Leadership Lens

How do you view leadership through your camera lens?

Since 2010, the Leadership Studies Building on Kansas State University’s Manhattan campus has served as the primary home to the Staley School of Leadership. When we opened the doors in 2010, it proudly showcased original artwork and photography from individuals connected to Kansas. These inspiring pieces were refreshed and rotated over time, reflecting the evolving spirit of our community.

As part of our upcoming Spirit of Leadership event in spring 2026, we are excited to invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Kansas State University to submit their photographs for consideration once more. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute your unique perspective of what leadership means to you and be part of a vibrant visual legacy that celebrates leadership and connection to Kansas.

Intent

To update our unique art collection on display at the Leadership Studies Building, with work from both amateur and professional photographers with Kansas ties

Through this juried process, up to 25 submissions will be selected for display. The dedication of the new photographs will take place during our Spirit of Leadership event in March 2026. The current photographs in the building will be auctioned to the public. Funds collected from auctioned pieces will support K-State students through the Staley School of Leadership Excellence Fund.

Theme

How do you view leadership through your camera lens?

Through an Artist Statement, you will have the opportunity to describe how your image(s) relates to leadership. We are excited to see a wide variety of photographs creatively interpreting the concept of leadership.

Submission Process

• Submit up to five photographs. A separate survey will need to be completed for each entry.
• The online form requires:
  • Contact information
  • Image title
  • Artist Statement
  • Artist’s connection with the Staley School, Kansas State, and/or the State of Kansas
  • Images must be JPG or TIF

• All entries are due by 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
  

Compensation

Each photographer with a selected entry will receive an honorarium payment of $100.00. The Staley School will pay for all printing and framing of pieces selected for display. Each photographer will retain the copyright for their work.

Questions

Please contact Colette Pecenka at 785-532-6091 or colettep@ksu.edu.