People with Purpose: Lonnie Hobbs Jr.

For Lonnie Hobbs Jr., assistant professor of agricultural economics, the most meaningful outcomes aren't always measured numerically.

Whether helping a student navigate their future, celebrating a hard-earned "lightbulb" moment or conducting research to inform better consumer experiences in the food and agriculture industry, Hobbs is grounded in the belief that connection is the center of life — finding his purpose through making a meaningful impact on others.

Q: What drives you to support students?

Hobbs: I love seeing people grow, excel and accomplish what they want in life, so I am blessed to support students in doing so. My goal is to teach them how to start creating the life they want through the things they are learning and doing now. Knowing that I am able to help someone shape their life and create the life they want, even if it's just one person, is a true honor.

Q: Besides a degree, what is one thing every student should take away from their time on campus?

Hobbs: The people. We live in a world where technological advancement, while beneficial in many ways, has reduced our reliance on, interaction with and appreciation for one another. Although we are moving toward a future where many things can be accomplished independently, it is human connection that truly drives us and gives life meaning.

That is what makes K-State special. Connection, community and family are part of who we are. My advice to students is to connect with as many people as possible and build genuine relationships. Long after classes, exams and even degrees are behind you, it is often the people you met and the relationships you built that leave the greatest impact and make the journey truly worthwhile.

Q: What's something you do to make campus a welcoming space?

Hobbs: I try to lead with a genuine interest in people. My philosophy is that everyone, regardless of title or role, has value; my goal in life is to continue learning while helping others feel valued, and I can learn something from each person I interact with. Because of that, I approach every interaction with the mindset that I treat people as though they're going to become the president of the United States tomorrow.

That perspective keeps me grounded in genuinely listening, engaging and showing people that I value both them and our interaction. Although it may seem like a small thing, I believe this approach helps students feel welcomed, valued and heard on campus. I also try to encourage students to approach others in the same way, because creating a welcoming community is not just about how we treat students, but also about how we inspire them to treat one another.

Q: What is a time when a student interaction stayed with you long after the day ended?

Hobbs: This happens more often than not. Anytime I see a student have a "light bulb" moment, whether in the classroom or doing research, it stays with me long after the day ends. I genuinely enjoy seeing students learn and grow, so knowing that I helped to make a concept finally click is incredibly rewarding.

This May, several students graduated who I've had the privilege of working with since their first days on campus. Seeing the growth, maturity and confidence they carried through their final year into graduation compared to when they first arrived at K-State is something I still have not stopped smiling about. Moments like those remind me that education is about far more than coursework. It is about helping people grow into who they are meant to become.

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

Hobbs: I hope my K-State legacy is one rooted in impact. Through everything I do, my goal is to help others succeed. Whether the impact is large or small, anything I can do to help someone move closer to the life and success they desire is deeply meaningful to me.

At the end of the day, I would be honored if my legacy reflected someone who helped others honestly, genuinely and humbly. Titles, recognition and accomplishments are temporary, but if I can impact someone's life positively, even in a small way, that would be the legacy I'd be most proud to leave behind.