Help connect Kansas communities with Presidential Engagement Fellows
Kansas State University’s Presidential Engagement Fellows are ready to visit communities across the state — but the Office of External Engagement needs your help in spreading the news about this new resource.
Since launching the program this fall, seven exceptional faculty members have been preparing to share their research, spark innovation and problem-solving expertise with communities across Kansas.
The inaugural cohort of fellows spans four key areas, each addressing real challenges Kansans face every day.
Community health and well-being
- Linda Yarrow, School of Health Sciences assistant professor, College of Health and Human Sciences
Enabling technologies
- Theresa Merrick Cassidy, department of English writing center assistant director and senior instructor, College of Arts and Sciences
- Brandon Savage, department of management instructor, College of Business Administration
- Darrin Smith, K-State Olathe associate dean of faculty, research and administration, associate professor
Global food security and biosecurity
- Stephen Higgs, Biosecurity Research Institute director, associate vice president for research, Peine Professor of biosecurity and University Distinguished Professor in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology
- Cassandra Jones, department of animal sciences and industry professor and teaching coordinator, College of Agriculture
Sustainability
- Yue Teng Vaughan, School of Consumer Sciences assistant professor, College of Health and Human Sciences
Each fellow knows how to take complex research and make it accessible to whoever's in the room — whether that's elementary students, farmers, business owners, or retirees.
Who benefits
Anyone and everyone. The program is designed for:
- Schools at any level
- Civic groups such as Rotary, Lions Club or local chambers
- Farm bureaus and agricultural cooperatives
- Business associations seeking fresh perspectives
- Healthcare organizations and public health departments
- City councils and county commissions
- Senior centers and community education programs
Each visit is customized for its audience. A third-grade class learning about biosecurity will look different from a group of agriculture producers discussing sustainability or business leaders exploring AI integration. Fellows typically spend 30–90 minutes with groups, blending presentation, discussion, and Q&A.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm anyone with jargon but to spark ideas, answer real questions, and plant seeds for future collaboration.
The Office of External Engagement covers all logistics and costs — communities or groups simply need to request a visit.
How you can help
Think about the people and organizations you know across Kansas — your volunteer group, local school district, farming community, or college roommate now running a small business in western Kansas.
Those connections matter. A personal recommendation from you carries far more weight than a cold email. You don’t need to coordinate anything — just spread the word. Forward this article, send a quick note, mention it in conversation, or share it on social media.
Three easy ways to help:
- Forward this to someone in your network who works with Kansas communities.
- Make an introduction if you know an organization that’s a perfect fit.
- Mention it when you’re back in your hometown or at community events.
Why it matters
“This program represents our unwavering belief that K-State belongs to all Kansans,” said Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff. “Every community has the potential for extraordinary transformation when connected with the right expertise and vision.”
As a land-grant university, K-State’s mission is not only to conduct significant research but to ensure it reaches the people who can use it. The Presidential Engagement Fellows program puts that commitment into action.
How to request a visit
It’s simple: fill out this form or contact the Office of External Engagement at externalengagement@k-state.edu or (785) 532-6221, which will handle the rest.
— Submitted by the Office of External Engagement