Compensation Study and Career Architecture Development
Supporting Our Next-Gen K-State Workforce
The Next-Gen K-State strategic plan calls us to be an employer of choice within Kansas and higher education — and we know that begins with how we support our people. Prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction are paramount, and that often begins with a foundational framework for competitive rewards, recognition of excellence, and opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
In fall 2024, K-State prioritized the launch of a compensation study initiative to begin in spring 2025, charting a data-informed, collaborative and comprehensive approach to compensation. The study set out to create:
- a refined compensation philosophy
- accompanying pay administration guidelines
- a strong foundation to support career pathways
- newly articlated faculty job structures/ranges
- a modified/refined set of staff job structures/ranges
- a graduate student compensation plan
In spring 2026, the Human Resources team began to articulate the results of the initial planning and discovery work produced by our consulting firm and steering committees. Additionally, the team outlined a multi-year phased implementation plan that will move alongside the university's Budget Transformation initiative, bringing our compensation planning to fruition in alignment with our Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, beginning with under-market adjustments by the end of calendar year 2026.
- Richard Linton, president
- Jesse Perez Mendez, provost
- Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance
- Hans Coetzee, vice president for research
- Shanna Legleiter, chief human resources officer
- Brad Behnke, dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
- Alysia Starkey, dean and CEO, K-State Salina
- Ben Wolfe, dean and CEO, K-State Olathe
Questions?
Have a question or comment about K-State’s Compensation Study initiative? Submit it below or email KSUCompStudy@ksu.edu.