Galle family gift establishes College of Education deanship title
From left to right: Richard Linton, president; Marilyn Galle; Nelson Galle; and Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education.
By Alison Rogers
KSU Foundation
Friday, April 17, 2026
Nelson and Marilyn Galle have made a financial commitment to name the deanship in Kansas State University's College of Education.
The gift establishes the Nelson and Marilyn Galle Dean of the College of Education position title and will strengthen the largest teacher preparation program in Kansas through sustained leadership support, enhanced innovation resources and increased ability to attract and retain outstanding faculty.
"The Galles' warmth, kindness and lifelong commitment to empowering others continue to strengthen K-State," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education. "Their investment in our college ensures that future generations of educators will carry forward the same spirit of service that has defined their own remarkable lives."
The Galles, both of Manhattan, are K-State alumni and credit K-State's education curriculum with delivering comprehensive preparation for careers, including roles in business, human resource management and accounting.
"Marilyn and I held a wide variety of positions throughout our careers, and the College of Education equipped us with everything we needed," Nelson said. "Together, we have three teaching degrees from K-State, and they gave us the base from which to build the success that allows us to give back today. To fund this endowment for Dean Mercer and the College of Education is an honor."
Read the KSU Foundation's full release to learn more about the Galles and their commitment to K-State.
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