People with Purpose: Chuck Laughlin

As a Kansas State University Extension agent in McPherson County with a focus on family and community wellness, Chuck Laughlin has spent his career seeing possibilities in the everyday.

Whether it's a cooking class that sparks confidence or neighbors discovering a network of support, Laughlin finds his purpose in connecting people to new skills, to one another and to something larger than themselves.

Q: What's one thing you do that makes a big difference for one person, or a small difference for a lot of people?

Laughlin: One small thing I do that makes a big difference is helping learners of all ages feel comfortable stepping into something new. Whether I'm working with elementary students, teens, adults or senior citizens, I focus on creating welcoming, judgment-free spaces where questions are encouraged and learning feels achievable. Many of the people I work with are trying something unfamiliar, from cooking a new food to navigating finances or participating in a group discussion, and confidence can be the biggest barrier.

By breaking information into practical steps and meeting people where they are, participants leave feeling capable and supported. For one person, that might mean gaining confidence in the kitchen or learning how to manage a food budget effectively. For many, it means affirming they belong in learning spaces. Over time, these small moments of encouragement create a lasting impact, helping learners apply skills at home, build confidence to share knowledge with others and continue engaging with Extension programs.

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

Laughlin: My leadership style is facilitative, collaborative and people-centered. I focus on listening, asking thoughtful questions and creating space for others to share their perspectives. Rather than directing outcomes, I guide groups toward shared understanding and practical next steps.

This approach has been especially effective in both my family and community wellness and community vitality work, where trust and collaboration are key. When there is space for shared ownership, people feel invested in the process and more confident moving forward. This leadership style allows me to work effectively with different groups while supporting the long-term success of Extension by building relationships that extend beyond individual programs.

Q: How does your work build connections with your community?

Laughlin: Connection is at the heart of my work, and it's built through shared experiences that bring people together across generations. Programs like Teach & Taste are a great example. Teach & Taste began in January 2023 with just 11 participants, and grew steadily to 86 participants by December 2025. Beyond learning cooking and nutrition skills, participants build relationships with Extension staff and with each other. Participants cook, talk and learn together, which helps build a sense of belonging.

Our programs intentionally serve a wide audience, from elementary school students to senior citizens, creating spaces where learning feels communal rather than transactional. That connection is what keeps people coming back and transforms programs into communities.

Q: Aside from your job, how do you stay connected to K-State?

Laughlin: Beyond my county-based role, I stay deeply connected to K-State through statewide leadership, local service and professional engagement. I have served in leadership positions, including as Chair of the Kansas Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, Chair of the Community Vitality Program Focus Team and a representative for the Joint Council of Extension Professionals. I also serve on the statewide Facilitation Core Team, supporting the development of facilitators and statewide training initiatives.

Locally, I remain engaged through service through my positions on my community's United Way board and the USD 418 Family and Consumer Science Advisory Committee, as well as others focused on education, wellness and community development. These roles allow me to remain grounded in local needs while staying connected to broader Extension priorities.

Together, this combination of statewide and local service creates a strong sense of belonging for me. It reinforces that I am part of something larger than my individual role and allows me to bring best practices, new ideas and shared learning back to McPherson County, strengthening local programs while remaining closely connected to the entire K-State community.

 

Q: What do you hope your K-State legacy will be?

Laughlin: I hope my K-State legacy is rooted in connection. I want to be remembered for helping create programs and spaces where people feel welcomed, supported and empowered to learn and grow together. Whether through wellness education, youth programming or community facilitation, my goal has always been to help Extension serve as a place where people not only gain skills but find community.

One tangible expression of that legacy is the county-wide printed calendar I helped start, which will publish its fourth edition in 2026. What began as a simple way to share Extension programs has evolved into a shared community resource, highlighting local events, learning opportunities and the representation of life across the county. For many households, the calendar is a reminder that connection is ongoing and that they are part of something larger than themselves.

Q: How does your work transform lives in Kansas and/or around the world?

Laughlin: My work transforms lives by building confidence, skills and capacity in both individuals and communities. A powerful example is one of our hosted grant writing workshops, led by Nancy Daniels. After the class, 10 participants successfully secured grants totaling $979,250.

Specifically, one participant shared that it gave them the confidence to apply what they learned and secure a $500,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places to preserve Bethany Lutheran Church's historic sanctuary in Lindsborg. The church was the only recipient in Kansas, and the project will ensure the space remains safe, welcoming and community-centered for generations.

The participant later shared that the workshop gave them the confidence to take a chance and apply. Stories like this demonstrate how Extension education empowers individuals to take information and create real-world impact — strengthening organizations, preserving history and supporting community vitality. While our work is rooted in Kansas, the outcomes ripple outward, showing how education and encouragement can create lasting change far beyond a single class or community.

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