Kansas State University

Tara Coleman, web services librarian and associate professor, also serving as the chair of the K-State Book Network, sits down with Mindy Weixelman, director of parent and family relations to discuss the K-State Book Network and its recent selection for the 2018 common reading book, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.

PFA: Tara, thank you for taking the time to share with parents and families the purpose of the K-State Book Network and the common reading book, and how it will translate into their student’s college experience. The K-State Parents and Family Association aims to communicate programs and initiatives taking place on campus in a timely, thorough, and direct manner.

Tara: Great! Everyone involved with the K-State Book Network appreciates the opportunity to engage with parents and families.

Continue reading “A Conversation with Tara Coleman, Chair of the K-State Book Network (KSBN)” →

K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently caught up with Trenton Kennedy, a May 2018 graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science. Through his involvement in organizations such as Student Governing Association, Blue Key Senior Honorary, and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Trenton’s K-State experiences have proven essential in navigating the recent transition into his professional career.

Sadie:  Describe your transition from college to career. What are you doing now? What were some of the major adjustments?

Trenton:  I am currently living in Washington, D.C. where I serve as a press assistant to Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). My transition from college to career was short. Many of my friends going into the private sector have spent their time between college and career back-packing Europe or at the lake. Public service doesn’t lend well to excessive spending, so I started after spending a short two weeks in my hometown of Frankfort, Kansas. The transition has been interesting – I am slowly getting used to the hours and having two phones. I’ve spent summers in DC doing internships, so it doesn’t feel unfamiliar. However, I know when college football season rolls around and I’m not watching the Cats from Bill Snyder Family Stadium, things will feel very different.

Continue reading “Young Alumni Spotlight: Trenton Kennedy ’18” →

As Director of Parent and Family Relations, I have the opportunity and pleasure to collaborate with Rebeca Paz, who is known on campus as a valued resource, advocate and overall champion for first-generation students.  While Rebeca is not new to K-State, she is leading a new endeavor for first-generation students and families.

PFA:  Congratulations for launching the new Office of First-Generation Students!  K-State’s land-grant mission offers students a pathway to success.  How will having an office enhance our abilities to support first-generation students? 

Rebeca:  Yes, I’m very excited about this announcement.  The generous support of the Suder Foundation has made our dream become a reality.  The Office will serve as a model for universities across the country — informed and inspired through a unique partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Center for First Generation Student Success, another key program funded by the Suder Foundation.

Continue reading “K-State Launches New Office of First-Generation Students” →

K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently sat down with Jim Parker, Director of Lafene Health Center, K-State students’ health and wellness facility. Conveniently located at 1105 Sunset Avenue, across the street from Marlatt Hall and the Kramer Dining Center, Lafene is focused on providing students with a cost-effective, physician-directed healthcare experience.

K-State PFA Intern Sadie Polson recently sat down with Jim Parker, Director of Lafene Health Center, K-State students’ health and wellness facility. Conveniently located at 1105 Sunset Avenue, across the street from Marlatt Hall and the Kramer Dining Center, Lafene is focused on providing students with a cost-effective, physician-directed healthcare experience.

PFA: Thank you for visiting with us today, Jim! Tell us about the range of services your staff provides to K-State students.

Jim: Lafene Health Center (LHC) is a fully accredited outpatient health center that offers a wide range of health and wellness resources.  These resources, both clinical and academic, are available to eligible students.  Clinical offerings include primary care/family practice medicine, sports medicine, dermatology, women’s and men’s health, mental health medication management, ADHD testing, physical therapy, athletic training, allergy and immunization services, foreign travel consultations, laboratory services, and a full-service pharmacy.  This fall, LHC will initiate massage therapy services for eligible students, faculty, and staff.

Continue reading “Lafene Health Center: Your Student Health Resource” →