Legislative investments position K-State to do good for the world
A word from Marshall Stewart on legislative support for K-State.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Dear K-State community,
I am pleased to share exciting news regarding the recent legislative funding secured for Kansas State University during the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session. We have much to celebrate, and this record-breaking funding will set us up on a strong path to continue to do good things for the state of Kansas and the world.
Significant legislative support
The Kansas Legislature has demonstrated tremendous support for K-State during this past legislative session, with several key investments that will strengthen our institution:
- $128 million for building a new Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a crucial resource for our state's $12.9 billion livestock industry located at and managed by K-State. This modernization ensures Kansas remains competitive with similar facilities nationwide while continuing to provide essential testing and services to veterinarians, farmers, ranchers and pet owners statewide.
- An estimated $3.9 million for salary enhancements to retain our talented faculty and staff.
- $2 million in recurring funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine, addressing critical faculty-to-student ratio challenges. This support will enable recruitment of talented faculty, enhance operations, provide scholarships for students committed to practicing in rural Kansas and increase Kansas student participation.
- $500,000 for K-State Salina to strengthen campus programs serving key Kansas industries.
- Additional investments through the Kansas Board of Regents, including the Campus Restoration Act for facility maintenance and improvement, the Kansas Comprehensive Grant program and need-based aid, and the National Institute for Student Success Playbook funding to improve student retention and graduation rates.
K-State 105 initiative update
While we did not receive specific funding for our K-State 105 program, I want to assure our university community that we remain committed to the mission and goals of this initiative. Launched in 2023, K-State 105 was designed to boost economic growth across all 105 counties in Kansas by leveraging our K-State Research and Extension system to connect Kansans with university expertise and innovative solutions.
Although the program may not continue under the "K-State 105" name, we will continue to support economic and workforce development, entrepreneurship, business redevelopment, rural health solutions and community engagement throughout Kansas. The partnerships we've established with NetWork Kansas, the Technology Development Institute, The University of Kansas Health System, the Innovation Center, GO Topeka and other organizations will continue to strengthen local capacity and foster collaboration with state institutions, agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Legislative engagement opportunities
With the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session now adjourned, I want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in our weekly Legislative Review Sessions. Your engagement and interest in legislative issues affecting our university have been invaluable. While these regular sessions have concluded for this legislative cycle, the Office of Government Relations will resume them when the next session begins.
In the interim, our government relations team offers advocacy training sessions for departments, student organizations and other campus groups. These customizable sessions can be delivered in-person, via Zoom or through a hybrid format, and are led by our experienced government relations professionals using a proven training framework. If your team is interested in enhancing your advocacy skills, I encourage you to contact the Office of Government Relations.
If we do good for Kansas, we will do good for the world.
These investments bolster not just our university but the entire state of Kansas. They strengthen our capabilities within our colleges and research institutes while positioning Kansas as a leader in critical fields such as animal health research. The positive effects will benefit our rural communities and industries for years.
We are thankful to the legislature for their continued support, and grateful to each of you for your ongoing dedication to our university's mission. Together, we will continue to make meaningful contributions to Kansas and beyond, regardless of program titles or funding structures.
Go 'Cats!
Marshall Stewart
Executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff