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K-State Today

April 3, 2013

Student development lecture series celebrates 30th anniversary

Submitted by Patrice Scott

A College of Education lecture series, honoring a longtime K-State administrator, celebrates its 30th anniversary this spring.

The Chester E. Peters Lecture Series was created in 1983 in recognition of Peters’ contributions to K-State students and to the student affairs profession. He served as vice president for student affairs and adviser to Blue Key senior honorary until his retirement in 1985.

“I’m honored to continue the 30-year tradition of the Chet Peters Lecture Series,” said Dean Debbie Mercer. “This student-directed initiative supports ongoing professional learning for students and faculty not only in the College of Education but across the campus as well. It also memorializes a great person who left his mark on the University.”

Christy Moran Craft, associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs, has been the adviser for the lecture series since 2007.

“Topics are selected based on their relevance to the student affairs profession in general as well as to K-State in particular,” Craft said. “Each year, the student planning committee solicits input from others on campus prior to selecting a topic and speaker. Their goal is to choose a speaker who will provide important professional development to the graduate students in our student affairs graduate programs as well as to other student affairs professionals on campus.”

Once the topic and speaker are chosen, a student committee plans and implements the lecture. “We have maintained the focus on students because it is reflective of Chet’s philosophy,” she said.

Craft believes the lecture series has thrived over three decades because of the dedication to quality. “Because the lecturers are prominent professionals in student affairs, attendees have had the opportunity to hear the latest research in the field, to hear best practices that will better equip them in their jobs, and to network with others in the profession.”

The next lecture is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. April 18 in the K-State Student Union Forum Hall. Kristen Renn, professor of higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University, will deliver the keynote.

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