2024-2025 Academic Innovation Fund Awardees

Two years ago, the Office of the Provost launched a new Academic Innovation Fund to invest up to $1 million in new academic programs and microcredentials to meet future regional, national or international learner needs, drive curricular innovation and academic excellence, differentiate our university, and support K-State's long-term financial viability. Proposals submitted for consideration included new degree programs at all levels for existing or new audiences, focusing on positioning K-State as the first choice for education and business partners in Kansas.

This year’s awards support 10 innovative and novel opportunities for K-State. The selected proposals are:

Safety Education Credentials

Food for Diseases Prevention Graduation Certificate

The Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health at K-State will develop an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Food for Disease Prevention, partnering with the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Agriculture, and K-State Olathe. This 13-credit hour program will leverage existing and new courses to provide specialized training at the intersection of food and health, addressing industry demand and positioning K-State as a leader in functional food education and disease prevention.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Bachelor's Degree

The Department of Integrated Studies at K-State Salina will develop a multidisciplinary degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, partnering with industry leaders. This program will leverage existing and new courses to provide specialized training in robotics, automation, and autonomous systems, addressing industry demand and positioning K-State Salina as a leader in robotics education and innovation.

Bachelor of Science in Diversified Agriculture

The Department of Communications and Agricultural Education at K-State will develop a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science in Diversified Agriculture, offering on-campus, online, and satellite courses. This program will address the strong job demand in agriculture, attract underserved learners, and position K-State as a leader in agricultural education through flexible, innovative course offerings and strategic industry partnerships.

Astrodynamics and Space Systems Microcredential and Graduate Certificate

The Department of Integrated Studies at K-State Salina and the Department of Physics will develop a new graduate certificate in space systems and astrodynamics, along with a microcredential in astrodynamics. This program will address the growing demand for professionals transitioning from aeronautics to astronautics, leveraging strong regional demand and industry growth to position K-State as a leader in space education.

Aviation Maintenance Microcredential

The Department of Integrated Studies, the Department of Aviation and the Professional Education and Outreach unit at K-State Salina will develop four Aviation Maintenance microcredentials leading to FAA Certification, using a hybrid format with AR/VR technologies. This program addresses the growing demand for skilled aviation technicians, offering accessible, high-impact training and positioning K-State as a leader in aviation maintenance education.

Kinesiology Excellence in Pathway Performance Microcredential

The Department of Kinesiology at K-State will develop the Kinesiology Excellence Pathway in Performance (KEPP), offering three undergraduate credit and noncredit online microcredentials. This program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and fitness training, positioning K-State as a leader in innovative strength and conditioning education.

Mathematical Intelligence and Learning Master’s, Graduate Certificates, and Microcredentials

The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Statistics at K-State will develop a new master’s degree, graduate certificates, and microcredentials in computational and data science, available both on campus and online. This program addresses the high demand for professionals skilled in AI and ML models, positioning K-State as a leader in data science and AI education through flexible, interdisciplinary training.

Mineral Exploration Master's and Graduate Certificate

The Department of Geology at K-State will develop a Professional Master’s degree and graduate certificate in Mineral Exploration, addressing the urgent need for critical minerals and the high demand for qualified exploration geologists. This program will provide interdisciplinary, industry-driven education, positioning K-State as a leader in mineral exploration and contributing to global energy security and sustainability.

C3PO (Connecting Conservation Culture to Policy Opportunity) Graduate Certificate and Microcredential

The Department of Political Science and the Division of Biology at K-State will develop a graduate certificate and noncredit microcredential in connecting conservation culture to policy, featuring four one-credit hour courses in conservation management. This program addresses the growing demand for advanced conservation policy education, equipping students with interdisciplinary skills and positioning K-State as a leader in conservation and policy education.

These programs will proceed through standard approval processes for microcredentials and new programs, including shared governance, the Provost Office and Kansas Board of Regents approval where applicable.

In addition to funding the selected proposals, $50,000 will be provided to the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab to provide equipment and software support for these innovative approaches.

These awards demonstrate the continued dedication of K-State’s investments in academic innovation. The next investment cycle to advance our Next-Gen K-State curricular goals is in 2025-2026.