1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Staley School of Leadership Studies hosts fifth annual Spirit of Leadership event

K-State Today

October 5, 2015

Staley School of Leadership Studies hosts fifth annual Spirit of Leadership event

Submitted by Ryan Haxton

On Friday, Sept. 18, the Staley School of Leadership Studies hosted the fifth annual Spirit of Leadership event. This signature alumni and friends event showcases and celebrates the work and progress of the Staley School and its several programs.

Provost and Senior Vice President April Mason gave the opening remarks of the evening, with a story about the rich history of Kansas State University and the role that the Staley School of Leadership Studies plays on the K-State campus. Mary Tolar, director of the Staley School, served as the host for the remainder of the evening. Together, the two set the theme for the event: Legacy.

"What is a legacy? We at the Staley School of Leadership Studies have spent a lot of time thinking about this question and exploring the connection between legacy and leadership," Tolar said. "As we reflect on the many ways we’re moving forward together, we are inspired to think about what legacy means to us. Legacies can be large or small; they are embedded within systems and cultures; they evolve based on contextual forces; and they have the power to inspire present action based on tomorrow's promise."

The idea that legacy is inspirational was portrayed through the recognition of the Staley School's newest program, Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows. The Snyder Fellows program is a leadership development program that honors Coach Bill Snyder's work in developing a family of leaders. It is a group made up of 37 students in their final year of undergraduate study at K-State. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for the transition from college and for engagement as lifelong leaders.

To conclude the Spirit of Leadership event, the Staley School awarded the Michael C. Holen Leader-in-Residence award. The Michael C. Holen Leader-in-Residence award honors outstanding individuals who are exercising leadership in a range of organizational, professional and civic settings. Recipients come to campus to share experiences and engage in rich and challenging conversations with our students and the Kansas State University community.

Receiving the award this year was K-State alumnus, Kevin Lockett. A former successful K-State and professional football player, Lockett owned and operated a business during his National Football League career. In 1998, he and his family formed a nonprofit organization, the Lockett-up Foundation, which encourages academic achievement in public schools. Lockett has been active in the Staley School of Leadership Studies through his work with the Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows program.