Office of Student Life Staff
Andy Thompson (he, him) - Senior Associate Dean & Director of Student Life
Strengths: Arranger • Maximizer • Developer • Communication • Consistency
Health & Human Sciences | Education | Architecture Planning & Design | Veterinary Medicine
Andy has been director of the office since 2020, and works with students in Health and Human Sciences, Education, Artchitecture, Planning, and Design, and Veterinary Medicine. He chairs the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), and co-adivses the Judical Branch of the Student Governing Association who adjudicates complaints of the Student Code of Conduct.
Prior to his work in the Office of Student Life, Andy spent his career in the department of Housing and Dining Services at K-State as the Residence Life Coordinator of Marlatt Hall. Andy earned his Master's of Education in Counselor Education from Clemson University and his Bachelor's of Science in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University. Throughout his career he has enjoyed working with students on a variety of issues and helping them navigate the university experience.
His professional interests include helping students find success in their academics and personal life, collaboration across the university for student success, and helping students find their passion at the university.
Contact Andy Thompson at: athomp@k-state.edu
Laurel Moody (she, her) - Assistant Dean
Strengths: Input • Learner • Achiever • Arranger • Relator
Arts & Sciences (O-Z) | Business | Engineering
Laurel is a lifelong K-Stater who began working at the university in 2010 shortly after graduating with her degree in Journalism. Laurel supervises the Student Life Coordinators, graduate student, and co-advises the judicial branch of the Student Governing Association.
Laurel was the Office Manager for the Office of Student Life from 2012 to 2016. She received her master's degree in Academic Advising in 2013, and has taken multiple classes in conflict resolution.
Laurel works with students in the College of Engineering, Business Administration, and Arts & Sciences. Her interests include providing support for students and the community after disasters, conflict resolution, academic advising, student of concern development, and working with student staff to develop competencies for the workforce.
Contact Laurel Moody at: lmoody@k-state.edu
Janelle Rieger (she, her) - Interim Assistant Dean
Strengths: Input • Learner • Intellection • Individualization • Ideation
Arts & Sciences (A-N) | Agriculture
Janelle is a K-State alum with a degree in Biology. She also holds a master's degree in Education from Fort Hays State University which she attained during her 14-year tenure as a secondary life science teacher.
Janelle came to the Office of Student Life as a Student Services Coordinator in the fall of 2021 and is currently serving as an Interim Assistant Dean. She is a co-chairperson of the University's Early Assessment & Reporting committee and supervises the Student Life Desk Assistants. She also serves on the President's Committee on Religious, Spiritual, and Nonreligious Diversity.
Janelle works with students in the College of Agriculture and Arts & Sciences. Her interests include developing relationships with campus partners that will reflect in the wellbeing of students and supporting students as they navigate their way through all types of adverse experiences.
Contact Janelle at: jarieger@ksu.edu
Kayleigh Smith (she, her) - Case Manager
Strengths: Positivity • Individualization • Woo • Communication • Achiever
Working as a case manager, she strives to advocate for and encourage students to skill build and problem solve to begin making progress to accomplish goals within their personal and academic lives.
Prior to her work in the office of Student Life, Kayleigh worked as a Permanency Case Manager in a foster care system and as a Youth Case manager in mental Health. Kayleigh Graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Youth and Adolescents, from Pittsburg State University in May of 2021. Kayleigh also shares a passion for coaching youth in gymnastics and continues to coach recreationally at a local gym.
Her professional interests include helping individuals reach success through skill building and problem solving while assisting them to make progress on goal planning and achievement. Her favorite quote is, “You cannot make a super star in one hour, it takes time, practice, and patience.” -Unknown
Kayleigh's Office is in the Derby Complex. Contact Kayleigh at: kayleighs@ksu.edu
