Celebrating community, connection and opportunity

Join us on October 19-23, 2026, for Kansas State University's annual Extension and Engagement Week! Through learning, leading and engaging, we are fulfilling our mission as the land-grant university — tackling the world's most pressing challenges and doing meaningful good in Kansas and the world.

Events schedule

Extension Annual Conference

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026

K-State faculty and staff are invited to join Extension professionals for a day focused on connection, learning, and partnership. This free conference will feature university updates, a keynote centered on this year's theme, Relentlessly Relevant, and interactive sessions exploring how K-State can work across disciplines and communities to address emerging opportunities and challenges.

The day provides an opportunity for university and Extension colleagues to build relationships, exchange ideas, and identify new opportunities to work together in service to Kansas communities.

Detailed agenda coming soon.

K-State faculty and staff outside of Extension can register to attend by selecting "Non-Extension Employee" during registration.

Featured programs

Keynote Speaker: Ben Steffen

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Forum Hall, K-State Student Union

Additional details to come!

Relentlessly Relevant: From Opportunity to Impact

10:00-Noon

Grand Ballroom, K-State Student Union

Additional details to come!

Concurrent Professional Development Sessions

1:15-4:15 p.m.

2nd Floor, K-State Student Union

Session 1 - Big 12 Room
Session 2 - Wildcat Chamber
Session 3 - Flint Hills Room
Session 4 - Cottonwood Room

Additional details to come!

Signature partner events

How Has Community Shaped Your Work? Stories and Conversations Inspired by Callings

Monday, October 19
3-4:00 p.m.
Muir Room (224), K-State Student Union

What happens when community becomes more than a place where we work—it becomes a source of learning, growth, and purpose?

Inspired by K-State's First Book, Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work, this interactive conversation explores how meaningful work is often shaped through relationships, partnership, and community. K-State colleagues will share stories of how working alongside communities influenced their careers, leadership, and sense of purpose. Together, participants will reflect on the experiences that prepare us to build authentic partnerships and create lasting impact.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

Event Details

Engaging in Community Engaged Teaching & Research

Tuesday, Oct. 20
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Zoom information will be shared closer to the event.

Community partnerships and applied learning are central to several of K-State’s Strategic Imperatives. Join the New Faculty Institute and Office of External Engagement to learn how you can connect your teaching and research with communities, build meaningful partnerships, and access resources to support engaged work at K-State.