Frequently Asked Questions

The Presidential Engagement Fellows program connects Kansas State University's most dynamic faculty with external audiences, including civic organizations, schools and community colleges across Kansas. Selected annually by a committee, speakers highlight K-State's learning opportunities and receive training to engage audiences effectively to highlight the land-grant mission and the strengths of higher education in Kansas. K-State Research and Extension supports the initiative by fostering additional community connections.

The Office of the President is coordinating this program. Gregg Hadley, assistant vice president and director of extension, and Tim Steffensmeier, assistant vice president and director for engagement and outreach, serve as co-chairs of the initiative.

If you have questions regarding the fellows program, please reach out to president@k-state.edu.

The goal of the fellows program is to engage with external audiences around the state of Kansas, including but not limited to civic organizations, schools and community colleges.

As a Presidential Engagement Fellow, you'll join a select group of our most dynamic faculty connecting directly with communities across the state through civic organizations, schools, community colleges and beyond. This program offers you the platform to showcase your research, teaching innovations and the tangible benefits higher education brings to Kansas citizens.

This prestigious fellowship demonstrates institutional recognition of our faculty's excellence while fulfilling our land-grant commitment to serve Kansas communities. Faculty participation helps strengthen K-State's reputation, inspire future students and illustrate how our university addresses real-world challenges.

The Presidential Engagement Fellows program provides opportunities to amplify, elevate and communicate K-State's impact through service and engagement in a more integrated and aligned way across the institution, the 105 counties and tribal areas we support, and the nation and world we positively impact.

We must push ourselves to reimagine how university resources and tremendous faculty assets align with rapidly evolving community needs, with a focus on being relevant in the future based on these needs, while more deeply integrating engagement-focused elements across the fabric of the institution.

Nominations for Presidential Engagement Fellows may be made by any university employee, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Please submit a nomination by Friday, May 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT. If a nomination is submitted for an individual, the Office of the President will notify the nominee and encourage them to complete the nomination form.

If self-nominating, please submit your nomination form by Friday, May 23, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT.

The selection committee will call for nominations via K-State Today each spring semester.

Any faculty member from any college or school at Kansas State University.

Yes, your supervisor needs to approve your participation in the program. The Office of the President will notify your supervisor if you are selected as a fellow. We encourage you to notify your supervisor before you apply.

The video allows you to highlight why you're interested in the program and how you see yourself contributing to enhancing engagement at K-State.

The Office of the President will contact the selected Presidential Engagement Fellows cohort in June with a formal announcement to campus in the fall.

If you are not selected for this cohort, you will be notified by the Office of the President and encouraged to reapply next year.

A selection committee has been formed to select the fellows for the upcoming academic year.

Each fellow will serve a three-year term once selected, then would need to reapply for another three-year term. Fellows can serve up to two three-year terms.

The university aims to select a specific number of Presidential Engagement Fellows each year. This number may be adjusted by the president based on budget availability and the quality of applications.

Yes, once the selection process is complete, selected fellows will undergo a background check overseen by Human Resources and sign the program's annual agreement.

Presidential Engagement Fellows will receive specialized training to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, developing valuable public engagement skills that enhance your professional toolkit. K-State Research and Extension's established community networks will amplify your reach, creating meaningful connections that extend your impact far beyond traditional academic settings.

The Kansas Science Communication Initiative will provide training scheduled in July or August based on fellows' availability.

As speaking requests are received by the Office of the President, fellows will be notified about opportunities and can review their availability to participate. The fellows' schedules will help drive when K-State can respond to requests from external audiences.

The Office of the President will cover travel expenses for the Presidential Engagement Fellows. These expenses include, but are not limited to, mileage reimbursement, per diem (when applicable), transportation, lodging (when applicable), etc.

Please review PPM 6410 - Reimbursable Travel Expenses and Forms - for the complete K-State policy.

The Office of the President will notify fellows regarding submitted requests from external organizations to identify who would be the best fit for each engagement opportunity.

While travel during summer months is not required, if a speaking request is received for a summer engagement, the Office of the President will reach out to fellows to determine availability and interest.

Any organization, school, community group or civic entity in Kansas can request a fellow.

There are no costs associated with hosting a fellow. Kansas State University provides these opportunities free of charge.

Fellows present on a wide range of topics related to their expertise, research and teaching areas. Topics span across academic disciplines including agriculture, arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, sciences and more. When requesting a fellow, you can indicate your area of interest, and we'll match you with an appropriate speaker.

We can typically accommodate requests during the academic year (September through May). Summer engagements (June through August) depend on fellows' availability.

Our online request form will be available once the 2025 cohort has been identified.

Yes, and we encourage it! Our fellows will visit your organization during mutually agreed-upon times. While in the region, our fellows will work with the K-State Research and Extension team to identify other ways to engage with your community.