Share your K-State experiences as a Parent and Family Ambassador for New Student Orientation

As K-State prepares for orientation for incoming students and their families, the K-State Parents and Family Program is excited to invite faculty and staff members who are also parents of current students to participate in a special panel that will be part of a parent session from 9:20 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. on each of the in-person orientation days.

The program is looking for three to five volunteers to serve each day and share their experiences and their students’ experiences during their K-State journey.

Volunteers do not have to be available for all 16 days to serve. In addition to the panel sessions, volunteers will be asked to participate in a few other events for prospective students and their families throughout the 2026-27 academic year.

"As a K-State employee, parent and alum, I enjoy connecting with future K-Staters and their families and sharing my unique perspective," said Paulicia Hungerford, assistant director at the K-State Career Center and current volunteer. "It’s rewarding to answer questions, ease concerns and help families feel confident in choosing K-State."

Volunteers’ insights and experiences as both university insiders and parents give a unique perspective that can greatly benefit new families as they navigate the transition to college life. For many family members, this is their favorite part of the orientation day.

Paul Snider, professor of practice in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, said that “being part of the panel is enjoyable because I can relate to families who are from out-of-state and to families with a student transferring to K-State.”

Jenni Denton, executive director at ASC Financial Operations, joined the group last year as the parent of a freshman.

"I'm so glad I volunteered to help answer questions and set future K-State parents' minds at ease," Denton said. "Sitting in that room, you can feel the anticipation, hopes and dreams that these parents have for their students. It was a powerful reminder of why we are all here and the impact we can have."

Faculty and staff who are interested in serving on the parent panel during orientation can complete the online survey by Friday, May 15. The K-State Parents and Family Program will reach out once the survey is submitted.

For questions or more information, please contact Kevin Cook at parentsandfamily@k-state.edu.

— Submitted by Kevin Cook