* Nathan Gorrell, senior in professional pilot and aviation maintenance, Centerville, represented K-State in the All Kansas Air Tour, April 2-7. Gorrell flew a Cessna 172 from the K-State fleet. His participation was made possible with help from a scholarship from the Kansas Department of Transportation's Aviation Division. As part of the scholarship, Gorrell gave presentations at several schools in communities on the tour. He taught students about Kansas aviation history and shared his experiences. April 2008
* Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation at K-State at Salina, is working to help women in the aviation maintenance industry succeed. Alexander has created Jet Ahead, a mentoring program for female airframe and powerplant students around the nation. The program helps connect students with an experienced mentor who can answer questions and help alleviate concerns. It also can be used for networking. February 2008
* Les Hannah, assistant professor of arts, sciences and business at K-State at Salina, was among the presenters at the first World Universities Forum, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, in Davos, Switzerland. Hannah, who primarily teaches English and American Indian studies, will discuss the importance of general education in his presentation, "Cultivating Common Ground: The Value of a University Education to a Diverse World." It's the second major international presentation for Hannah in the seven months. In July 2007, he was invited to participate in an Oxford University Round Table on American Indians and their role in literature. January 2008
* Eric Shappee, flight and ground instructor and associate professor of aviation at K-State at Salina, has earned renewed Master Certificated Flight Instructor accreditation from the National Association of Flight Instructors. Shappee has held the professional accreditation continuously since 2001. He is one of only 15 Kansas aviation educators with the prestigious designation. According to the National Association of Flight Instructors, the title is awarded only to the top instructors in the nation. In all, K-State at Salina has five faculty members who have earned this top designation -- the most of any college or university in the nation, according to the National Association of Flight Instructors. Along with Shappee, they are Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation; Bill Gross, professor of aviation and chief pilot; Bernard King, associate professor of aviation; and Troy Brockway, associate professor of aviation. January 2008