biking. Playing pool. Also just chilling on the porch (when it’s not too hot).

Mary Cain is the associate dean for research and graduate studies. She started in June 2024. She is a professor in the psychological sciences department, where she directed graduate programs. Her research examines the neural mechanisms of reward, focusing on the impact of the early environment on drug-taking and relapse to drug-taking in adulthood. She has received university awards for undergraduate teaching and research mentorship.

Q: Music? A: I’m currently enjoying Noah Kahan and Alex Warren. I had the opportunity to see Taylor Swift last summer, and the show was amazing!

Q: College job? A: During the school year, I worked at an ice cream shop that was purchased and turned into a deli. I worked as a lifeguard over the summers. In the summer between my junior and senior year, I participated in a paid neuroscience summer research program and continued through my senior year.

Q: Free time fun? A: My kids participate in sports and choir, and I like watching them. I also like to exercise and listen to podcasts while walking my dog.

Christie Launius is the associate dean for student success, engagement and undergraduate studies. She started in June 2024. She is also an associate professor in the social transformation studies department, where she recently served as interim head. She joined the gender, women and sexuality studies department in 2018 and helped lead its merger with American ethnic studies to form social transformation studies in 2022. Her research interests include narratives of upward mobility obtained via education and the scholarship of teaching and learning in gender, women and sexuality studies.

Q: Music? A: I listen to a lot of folk, Americana and alt country.

Q: College job? A: I had a LOT of jobs in college, including working at McDonald’s and the campus tutoring center answering the grammar hotline! Yes, it was a landline phone that people called, and we had a shelf of reference books that we used to help answer callers’ questions. We got a lot of calls in that pre-internet era.

Q: Free time fun? A: I love to cook and bake, and I also enjoy word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.

Kimathi Choma is the assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention, a position he’s held since 2016, after serving as interim dean for a year and a half. Before that, he was in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as director of undergraduate public health programs and as the experience facilitator for the Master of Public Health program.

Q: Music? A: Good gospel music!

Q: College job? A: Yes, I worked as a peer mentor and student leader. I also worked with the college HVAC professionals over the summer. I loved it. I learned a lot.

Q: Free time fun? A: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially near a warm fireplace, listening and learning.

Ben Stark is the assistant dean for infrastructure and faculty support. He is also a professor of theatre. He has served as associate director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, leading administrative efforts in production, facilities, technology and programmatic budgeting. He also directed the theatre program’s marketing, management and technical design efforts. Professionally, he works for a variety of production companies. Recently, he worked with Hudson Scenic on the revival of “Sweeney Todd,” “The Notebook” and “The Wiz” on Broadway.

Q: Music? A: Moulin Rouge and Taylor Swift. (I have two young daughters, can you tell?)

Q: College job? A: I was an RA in the dorms and also worked in the library as a media specialist.

Q: Free time fun? A: Home improvement projects and woodworking.

Lunch with the Deans: New Students

Tue., Sept. 10 | 12-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall
RSVP Required

This event is full. We’ll host more Lunches with the Deans Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and next semester! Oct. 8 will be for undergraduate researchers and Nov. 5 will be for first-generation college students. Watch your inboxes for invitations and newsletters, and our social media @KStateArtSci!

Health Networking Night

Tue., Sept. 10 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom

Meet health profession employers at Health Networking Night, co-sponsored by the College of Health and Human Sciences! Check it out if you’re thinking about a career in physical therapy, medicine, EMS, public health, fitness or any other health-related field.

Education Abroad Expo

Thu., Sept. 12 | 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.
Hale Library, Room 181

Learn about study abroad opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences and throughout the university. Talk to faculty members who lead short programs. Find out about scholarships, the Passport Center and more! Treats provided.

Helping Professions Networking Night

Tue., Oct. 8 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom

Are you considering a career in social services, mental health, community engagement, youth programs, social or criminal justice, family advocacy or a similar field? Come build relationships with helping profession employers in the area!

Lunch with the Deans: Undergraduate Researchers

Tue., Oct. 8 | Noon-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall

More info coming soon!

Special events around the college

Campus Creek Clean-Up

Sun., Sept. 8 | 2:30-4 p.m.
International Student Center

Help clean up Campus Creek with Environmental Science students and members of Students for Environmental Action!

K-State Cancer Research Week: Data Blitz and Science on Tap

Cancer Data Blitz
Tue., Sept. 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

At this high-energy event hosted by legendary local emcee Dave Lewis, student and faculty researchers will use only two minutes and two slides to present their research. Graduate students will present research posters as well. Sponsored by K-State’s Johnson Cancer Research Center.

Science on Tap: The Science Behind the Cure
Wed., Sept. 11 | 7 p.m.
Manhattan Brewing Company, 406 Poyntz Ave

Learn about cancer research from K-State scientists while enjoying local brews. Sponsored by Sunset Zoo and Manhattan Brewing Co.

K-State Radio Centennial Celebration

Fri., Sept. 13 | 10-11 a.m.
Radio Towers near Calvin Hall

The university will commemorate a century of “bringing the college to the people and the people to the college.”

Peterson Public Lecture featuring MIT astrophysicist

Mon., Sept. 23
4:30 p.m.
103 Cardwell Hall
Sponsor: Physics Department

“Gravitational Waves: A New Window to the Universe”

Nergis Mavalvala, dean of the School of Science and professor of astrophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Refreshments will be served at 4 p.m. in 119 Cardwell Hall.

Election Candidate Debates and Town Hall

State House Candidate Debate
Sept. 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard

Meet Rep. Sydney Carlin
Oct. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Wildcat Chamber

State Senate Candidate Debate
Oct. 9 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard

The KSU Young Democrats, Department of Political Science, Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD), and Riley County Republican Party have partnered to bring debates and a town hall to campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local candidates for state legislature and learn how to vote.

Events will be streamed on ICDD’s YouTube channel.

K-State Theatre presents “Philoctetes”

Sept. 26-28 | 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 | 2:30 p.m.
Chapman Theatre, Nichols Hall

For nine long years, the Trojan War has been raging. The Greeks, desperate for victory and longing to return home, are informed by an oracle that defeating Troy is possible only through the return of Philoctetes, a skilled warrior, and his magical bow and arrow from exile.

From the Ashes: Printmaking, Preservation and Renewal conference

Wed.-Sun., Oct. 2-6
Various locations around campus and Manhattan

This Mid America Print Council Conference, sponsored by the art department, will explore the relationship between printmakers and the natural environment. The public is welcome.

AI and the Future Symposium: Trust AI?

Tue.-Thu., Oct. 15-17
Various campus locations and Manhattan Public Library

This free event features a variety of panels, lightning talks and workshops to help the K-State and Manhattan communities learn about artificial intelligence. It’s sponsored by the modern languages department, Hale Library and more.

Flint Hills Military History Symposium: War and Technology 2024

Fri.-Sun, Oct. 18-20
Locations in Manhattan and Fort Riley

The history department is partnering with Fort Riley Museums to present this symposium that bridges the gap between classroom and battlefield.

View all ArtSci events

Undergraduate Research Awards – Due Nov. 1
Interested in doing research? Check out our Student Research Opportunities page for information on finding a faculty mentor, $1,000 research scholarships for semester-long projects, and travel scholarships to present research at conferences or conduct research off-campus.

Travel scholarships are offered year-round but we ask that you apply at least one month prior to your travel dates.

Cancer Research Awards – Due Oct. 1
The Johnson Cancer Research Center offers awards for undergraduate and graduate students involved in cancer research.

Travel abroad! – Some October deadlines
Start your next life-changing journey with the help of K-State Education Abroad. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and some programs cost less than staying on campus. Some programs have Oct. 15 deadlines, so explore your options now! And check out the ArtSci Education Abroad Expo!

Free financial counseling with Powercat Financial
Trained students in financial planning or financial services offer counseling to fellow students on budgeting, saving, credit, student loan repayment and transitioning to work.

Apply to be a Financial Well-Being Ambassador
Become equipped with financial knowledge and help your peers make informed decisions.

University guidance on free expression

As a higher education institution, where thousands of perspectives and viewpoints convene, we provide space for civil conversations and discourse to express and learn from each other.

Please see the university’s latest policies, guidance and resources related to free speech and expressive activity. 

WellCAT One-Minute Survey to check on first-year students

First-year Wildcats, get ready! The WellCAT One-Minute Survey opens Sept. 15, and we want to hear from you. Let us know how your first few weeks at K-State have gone by answering 13 yes or no questions. It’ll take less than 60 seconds to complete but go a long way in helping us support you. If you indicate that you need support, campus staff will reach out to provide direct assistance. We’re here to support you inside and outside the classroom.

Planning to graduate this fall?

It’s time to fill out your graduation application! Apply through your KSIS account by Oct. 1 to ensure your name is in the Commencement program.

Even if you don’t plan to attend Commencement, the application is required to graduate. Stay up-to-date by checking the K-State graduation site frequently.

This is an exciting time! If you have any questions, contact the ArtSci Center for Student Success and Engagement, 107 Calvin Hall, artsci@ksu.edu.

Meet our Student Services Team

Our college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement houses our Student Services Team and college advisors. The team assists with enrollment, late add of classes, major changes and adds, DARS fixes, grad checks and more. They answer academic policy questions related to dismissal, warning, honors, reinstatements and credit enrollment limits. They also coordinate New Student Orientation, support Commencement, and connect students with university resources.

Visit them in 107 Calvin Hall, call 785-532-6904, or email artsci@ksu.edu. The office is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.

Wildcat Walk-Ins: Advisor support without an appointment

You can chat with an academic advisor during Wildcat Walk-In hours every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. at 107 Calvin Hall. No appointment needed. The next available advisor will answer your quick questions and help you understand your curriculum and explore academic programs and university resources.

Meet our Dean’s Office advisor team

Here are the friendly advisors you’ll meet during Wildcat Walk-Ins or special appointments: from left, Aryn Hopson, Emily Mann, Christia Stein, Elli Archer and Chrissie Patry.

To get in touch, contact the college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement in 107 Calvin Hall, 785-532-6904, artsci@ksu.edu. It is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.

Important Dates

• Mon., Sept. 9: Last Day to drop a class for 100% Refund (16-week classes only); Instructors May Drop Students for Non-Attendance
• Fri., Sept. 13: A/Pass/Fail Grading Option Request Deadline
• Mon., Sept. 16: Last Day to drop a class for 50% Refund (16-week classes only)
• Mon., Sept. 23: Last Day to drop a class with no “W” on transcript (16-week classes only)
• Fri., Oct 11: Wildcat Pause Day (no classes)
• Mon., Oct 21: Spring 2025 Enrollment Begins
• Mon., Oct 28: Last Day to drop a class with a “W” on transcript (16-week classes only)

Tip:  Students can find the drop deadlines for all classes, including non-standard classes, by clicking on the calendar icon next to each class in their KSIS Student Center Academics area.

View full 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

Journalism and mass communications alum Rhonda Lee ’97 is “your favorite weather auntie”

In 1993, Rhonda Lee thought she was going to KU, but then she visited K-State at her father’s behest and changed her mind. She loved the beauty and friendly feeling of K-State.

With a longstanding interest in television and weather, she majored in journalism and mass communications with an electronic journalism focus, and in American ethnic studies.

She was active with the Collegian, Black Student Union, Zeta Phi Beta sorority, residence hall executive board, student government, and even some dance and theater performances.

Lee fondly remembers the camaraderie and leadership she experienced with the Black Student Union.

“Experiences like that are why people choose K-State,” Lee said. “Students are involved in running the university. And I still use those leadership skills today.”

After graduating from K-State in 1997, Lee worked in television for 10 years before going back to school to pursue her meteorologist dream.

Now, after years of “clawing her way up the ladder,” she is chief meteorologist at WETM News in Upstate New York. And she’s the first Black person to hold that position in that region.

Of course, the journey had its ups and downs.

In 2012, Lee was fired from her job in Shreveport, La., after responding to negative comments about her hair on the station’s Facebook. But that incident, though tumultuous, was also part of the momentum that led to the federal CROWN Act of 2020, prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture or style.

“It wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best things that happened to me,” Lee said. “I got to [make] an impact on how people perceive themselves, and [help] protect kids from discrimination.”

Now, several years and moves later, “your favorite weather auntie,” as she likes to call herself, enjoys helping people understand weather and plan their outfits every day—through the sunshine and the storms.

Read the full ArtSci alumni spotlight.

We had so much fun meeting around 200 students and other friends at our Ice Cream Social during Week of Welcome! Our thanks to everyone who visited and to the Arts and Sciences Ambassadors who helped!