Purple Praise: All-University Awards
This special edition of Purple Praise highlights All-University Award recipients and major accolades, showcasing the talent and dedication across K-State's campus communities. Standard monthly publications of Purple Praise will resume starting Friday, May 15.
Big 12 Faculty Fellows
HM Adbul Aziz, associate professor of civil engineering; Christina Bridges Hamilton, assistant professor of kinesiology; Denver Brown, assistant professor of kinesiology; Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry; Reese Greenlee, assistant professor of architecture; and Tina Sullivan, Northeast Area Agronomist in the Department of Agronomy, have been selected as K-State's 2026 Big 12 Faculty Fellows.
Created by the chief academic officers at each institution, the Big 12 Faculty Fellowship program provides funds for faculty to travel to other member institutions to participate in cross-mentoring, develop working relationships and exchange ideas with experts at other universities.
Big 12 Faculty of the Year
Brian Geisbrecht, university distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, was selected as K-State's 2026 Big 12 Faculty of the Year recipient.
The Big 12 Faculty of the Year program recognizes outstanding faculty at each conference institution who have excelled in areas of innovation and research, making their college campuses thrive as places of learning and growth. Geisbrecht, at K-State since 2013, leads a lab focused on understanding innate immune evasion proteins expressed by pathogenic bacteria.
Coffman Chair for Distinguished Teaching Scholars
La Barbara James Wigfall has been announced as the Coffman Chair for Distinguished Teaching Scholars for the 2026-27 school year.
Wigfall plans to focus on multiple projects, including onboarding the director for the new Kansas State Design Center, building alliances with the K-State Extension and Applied Learning Experiences teams, facilitating faculty workshops, publishing best practices and expanding her Community Development Field Workshop.
Wigfall is excited to continue making an impact on research, teaching and extension through her college, promoting community engagement, and, in turn, well-equipped, civic-minded students and a furthered legacy of engaged scholars, faculty and staff.
Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for Distinguished Service to Belonging
The annual Commerce Bank Presidential Awards for Distinguished Service to Belonging recognize outstanding individual contributions to Kansas State University, whether through student development or student leadership.
The faculty and staff 2026 winner is Natasha Rozhkovskaya, professor in the Department of Mathematics. The student 2026 winner is Endy Lopes Kailer, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Agronomy.
Winners were honored with a commemorative plaque at the annual MLK Jr. Observance Week luncheon.
Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award
Each year, Commerce Bank and the William T. Kemper Foundation support the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, recognizing faculty members who excel in teaching, research and the mentoring of graduate students. The 2026 honorees are Erika Geisbrecht and J. Spencer Clark.
Erika Geishbrecht
Geisbrecht is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle development and maintenance, using Drosophila, commonly known as the fruit fly, as a model system.
Her work has implications for understanding myopathies and other human diseases. Geisbrecht has secured nearly $7 million in research funding and has published extensively in leading journals.
She is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, having guided numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduates. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases STAR Award and an election as Heartland Representative to the National Drosophila Board.
J. Spencer Clark
Clark is a professor of curriculum studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and serves as director of the Rural Education Center. His work focuses on curriculum theory, social studies education and rural education innovation.
Clark has authored multiple books and published extensively in leading journals on topics such as civic education, teacher agency and technology integration in rural contexts. He has secured over $11 million in external funding for projects advancing STEM education, rural teacher development and immersive learning technologies. His leadership in initiatives such as Project RESET and the K-State Rural Innovation Academy reflects his commitment to equity and educational innovation.
Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Undergraduate Outstanding Teaching Award
Each year, Commerce Bank and the William T. Kemper Foundation support the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Undergraduate Outstanding Teaching Award, recognizing faculty members who excel in teaching, research and the mentoring of undergraduate students. The 2026 honorees are Cydney Alexis, Kory Beighle, Justin Kastner and Joel Matthews.
Alexis is an associate professor in the Department of English. During her 12 years of teaching at K-State, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for and commitment to student learning, serving as a shining example of "long-term excellence in undergraduate teaching."
Alexis remains committed to innovation in all aspects of teaching, including assignment creation, course design and technology, and she takes time to redo her syllabi each semester based on student feedback and best practices in the field.
Kory Beighle is an assistant professor of architecture. Beighle's teaching responsibilities include teaching design studios, architectural history lectures and theory seminars.
Beighle embodies the transformative impact that outstanding teaching can have on undergraduate students. His thoughtfully constructed studio briefs and layered, diagram-driven approach to design help students develop rigorous yet personal processes, turning confusion into clarity and potential into performance.
Beyond the classroom, he remains a trusted mentor whose generosity, passion and intellectual curiosity continue to shape students' academic journeys and personal well-being.
Kastner is a professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology. Throughout his faculty career at K-State, Kastner has been extensively involved in undergraduate, professional and graduate education.
Kastner's teaching style is student-centered and encourages student curiosity, creating a passionate, motivational, and engaging learning environment. Students describe Kastner as beyond knowledgeable and deeply passionate, making the content relevant to everyday life. His reputation as a student advocate and mentor is well-established, and students often request his participation on committees.
Joel Matthews is an instructor of integrated studies at K-State Salina. Joel balances humor with academic rigor and has a talent for drawing out complex, deeply personal insights from students, often without them realizing the depth of their reflection.
Students often describe how Matthews takes the time to know them as individuals, humanizing the classroom and making learning relevant to their interests and lived experiences. The comfortable, engaged, and intellectually vibrant environment he cultivates promotes connections among students that endure beyond a single semester.
Distinguished research awards
At K-State, faculty and students play a crucial role in developing research that will improve our community, state and world. Through faculty and undergraduate collaboration, K-State is a driving force in innovation and preparation of the next generation of researchers.
University Distinguished Faculty Award for Mentoring of Undergraduate Students in Research
Andrew Hope, associate professor of biology, has earned the 2026 University Distinguished Faculty Award for Mentoring of Undergraduate Students in Research for his work mentoring students across projects related to ecology, evolution and human health related to zoonotic diseases.
University Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Student in Research
Erin Frenk, a senior in chemistry, has earned the 2026 University Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Student in Research in recognition of her research work using graphene oxide membranes for electrochemical separation of rare earth elements.
Excellence in Engagement Award
The Excellence in Engagement Award, facilitated by the Office of External Engagement, honors outstanding engaged scholarship through impactful, reciprocal community engagement. The annual award is presented to a single individual or team whose work shows a clear, positive impact on their community and K-State.
The 2026 winner is the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication's K-State Digital Summit. Open to high school students, the summit allows for the exploration of interests in technology, media and innovation while connecting students to future academic and career opportunities.
Graduate Faculty Mentor Award
This year, Kansas State University honored two faculty members who embody K-State's value of student success with the Graduate Faculty Mentor Award.
Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor in agronomy, and Ryan J. Rafferty, associate professor in chemistry and interim director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center, received this award for their dedication to graduate student success.
KAWSE Recognition Award
The KAWSE Recognition Award honors exceptional efforts undertaken by a K-State faculty or staff member to enrich people's lives in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines.
Janel Koons, academic program administrator for the Center for Academic Innovation, is the 2026 recipient of the KAWSE Award. Koons has made a significant impact on our university by supporting faculty teams in developing new, modern and workforce-responsive STEM degree programs, certificates and microcredentials. In particular, she has helped advance the proposed master's degree in statistical and mathematical artificial intelligence and learning, along with associated graduate certificates and stackable microcredentials.
Koons has also supported multiple interdisciplinary initiatives, including a graduate certificate in mineral exploration and the revitalization of the actuarial science program. Through her leadership and expertise, she has guided faculty through program development, approval processes and coordination across new terrain. Koons' commitment to enriching the lives of those in STEM fields and at K-State exemplifies the collaborative, mission-driven impact that KAWSE seeks to recognize and celebrate.
Office of International Programs Awards
During K-State's annual celebration of International Education Week, the Office of International Programs recognizes one faculty member and one campus unit for their efforts in supporting international learners and Education Abroad students.
The honorees for the 2025-2026 school year are John Leslie, University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, and the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs' Student Support and Accountability team.
Outstanding Department or Unit Award for Creating Opportunity and Access
Kansas State University Salina's Professional Development Resource team is the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Department or Unit Award for Creating Opportunity and Access.
The team worked to create on-campus growth opportunities by collecting data through working groups to identify faculty and staff professional development needs. Pairing their findings with learnings from attending the American Association of College & Universities' Institute on Connecting the Undergraduate Experience, the team selected four key areas of professional development to address.
Beyond the formal sessions, faculty have noted the ripple effect the training has had on campus, creating a culture of awareness and professional growth. New faculty have voiced appreciation for programming that supports their teaching, and, in turn, benefits their students.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
These awards recognize compassion, dedication and creativity in the teaching of undergraduates. The awards are sponsored by the president's office and Curtin Property Company, and they recognize two faculty members — one with a class size below 40 students and one with a class size of 40 students or more — and a graduate teaching assistant for excellence in teaching.
Presidential GTA Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Jesse Osnes, a doctoral student and graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics, has been recognized as an outstanding undergraduate teacher. Students have praised his effectiveness as a teacher, including one student who said Osnes gave them the best experience they have ever had in a math class. In addition to his dedication to his students, Osnes has had a positive impact outside of the classroom through intentional engagement efforts, including community math sessions, visits to local schools, professional development workshops for teachers and math outreach in the Navajo Nation. Osnes' leadership and excellence in the mathematics department elevates everyone he interacts with, including, of course, the students he teaches.
Presidential Faculty Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: fewer than 40 students
Aleksan Shanoyan is a professor in agricultural economics. The quality of his teaching is reflected in his innovative teaching approach and his exceptional ability to motivate students. He was an early adopter of innovative classroom technologies designed to harness students’ mobile devices for facilitating classroom interaction. By integrating these tools, he’s been able to assess students’ learning in real-time and significantly increase their engagement in learning activities. One student commented: “He truly cares about continuously improving his classes, and his dedication to his students and their success is a big part of why my time at K-State was so impactful.”
Presidential Faculty Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: 40+ students
Lauren McDaniel is an instructor in the kinesiology program. Nominators praised her "exceptional professionalism, unwavering commitment to undergraduate students and extraordinary skills as an educator. She developed the Anatomy and Physiology course with vision and determination, and while the inaugural course enrolled 30 students, today the course serves nearly 250 on-campus and 100 online students. Nominators said McDaniel has a remarkable ability to engage and connect with students in this rigorous, large lecture class setting, and that she "skillfully balances academic rigor with approachability and compassion, fostering an environment in which students feels both challenged and supported."
Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head
The Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head is presented each year to a department head who is proactive, positive, fair and equitable, and who cooperates with units across the university.
Mindy Markham is the director of the School of Human Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences. She is a consistent leader in the college who manages her school — which includes nine degree programs, the Family Center, the Center for Child Development and the 4-H Military Partnership — with strategic vision, compassion for others and a commitment to shared governance. Markham played a central role in the college's comprehensive reorganization that established three schools with strategically aligned units and rotating administrative responsibilities. According to nominators, "Her attention to detail, organizational rigor, strategic foresight and willingness to ask difficult but necessary questions have made her an invaluable member of the college leadership team."
President's Award of Excellence for Unclassified Professionals
The President's Award of Excellence for Unclassified Professionals, facilitated by Human Resources, recognizes unclassified professional staff members who exemplify the mission and values of K-State through their outstanding contributions.
Five Kansas State University employees were selected for 2026 in the following respective categories: access and opportunity; distinguished accomplishment; leadership; productivity, creativity and innovation; and teambuilding, group activity and service to the university.
Brown leads and supports the payroll staff in adopting a strong customer-service mindset grounded in accountability, respect and continuous improvement. He consistently approaches his work with a service-focused mindset, recognizing that payroll accuracy, timeliness and clear communication are directly correlated with employee trust and well-being across the university community. Brown led critical project resources in redesigning the university's heavily customized payroll processes, enabling the integration of the new time-and-leave system. This complex effort required thoughtful analysis, creative problem-solving and close collaboration across units, resulting in streamlined payroll workflows that are functional, sustainable and scalable. Brown delivers high-quality work while balancing competing priorities, and his ability to translate ideas into actionable results has significantly strengthened the payroll function's overall effectiveness. Keegan Lopez, budget fiscal coordinator for the K-State Libraries, is the 2026 honoree of the President's Award of Excellence for Unclassified Professionals in the access and opportunity category. Lopez distinguishes himself through exceptional operational leadership and a community-centered approach that broadens access and opportunity for K-Staters and Kansans, making meaningful contributions to access and opportunity at K-State and has promoted community in tangible, measurable ways. Lopez has played a large role in the development of the Libraries' Mobile Innovation Lab — a mobile STEM classroom designed to bring advanced technology to rural and historically underserved communities — shaping the lab to ensure students encountering K-State for the first time felt welcomed and excited about learning. He also regularly participates in outreach efforts, such as K-State community visits and the Kansas State Fair, to connect communities to the university. Lopez co-authored and presented "From Smallville to Metropolis: Supporting Rural Students in College," a facilitated dialogue focused on the experiences of rural students and the support they need as they transition to higher education. Lopez represents K-State authentically, helping students, educators and community members feel welcome. Prioritizing genuine conversation, care and relationship-building, his work delivers outstanding results for K-State by expanding access, strengthening connections and cultivating a culture in which every person feels like a valued member of K-State. Lisa Shubert, building manager and executive assistant for the Seaton-Regnier complex in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design, is the 2026 honoree of the President's Award of Excellence for Unclassified Professionals in the distinguished accomplishment category. Karlene Teske, business manager for the Department of Agronomy, is the 2026 honoree of the President's Award of Excellence for Unclassified Professionals in the leadership category. Wuggazer's ability to bring people together around shared goals has been instrumental in advancing student support systems that contribute to the university's mission of student success. In particular, she was key in guiding the college through the transition to a primary role-advising model mandated by the Kansas Board of Regents. This shift required extensive collaboration and relationship-building across departments. Wuggazer approached the transition with a focus on partnership and consensus-building, helping to create a shared understanding that professional advising would strengthen the faculty's role in student success. Another key example of Wuggazer's commitment to teamwork is the "Growing Together" training initiative she implemented for advisors and faculty across the college. Through this series, advisors met with department heads and faculty teaching coordinators to learn about academic programs and build professional relationships with faculty members. This initiative not only strengthened advisors' understanding of academic programs but also built trust and cooperation between faculty and the advising team. Wuggazer collaborates extensively across the university to strengthen the broader student support network and frequently engages with colleagues in the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs to share information, align advising practices and support student retention initiatives. By fostering open communication and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration, Lisa has strengthened teamwork within the College of Agriculture and across the university. Her efforts exemplify collaborative leadership and teamwork by bringing together faculty, advisors, administrators and university partners to advance student success at Kansas State University.
Shubert's leadership in stewarding the complex represents an extraordinary level of responsibility, initiative and impact that directly advances the mission and values of the university. Each semester, she manages clearing, resetting, reconfiguring and preparing the complex and studio spaces that are foundational to the culture that defines design education. Shubert does this with precision, foresight and a focus on student success, navigating challenges with professionalism and effectiveness. Her ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting priorities while maintaining focus on long-term institutional goals is particularly exceptional.
Teske has provided steadfast leadership in the business office for over three decades, serving as a key advisor providing policy, procedural and operational insight. Through regular strategic discussions with leadership, she contributes to informed decision-making, budget prioritization and long-term operational planning. In addition, Teske maintains consistent engagement with unit leaders responsible for human resources and financial operations, ensuring coordination across teams. She encourages a culture of collaboration across business and HR functions, promoting shared accountability, open communication and coordinated support for faculty and staff.
Her leadership strengthens process alignment, improves communication and supports the timely resolution of operational challenges in a dynamic environment, serving as a trusted resource for faculty and staff seeking guidance on business and HR matters. She plays a pivotal role in onboarding new professional staff and, through structured guidance and mentoring, has enabled individuals to quickly assume critical roles, thereby strengthening the department's operational capacity.
Teske's leadership approach emphasizes trust, accountability and professional growth, and she maintains a strong day-to-day leadership presence that supports staff confidence and effectiveness. Her contributions ensure a stable, responsive and forward-looking administrative structure that supports K-State's land-grant mission.
University Support Staff Award of Excellence
Kansas State University's Support Staff Award of Excellence, facilitated through Human Resources, recognizes exemplary performance and contributions of staff members who demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of K-State.
Three employees were selected as awardees for 2026 in the respective maintenance and skilled crafts, office and clerical, and technical and professional categories.
Reshma Antony, assistant scientist in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, is the 2026 University Support Staff Award of Excellence nominee in the technical and professional category.
Antony manages a busy, shared laboratory that serves both faculty and students from a range of disciplines. Because demand for the lab shifts frequently, she balances a wide variety of responsibilities and adapts quickly to changing needs. Antony brings strong technical expertise in chromatography and is committed to producing reliable, high-quality research data, including ensuring operational efficiency through the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.
Antony is constantly proactive regarding operational improvements and is currently developing an online portal to streamline training, instrument scheduling and access to safety resources for the lab. She also continues to refine analytical methods to keep them current with evolving technologies.
Beyond her core responsibilities, she takes initiative in managing administrative tasks, strengthening processes related to accounting, safety, website management and scheduling. Antony works effectively with students and faculty at all levels, maintaining a thoughtful balance in meeting their needs while exhibiting professionalism and placing strong emphasis on safety, accuracy and scientific integrity.
Don Born, HVAC technician for the K-State Salina Division of Facilities, is the 2026 University Support Staff Award of Excellence honoree in the service, maintenance and skilled crafts category.
Born consistently exceeds expectations for his role by effectively managing and maintaining complex systems across numerous campus buildings. His proactive approach, including the development of a structured preventative maintenance system, has significantly reduced emergency repairs and improved operational reliability. Additionally, his leadership in campuswide energy reduction efforts resulted in measurable financial and efficiency gains, directly supporting institutional goals.
Along with consistently seeking opportunities to improve systems and expand his impact beyond his primary responsibilities, Born has introduced additional strategic maintenance practices and optimized energy use by coordinating demand response efforts hands-on. His versatility in addressing equipment, infrastructure and operational challenges across campus reflects his resourceful, solutions-oriented mindset.
Born demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the campus community through reliable, behind-the-scenes service that enhances comfort and functionality for students, faculty and staff. His responsiveness during and willingness to assist across a wide range of needs encourage trust and collaboration, while his positive attitude, dependability and team-first mindset contribute to a shared culture of respect, service and accountability.
Mary Winnie, office specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, is the 2026 University Support Staff Award of Excellence honoree in the office and clerical category. Winnie's commitment to excellence and professionalism, along with her unwavering work ethic, have made a lasting impact on her department and coworkers since she began her role in 1987.
Winnie's strengths extend to resource management and communications, where her attention to detail and proactive approach shine. She cares deeply, serving her colleagues, students and stakeholders with a smile and commitment to K-State's mission. Whether assisting with travel requests or organizing departmental events, Winnie is professional and efficient while remaining responsive and patient.
Winnie is described as approachable, resourceful and dependable — exemplifying these qualities as standard operating procedure. With more than 30 years of dedicated service, Mary has built a reputation as a colleague who consistently goes above and beyond. She exemplifies excellence through her dedication, versatility and outstanding service to both her internal and the entire K-State community, creating a more efficient, organized and welcoming environment.