Staley School of Leadership 2026 Professional Awards recognize faculty and staff for excellence

The Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Faculty and Staff Professional Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Staley School faculty and staff in teaching, research, service, and leadership.

Rooted in the School’s mission to develop bold, curious, and connected learners ready to take on the world’s most complex challenges, these honors reflect the commitment of Staley School faculty and staff to K-State’s land-grant values and to an impact that extends far beyond campus.

“These awards are an important way our community shares sincere appreciation for the valued contributions of their peers,” said Mary Tolar, Ed.D., dean of the Staley School of Leadership, highlighting the spirit of gratitude that underpins the recognition program.

Each honoree was nominated by Staley School faculty and staff and celebrated at an end-of-year event where excerpts from their nominations, highlighted below, were shared.

The 2026 recipients are:

Outstanding Practitioner: Maggie Billman
Maggie Billman is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Staley School of Leadership. Since joining the Staley School, she has played a central role in advancing initiatives like Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research and Applied Learning Experiences, from launching the Undergraduate Research Symposium to managing grants, committees, and high-profile events. Maggie leads with professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to students, and her ability to combine vision with action has made a lasting impact on the Staley School and K-State.

Excellence in Teaching: Mac Benavides, Ph.D.
Since joining the Staley School, Mac Benavides has made a meaningful impact through innovative teaching, deep commitment to student growth, and dedicated mentorship across undergraduate and graduate programs. His research on leadership, culture, and community engagement directly informs his teaching, connecting scholarship to practice in ways that challenge students to think critically and lead purposefully. Beyond the classroom, Benavides has been a generous colleague, contributing to curriculum development and the broader Staley School community. His passion, creativity, and dedication to students make him truly deserving of this recognition.

 

Excellence in Research: Trisha Gott, Ed.D.
Trisha Gott's scholarship and professional leadership have significantly impacted the Staley School's mission and research agenda. Her work connects leadership-as-practice, culturally relevant education, and the relationship between theory and practice, reflected in an impressive record of publications, international collaborations, and innovative projects. Gott is also deeply committed to mentoring emerging scholars and elevating diverse perspectives, and her leadership within the International Leadership Association speaks to her far-reaching contributions to the field of leadership education.

These awardees exemplify the dedication, creativity, and care that define the Staley School of Leadership and its vision for shaping leaders who create positive change.