K-State in the news

Recent news highlights

Read some of today's top stories mentioning Kansas State University. Download an Excel file (xls) with all of the day's news stories.

See more K-State faculty, staff and students in the news in the clip archives.

Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

National/International

Tumbleweeds, as symbolic of the Western U.S. as cowboys, are an invasive plant
2/15/2026 KERA News – NPR for North Texas
Although ubiquitous in the Western United States, tumbleweeds are relatively new on the frontier. They are native to Russia and Eastern Europe. Patrick Geier, an instructor of weed science at Kansas State University, says their journey to the United States in the late 1800s might've also burst the wheat belt in the middle of the country.

State/Regional

Recent K-State Graduates Find Widespread Success
2/13/2026 Sunflower State Radio
Kansas State University graduates are launching careers, advancing their education and strengthening the Kansas workforce at record levels, according to the university's latest post-graduation outcomes report. Based on an 80% knowledge rate of fall and spring 2025 graduates, 97% are either employed or continuing their education — a powerful reflection of K-State's commitment to preparing students for life beyond college.

K-State's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation to be renamed
2/15/2026 Hutch Post
Kansas State University's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will be renamed the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center in honor of J.J. Vanier by the next generation of families, following approval from the Kansas Board of Regents at its Feb. 11 meeting.

Local

K-State implements robot into hospitality department
2/15/2026 WIBW
Kansas State University is pairing students with a robot in an on-campus restaurant. "Wabash Cannonbot" is a robot assisting hospitality students. "When they graduate, and they're managing operations, it's not a question of if restaurants and hotels and hospitals are going to use a robot; they're already using them," said Kevin Roberts hospitality professor. The robot can be found at Lacy's Fresh Fare and Catering.