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.
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
National/International
NSF announces first AI-ENGAGE awards to modernize global agriculture
2/12/26 National Science Foundation
The U.S. National Science Foundation, in coordination with partner agencies from Australia, India and Japan, today announced the first cohort of awards made under the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen AGriculturE (AI-ENGAGE) initiative. This $2.4 million investment supports six international research projects that will harness artificial intelligence and critical emerging technologies to empower farmers and strengthen agricultural resilience across the United States and Indo-Pacific region. K-State's project will implement "Smart Scout," a computer vision system to estimate soybean yield and detect "lodging" (falling over) of crops.
Local
K-State names new dean for college of engineering
2/13/26 The Manhattan Mercury
Following a national search, Kansas State University announced its appointment of Ashfaq Khokhar as dean of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, effective Aug. 2. “Dr. Khokhar brings exceptional leadership experience, growth-minded vision and high-quality teaching, research and engagement to K-State in the role of dean for the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering,” said Jesse Perez Mendez, provost and executive vice president. “I look forward to working with him to advance the college and university’s strategic vision.”
Lafene to offer 24/7, free virtual mental health care through new partnership
2/11/26 The K-State Collegian
Through a new partnership, Kansas State is offering mental health services through the mobile app, TimelyCare. The app comes free of charge to any enrolled K-State student. “At K-State, we want every student to know they are never alone. TimelyCare allows students —whether they’re in Manhattan, Salina, Olathe or learning online to connect 24/7 with licensed counselors and trained professionals at no cost, with no insurance or copays required," said Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students.
K-State Salina offering drone training program for farmers
2/13/26 The Salina Journal
Hunter Allison, a K-State Salina UAS flight instructor pilot who will be instructing the Aerial Applications and Regulations course, said the course will teach drone operators how to confidently plan and execute legally compliant aerial application operations while ensuring personal and aircraft safety.