MEGAN CLARK TO DIRECT KANSAS ACADEMIC DECATHLON ASSOCIATION

MANHATTAN -- Megan (Christensen) Clark has been named the new state director for the Kansas Academic Decathlon Association which sponsors academic competition each year at Kansas State University. Clark succeeds Diane Hansen as state director effective July 1.

"Megan was a high school scholar and did amazingly well at K-State,"
said Pat Bosco, associate vice president for institutional advancement and dean of student life. "She will represent everything that is great about Academic Decathlon."

Clark comes to the state director position after serving as a member of the Kansas Academic Decathlon board of directors. She worked as a K-State admissions representative for two years, connecting with high school counselors, students and parents from across the state. More recently she has taught art education to elementary students at Clear Creek Elementary in Shawnee, in the De Soto school district. Clark was recognized last year by her district as a Teacher of Excellence. She is pursuing a master's degree in school leadership and is part of the De Soto school district administrative development series team.

"Megan is a very talented professional and we are delighted to have her with us," said Carla Jones, K-State assistant vice president and senior associate dean of student life. Jones is president of the Kansas Academic Decathlon board of directors.

Clark, a K-State graduate, is originally from Overland Park. She graduated from K-State summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in education and was recognized as Outstanding Graduate in the College of Education. As a high school graduate from Blue Valley High School, she was one of the first recipients of K-State's prestigious Kassebaum Scholarship. She was a member of Mortar Board, the academic honorary that hosts the Kansas Academic Decathlon.

Kansas Academic Decathlon is recognized by the United States Academic Decathlon Association.