Tamara Bauer named director of Institute for Community Health and Well-being

Tamara Bauer, assistant professor and director of leadership and service programs in the Staley School of Leadership, has been selected to lead the Institute for Community Health and Well-being at Kansas State University, effective March 29.

The institute, part of the Office of External Engagement, was established in fall 2025 to address challenges facing Kansas communities — including health access, food security, housing, child care, digital connectivity and economic vitality — while advancing the university's land-grant mission.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Bauer's background as a leadership educator centers on mobilizing people and institutions to collaboratively address complex challenges. Her work has focused on building interdisciplinary initiatives, facilitating community partnerships, and engaging students in applied learning experiences that translate research and leadership into real-world impact. She has taught more than 70 courses, reaching more than 3,500 students.

"Tamara brings deep experience in leadership development and student well-being, and she understands how to build strong, interdisciplinary teams around a shared purpose," said Susan Metzger, director of strategic interdisciplinary program development. "She has spent her career connecting people and ideas in ways that lead to meaningful engagement. In this role, she will help translate our vision for the institute into action by aligning research, education and community partnerships to strengthen health and well-being across Kansas. I am confident in her leadership and excited about the work ahead."

Bauer will work alongside faculty, students, Extension professionals and community partners to co-design solutions to the challenges facing Kansas communities to help them thrive.

"I'm deeply honored to serve as the inaugural director of the Institute for Community Health and Well-being," Bauer said. "What excites me most is the opportunity to bring people together across disciplines, communities and sectors, to address the complex factors that shape health and well-being, and the chance to connect the incredible work already happening at K-State and across Kansas."

In her role at the Staley School of Leadership, Bauer oversees initiatives such as 'Cats Connect, Better Together, What Matters to Me and Why and previously, Wildcat Dialogues. She also leads community-engaged learning programs, including Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows, HandsOn K-State and Alternative Breaks.

Bauer has also contributed to several university and community initiatives by serving on the advisory board for Cats' Cupboard, leading the Social Connection Task Force, supporting first-generation students through K-State First and coordinating the New Faculty Institute through the Teaching and Learning Center.

She is the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the K-State Women of Distinction Recognition, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the Excellence in Engagement Award, the Staley School of Leadership’s Most Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award, the inaugural recipient of the First-Year Advocate Award for K-State First, Professional of the Year for Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty Member.

Bauer received her bachelor's degree in life sciences, master's degree in counseling and student development and doctorate in curriculum and instruction, all from K-State.

— Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing, vpcm@k-state.edu