A campus launchpad for scholars

Student using a laptop in a renovated seating area inside Hale Library at Kansas State University.

SDUR's move to Hale Library establishes a central hub for undergraduate students looking to advance their academic careers.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

When Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research, or SDUR, moved into Hale Library last October, the shift created far more than a new mailing address. It established a centralized, visible hub for undergraduate student research, fellowship advising and academic enrichment. For the first time, students have access to SDUR's full slate of services in one location that supports their academic aspirations and broadens their scholarly pathways.

For years, SDUR programs were scattered across campus, which made it challenging for students to understand the full range of opportunities available to them. After merging the existing student services that now make up SDUR and transitioning them to the Staley School of Leadership in 2023, the physical offices were located at Holton Hall, Fairchild Hall and the Leadership Studies Building.

"Bringing these services together in one space amplifies our ability to support student success," said Beth Powers, SDUR director.

The transition has already encouraged new cross-unit engagement.

In October, the Staley School partnered with K-State Libraries and many of the other offices housed in Hale Library to host a student trick-or-treat event, with the goals of meeting and engaging students at faculty and staff offices to encourage open-door communication and to orient students to the new space.

"This move is helping us build community in ways we simply could not before," said Karina Moncayo-Michel, McNair Scholar director.

A doorway with a purple wall and a dark brown, open door is shown, with frosted glass windows showing into the room and the words "Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research" printed in purple.

Advancing beyond the classroom

"Undergraduate research is not simply an activity. It is a cornerstone of who we are as a land-grant university," said Susan Rensing, SDUR associate director.

Already, SDUR services are seeing growth and success in their offerings. The Undergraduate Research Amplification Project participation grew from 10 independent projects to a blended cohort of seven independent projects and three group projects, for a total of 13 participants.

New staff members at SDUR have strengthened advising and programming capacity, and increased funding for travel and research grants continues to broaden access to high-impact learning opportunities.

The move reflects K-State's renewed investment in undergraduate research and scholar development. SDUR's new home underscores K-State's commitment to preparing students who think critically, innovate boldly and confidently engage with today's complex challenges.

A man with brown hair and a beard works on a laptop at a table surrounded by purple chairs in a conference room.

Looking forward to spring

There are many engagement opportunities planned for students, faculty, staff and community members during the spring semester, including the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 26, and the Campus-Wide Undergraduate Research Symposium on Thursday, April 23. Register for the symposium from now until March 27.

Explore the new space at Hale Library during the SDUR Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. All K-State faculty and staff are invited to stop by Hale Library 334 and 336. Snacks and information about all SDUR's services will be available. The event is come-and-go, with no scheduled presentations.

To stay up to date on SDUR, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, and follow SDUR on Instagram and Facebook.

— Submitted by Kim Ralston