People with Purpose: Adam Ahlers

A University Outstanding Scholar and associate professor of wildlife and outdoor management, Adam Ahlers has spent his career studying the variables that shape an ideal environment for both wildlife and Wildcats.

Through his teaching and research, Ahlers focuses on investing in student growth and habitat management efforts, finding his purpose in creating spaces where conservation and curiosity grow side by side.

Q: What is one piece of advice you can uniquely give to students?

Ahlers: Make a point to actively seek opportunities outside of your comfort zone and seek out internships or work opportunities in places you've never been. This includes leaving your hometown, or Kansas, for a few months to travel or work abroad. It may be a scary idea at first, but the experiences and learning opportunities you'll encounter will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Q: What is your leadership style, and how does that contribute to your success in your role?

Ahlers: My leadership style is very people-focused. Although our work is mission-oriented, our decisions must first be evaluated through the lens of their impact on our teams.

 

Q: What is your favorite way to serve your profession and community?

Ahlers: I spend a significant amount of time working at the state, regional and international levels of The Wildlife Society, or TWS. As the leading advocate for all professionals in wildlife conservation and management, the work I do with TWS is a meaningful, direct way to engage with those working on the front lines, ensuring we are good stewards of our natural resources.

Q: What motivates you on challenging days?

Ahlers: My family. My family always comes first, and I am very open to my students and colleagues that their families should also be a top priority in their lives. Whenever I'm faced with a particularly challenging workday, I'm reminded that the challenges we face at K-State are relative and that I'm lucky enough to always go home to a loving family.

Q: What helps you earn students' trust in your role?

Ahlers: By being honest and direct. Students are always looking for guidance and advice — in my experience, as both a student and a faculty member, they trust people who will give them direct, honest answers. Often, the advice we give students might not be what they want to hear at that moment, but it is the best approach in the long run.

Q: What's a moment you've seen while working at K-State that made you feel proud to be a part of this campus?

Ahlers: Our spring 2025 graduation celebration for military-affiliated students, which was held at the K-State Gardens and organized by the Military Affiliated Resource Center. Having a dedicated celebration for these non-traditional students showed K-State's commitment to serving those who have already sacrificed so much in their young lives. Our student veterans and their families enrich our campus and Manhattan communities, and I was proud to see so many people come together to celebrate their academic achievements.

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