Who we are

K-State First and its programs are made possible by the support of administrators, staff, faculty members, and students from across campus. K-State First has 50 First-Year Seminar faculty, 45 lead Instructors in the CAT Communities, and over 50 Learning Assistants (peer mentors). The K-State First staff (listed below) work closely with a campus-wide advisory workgroup as well as committees focused on communication, research and assessment, K-State First Book, faculty development, and overall strategic planning.

Meet the K-State First Team!

Learn more about our team of dedicated staff, graduate students, and student workers, and what we love about how our work impacts first-year students!

Image

Name/Contact

Role

What do you love about K-State First?

round image of Tara Coleman

Tara Coleman

K-State First Book Coordinator

I love planning, developing, and implementing the common reading experience for K-State students.

Brie Heidbreder

Dr. Brie Heidbreder

Director

I love bringing together members of the K-State community who are dedicated to the academic and personal success of our newest students.

Pete looking at camera

Pete Loganbill

Learning Assistant Coordinator

I love working with our Learning Assistants because of the insights they bring regarding the needs of first-year students. In learning to be supportive of their peers now, they will have the ability to take that spirit of mentorship and support beyond the university.

Mariya Vaughan

Mariya Vaughan

Assistant Director

I love working across the university with faculty, staff, and students to create a welcoming and engaging community. I also love working with first-year students in my CAT Community and FYS classes, who I learn so much from every year.