Roots of Research Faculty Honor Program

The Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Research and Division of Facilities jointly lead the Roots of Research Faculty Honor Program. This initiative is designed to celebrate the exceptional research and scholarly contributions of our faculty, recognizing those who have demonstrated a sustained and impactful commitment to advancing knowledge at K-State.

In honor of their dedication and achievements, a tree will be planted on campus in each honoree's name, symbolizing the deep roots they have cultivated through their work and the legacy they leave for future generations. These trees will serve as living tributes, growing and flourishing alongside the knowledge our faculty continue to cultivate.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Roots of Research Faculty Honor Program.

Anyone at K-State can nominate a current faculty member for a Roots of Research award by filling out the Qualtrics form.

Awardees will be honored at a spring semester ceremony and will receive a plaque, and a tree will be planted on the Manhattan campus in their name. The names of selected faculty members will be announced in December, and trees will be planted during Earth Week in April 2026.

Nominations are due Nov. 1, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

2024 awardees:

• Amy Betz, mechanical and nuclear engineering
• Doina Caragea, computer science
• Rial Carver, Rural Grocery Initiative
• Elizabeth Dodd, English
• Carolyn Ferguson, biology
• Eric Fitzsimmons, civil engineering
• Wayne Goins, music, theatre and dance
• David Haukos, biology
• Socorro Herrera, curriculum and instruction
• Jun Li, chemistry
• Briana Nelson Goff, applied human sciences
• Vara Prasad, agronomy
• Kerry Priest, Staley School of Leadership
• Zak Ratajczak, biology
• Juergen Richt, diagnostic medicine/pathobiology
• Susmita Rishi, landscape architecture and regional and community planning
• Ajay Sharda, biological and agricultural engineering
• Vaishali Sharda, biological and agricultural engineering
• Valentina Trinetta, food, nutrition, dietetics and health
• Brad White, Beef Cattle Institute

Read the full announcement.

Nominations were reviewed and ranked by an internal committee.