Blue Key Advisors

Dr. McClaskey began her Blue Key experience in the K-State chapter as a member in 1993 while subsequently serving as the Student Body President. She graduated with bachelor's degrees in Agriculture and Agricultural Economics and went on to receive her master's degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. Early in her career, she served as the communications director for Governor Sam Brownback's first congressional campaign and subsequently as the communications and agricultural policy director in his congressional office.

Upon returning to Kansas, she served as the assistant dean of the K-State College of Agriculture for 14 years. She later returned to campaigning as the campaign manager for Derek Schmidt for Kansas Attorney General until 2011 when she moved to the Kansas Department of Agriculture. There she began as Assistant Secretary, then Deputy Secretary, before she would move to Secretary of Agriculture in December of 2013 through January 2019.

Dr. McClaskey currently serves a the interim president and CEO of the American Royal Association. She has served as our chapter advisor since returning to the College of Agriculture and has continually developed our students chapter to its highest potential. Dr. McClaskey works with the president and vice president as well as the directors of membership and LeadX.

Dr. Britton graduated with a bachelor's degree with majors in agricultural economics and agricultural communications and journalism from Kansas State University in 2015. After earning his master's degree in agricultural economics at K-State in 2016, Dr. Britton completed a yearlong graduate fellowship with the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C., where he analyzed coarse grain and co-product trade. He obtained a doctorate in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University in 2020. He joined the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics as an assistant professor with teaching, advising and research responsibilities in August 2020. Dr. Britton works with the directors of nationals and scholarships, banquets and recognition, Catalyst, leadership recognition, and alumni and legacy.

Kyler earned a bachelor's degree with a major in agricultural communications and journalism from K-State in 2019. During his time as an undergraduate, Kyler was a part of the 2018-2019 Blue Key class. After pursuing his master's degree in agricultural education and communication at K-State the following year, he began work at U.S. CattleTrace, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing animal disease traceability in the United States. Kyler assists our Quest co-coordinators in developing great opportunities for the students involved in Quest Freshman Honorary. He also advises the directors of retreats and team training, public relations and marketing, leadership programming, and personal and professional development.

Kansas State University alumnus Pat Bosco has more than five decades of experience in higher education administration and service to the university. He received his bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1971 and a master's degree in educational administration in 1973 from K-State and earned his doctorate in higher education from the University of Nebraska in 1982. Dr. Bosco is recognized as a leader in student life, enrollment management and student affairs and has built his legacy through undying dedication to the development of students and the university. He retired from his position at the university in 2019. Dr. Bosco is enjoying retirement but provides support and direction to our chapter throughout the academic year.