Lou Douglas Lecture connects lived experience, research and education
This September, the Lou Douglas Lecture Series at Kansas State University will bring together an internationally known autism advocate, autism practitioner-scholars, community members and students around a shared question: How can communities work together to create environments where neurodivergent people can learn, work and thrive?
Kerry Magro, an award-winning autistic professional speaker, best-selling author and nationally recognized advocate, will deliver the 2026 Lou Douglas Lecture, “Building Better Together: Lessons in Partnership from the Autism Community,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. Admission is free, and registration is available online.
During his K-State lecture, Magro will explore how partnerships among schools, families, universities, employers and community organizations can improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals throughout their lives. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, he will share examples from education, workplaces and media while emphasizing the importance of listening to autistic voices when developing systems of support.
The keynote will culminate in an afternoon of activities hosted by the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering that explore neurodiversity, learning, belonging and community partnerships.
“The heart of the Lou Douglas Lecture Series is bringing people together around issues that affect our communities and giving them an opportunity not only to listen, but to learn from one another,” said Keith Hohn, associate dean of engineering. “This year’s program creates that opportunity throughout the entire day by connecting lived experience, research, education and the voices of K-State students.”
The event is part of UFM Community Learning Center’s Lou Douglas Lecture Series, which brings speakers to K-State and the Manhattan community to expand understanding of public policy and the issues that shape communities.
A full day of conversations
The program will begin at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14 in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering with a meet and greet and refreshments, followed by a “Facilitating Learning Across a Spectrum of Learners” presentation at 4 p.m., led by Shannon Locke, a postdoctoral fellow in the College of Engineering at the University of Missouri.
Locke will invite participants to consider the many ways people think and learn while exploring neurodiversity, evidence-based teaching and learning practices, and strategies for supporting learners across a broad spectrum.
Locke serves as project manager and lead researcher for two National Science Foundation-funded projects: "Reimagining Engineering Departments" and the "Autism Self-advocacy Center for Equity and Neurodiversity in Engineering." Her research focuses on improving opportunities and outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent communities by creating more supportive social and educational environments.
At 5 p.m., the conversation will turn directly to student experiences during a K-State student panel facilitated by the K-State Student Access Center and moderated by Locke. Students will share their perspectives as part of the day’s broader discussion of neurodiversity, learning and belonging.
“We wanted this to be more than an evening when people arrive, hear a speaker and leave,” said Aliah Mestrovich Seay, executive director of UFM Community Learning Center. “The afternoon gives our university and community an opportunity to learn from different perspectives and then carry those conversations into Kerry Magro’s keynote. The partnership among UFM, the College of Engineering and the Student Access Center reflects the message we hope people take away from the day: Meaningful change happens when we work together.”
UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving K-State, Manhattan and communities across Kansas. Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development and serves as a forum for exchanging ideas and developing programs that respond to community needs. More than 13,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.
— Submitted by Aliah Mestrovich Seay