School of Leadership Studies Awards

Click award title to view winners.  

LEAD 450: Senior Seminar Case Competition

Students in the Senior Seminar classes had the opportunity to perform an analysis of a case study mirroring the process that student teams went through for the International Leadership Association's annual student case competition. Over the course of the semester, student groups in all the sections of the Senior Seminar classes wrote briefs outlining their analyses and recommendations for the case, made posters summarizing their analyses and recommendations and presented their findings. Each section elected one group from their class to represent their section in a case competition. Judges included faculty from the School of Leadership Studies as well as a representative from Communication Studies. Those judges selected the overall winner.

Pat J. Bosco Outstanding Leadership Studies Student Award

The award was established in Pat Bosco’s name in order to recognize and honor his 35+ years of leadership to Kansas State University as well as the vital role he has played in the creation and establishment of the School of Leadership Studies.  Award recipients exemplify the following three tenets:

  •  Demonstrated leadership and campus involvement while at Kansas State
  •  Academic excellence in Leadership Studies courses
  •  Commitment to and involvement in the School of Leadership Studies

Nonprofit Leadership Outstanding Graduating Senior Award

The nonprofit leadership award was established with a vision to the commitment of preparing undergraduates for leadership positions in nonprofit organizations.  Award recipients are enrolled in the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance certification program at Kansas State University and exemplify the following five tenets: 

  •  Leadership and service to humanity
  •  Professionalism
  •  Measurable competencies and certification
  •  Inclusiveness
  •  Academic excellence in the nonprofit leadership focus courses

“The Rost” Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award

The award was established by the School of Leadership Studies Ambassadors to recognize a member of our School of Leadership Studies who exemplifies the mission statement of Kansas State University SLS, which is to develop knowledgeable, ethical, caring and inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world.  The winner of this award should not only demonstrate these characteristics in their own lives, but should also inspire others to become better leaders.  Eligibility: Any person who is part of the faculty or staff of the School of Leadership Studies.

Susan M. Scott Community Leadership Award

The award was established in Susan Scott’s name to recognize and celebrate her work as the Founding Director of the School of Leadership Studies.      

Award recipients exemplify the following four qualities:

  •    Demonstrates leadership focused on bringing progressive change to communities.
  •    Personifies compassion for their community and commitment to improving the everyday lives of those around them. 
  •    Rises about and beyond the realm of community service by shining light on an unmet need in the community. 
  •    Inspires others to carry out their call to action; their efforts pave the way for that action to transpire.

Michael C. Holen Leader in Residence

The Michael C. Holen Leaders in Residence Award honors outstanding individuals who are exercising leadership in a range of organizational, professional and civic settings.  Recipients come to campus to share experiences and engage in rich and challenging conversations with our students and the Kansas State University community.  The award recipient exemplifies the School’s mission statement and the following tenets:

  • Service to the common good is the goal of leadership.
  • Leadership is a process and is not defined simply by position or authority.
  • Collaboration is the primary method of teaching and developing leadership.
  • Successful leaders are committed to and have the ability to engage in leadership with those of other backgrounds and cultures.

Inaugural Leaders-in-Residence, Mary Lynn and Warren Staley, spent October 5-6, 2011 in residence at the School of Leadership Studies, meeting with students in classes, at special organized programs, and informally throughout their stay. 

Originally named the “Lifetime Leadership Award”.  The award was changed to honor Dean Holen for his tremendous support of Leadership Studies.

Outstanding Civic Engagement Award

Students who are awarded this honor will have lived the mission of the school of leadership studies through their community engagement and service to others. The student will have demonstrated a commitment to personal development, intellectual growth, and positive community impact through their work as a citizen leader. Students will have committed to service and civic engagement through a diversity of experiences on campus and in the community that demonstrate their commitment to serving community needs. Examples of this work may include volunteer service, involvement in service learning courses or programs, engagement in political activism on campus and in the community, social justice work and advocacy, research or work with faculty members on community based initiatives or social justice issues.
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Newman Civic Fellow Award

From across the country, college and university presidents all members of Campus Compact have nominated promising student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in their community to be Newman Civic Fellows. Through service, research, and advocacy, these Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change.

As these students tackle community challenges, they provide fresh energy and perspective, inspire and mobilize others, and develop their own skills and potential. This year, the Fellows will leverage an even greater capacity for service and change through online networking. In keeping with their generation’s emphasis on networks over hierarchies, Newman Civic Fellows will share ideas and materials to further their work in a Facebook group especially for Fellows.

Volunteer and Service Recognition: Celebrating People in Action

Sponsored by the Community First National Bank, the Office of the Provost and hosted by the HandsOn Kansas State, the Celebrating People in Action: Community Service Awards were established to recognize Kansas State University students, student organizations, faculty and staff for their community service. The campus community has a strong tradition of volunteerism and each year many selfless individuals and organizations give of their time and talents to address critical needs in Manhattan. Their efforts make a significant and lasting impact in the life of the campus and community, and we believe that they deserve recognition for their inspirational leadership. Each awardee receives a plaque and a monetary award to be donated to the community organization of their choice.