Executive Officers

Graduate Student Council officers are elected by the graduate student body each spring semester and serve from May 1 to April 30. Meet the current GSC officers below. View a list of previous GSC officers.

President

Alexa HeseltineAlexa Heseltine
Masters student in Public Health
aheseltine@ksu.edu

 

About me

I was raised in a military family and moved frequently growing up, but my parents now reside in Wichita, Kansas. I graduated from Kansas State University in May 2025 with a B.S. in Microbiology and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Infectious Disease and Zoonoses. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my cats, playing pickleball, reading, and going on walks!

Officer responsibilities
  • Serves as primary contact and spokesperson for the Council
  • Responsible for overseeing and facilitating all GSC activities, including presiding over all Council meetings, appointing and participating as an ex-officio member of all committees, and facilitating the development and organization of all events and initiatives undertaken by the Council
  • Represents graduate student interests on the Graduate Council as well as Faculty Senate

President-Elect

Vydehi

Vydehi Gadiparthi
 Masters student in Agronomy
vydehi@ksu.edu

About me

I am from Guntur, India, a city known for its vibrant food culture and famous red chilies. I recently completed my master’s degree in Agronomy at Kansas State University and will begin my Ph.D. in Fall 2026, where my research focuses on soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Outside of academics, I have loved cooking since childhood, and it continues to be one of my favorite ways to relax and connect with others. I also enjoy playing badminton, singing, and dancing whenever I get the chance. As an international student, I value building community and creating spaces where students from different backgrounds feel supported and welcome.

Officer responsibilities
  • Assists President with all duties and ensuring the GSC runs smoothly
  • Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the President in his or her absence
  • Represents graduate student interests on the Graduate Council and its standing committee Student Affairs
  • Serves as the Executive Liaison for the Research Forums Committee
  • Conducts the spring elections for new executive officers
  • Assumes to serve one-year in his or her role, and the following year as the President

Secretary

Charissa TroutCharissa Trout
PhD student in Applied Human Sciences - Prevention Sciences
ctrout@ksu.edu

 

About me

I was born in Hong Kong, China, and have been privileged to visit or live in almost 20 countries on five continents, and nearly all the states in the U.S. Recently, my spouse, son, and I moved from my spouse's home state of Pennsylvania near Northern Appalachia to continue my academic career as a doctoral student in the Prevention Sciences program. My research interests include fatherhood identity, fathering, father-child communication, and the postpartum period. Aside from academia, I enjoy reading for pleasure and exploring our new hometown with my family.

Officer responsibilities
  • Assists the President in the planning and execution of each general and executive meeting (preparing meeting agendas, scheduling Zoom meetings, reserving meeting space, confirming guest speakers)
  • Gathers committee and representative reports each month to be included in general meeting agendas
  • Records meeting minutes for each general and executive meeting (gather comments and approval from executive committee before finalizing)
  • Maintains record of all GSC related business and events
  • Creates and distributes weekly email
  • Serves as the liaison for the Student Affairs Committee and Public Relations Committee

Membership Outreach Coordinator

KanyonKanyon Alexander
Masters student in and Agricultural Economics
kanyonalexander@ksu.edu

 

About me

Born and raised in Kansas, I graduated in May 2025 with a B.S. in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University. I'm a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, where I return regularly to be with family and participate in ceremony. My research focuses on pet owner attitudes and willingness to pay for various pet food attributes. When I'm not working, you can find me deep in Star Wars or Pokémon media.

Officer responsibilities
  • Facilitates connection between the GSC and graduate students serving in leadership and representative roles in graduate student groups and throughout the university
  • Leads initiatives to connect with and engage K-State graduate students in GSC activities

GSC-SGA Liaison

ZaneZane Whitney
PhD candidate in History
zwhitney@ksu.edu

About me

I am originally from Aransas Pass, Texas, and moved to Manhattan to attend K-State from Aurora, CO. My six-year-old twin boys fill my free time. My research interests include World War II, the Holocaust, and the history and memory of WWII commemoration in film, TV, Museums, and monuments. I am also a documentary filmmaker.

Officer responsibilities
  • Represents the graduate student community's voice in the Student Body President's Cabinet
  • Updates the GSC officers, leaders, and members on Student Governing Association initiatives and legislation that may impact graduate students
  • Attends every Student Body President Cabinet meeting
  • Performs other duties at the request of the GSC President or Student Body President