GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN TEAM!
Hello, Arts and Sciences Students!
Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences! We hope you have a great semester and take advantage of some of the many opportunities to explore your interests and gain professional and life experience.
We’re here to help you make that happen. Watch for monthly newsletters like this to stay informed about helpful resources, exciting opportunities, and fun and informative events.
As you settle back into school mode, we hope you’ll appreciate our insight below on being open to possibilities you didn’t expect.
Have a great year!
The Arts and Sciences Dean Team
Question: What college course did you expect to dislike but then end up loving?
Dr. Cynthia Warrick, Interim Dean
Answer: It was a history of women elective. I thought I was knowledgable in that area, but I learned a lot and appreciated the class. And the instructor helped me learn to write. As a science major, my studies didn’t address communicating and writing. This course helped me write better and not be so scientific.
Dr. Scott Tanona, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Planning, Professor of Philosophy
Answer: It was a creative writing course in poetry. I was a science geek. I was also the type of person who liked to use big, fancy words. My poetry professor called me out on it and asked me who I was trying to impress. The course was hard and pushed me to think about things I hadn’t thought about. It totally impacted the way I think about writing and speaking. It was a great course for a science geek to take.
Dr. Mary Cain, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Professor in Psychological Sciences
Answer: It was calculus. I really hated math. I had managed to avoid calculus until my junior year. But it turned out I loved calculus and I took two more semesters of it. I had a wonderful professor, and he helped break down the fear I had. I thought I couldn’t do math, but I could and I liked it. Even though you think you may not be good at something, you might if maybe you find a different way to learn it.
Dr. Christie Launius, Associate Dean for Student Success, Engagement and Undergraduate Studies, Professor in Social Transformation Studies
Answer: It was a first-year seminar in physics. As an arts and humanities girl, I was not excited about it. I worried it would be hard and I wouldn’t be good at it. I didn’t want the struggle. Turns out it was hard, and I wasn’t very good at it. But I found it really interesting and was glad I took it. It increased my tolerance for doing hard stuff and being in situations where I wasn’t good at something. That’s a good skill to cultivate, good practice for life.
Dr. Kimathi Choma, Assistant Dean for Student Success, College Health Initiatives, and Retention
Answer: It was an upper-level English course. Science is my jam; English is not. I was scared to take that class. But I worked really hard at it and was surprised to learn that the instructor said I was one of the best students in the class. Sometimes, if you put time and effort into something you struggle at, you can become very good at it. Work hard and you’ll make it to degree completion. We’re here to help.
Prof. Ben Stark, Assistant Dean for Infrastructure and Faculty Support, Professor of Theatre
Answer: It was a 700-level colloquium on Calvinism for history majors, mostly upperclassmen. I was a freshman. We met one evening a week for three hours and mostly read primary texts. I learned that you really need to show up for class. One day, only two of us showed up and we had to hold our own with the professor for three hours. It was rough. I learned a lot about the importance of showing up and doing the work. Even though it was hard, it was worth it.