To the K-State Collegian,
Recently I delivered a speech to the Kansas Board of Regents, challenging our state’s higher education institutions to set higher goals and achieve better results.
In my remarks, I failed to mention the remarkable achievements of K-State’s College of Engineering, which is now ranked 64th in the nation. For this oversight, I apologize. This is an outstanding ranking and is a testament to the incredible work of the engineering college’s faculty, staff and students – under the leadership of Dean John English. I know that this success will continue as the college begins to implement its strategic plan.
We need more of our specialty schools across Kansas to follow the lead of your engineering school, and reach new heights of excellence.
Among the goals I proposed to the Board of Regents was that Kansas State should be ranked among the top 100 national universities. Currently, K-State University is ranked in the third tier, which are schools ranked 134 through 196.
Imagine for a moment, if it was our football team or basketball team that did not rank in the top 100, I doubt anyone of us would be satisfied.
I firmly believe that Kansas cannot succeed if our higher education system does not succeed. Education is the panacea to so many of our challenges – from workforce training, to job creation, to development of new technologies, to getting our economy back on track.
Working together I know that we can achieve this and much more.
Brooks and Schulz proceeded to sign the renewal agreement.
“I am proud of the service opportunity,” Schulz said of the agreement.
Brooks said he believes K-State allows Fort Riley to achieve a greater standard of excellence.
“The program is important to the state; it is important to the region,” Brooks said.
Also during the event, an announcement was made for the official opening of a new program known as the Institute of Health and Security of Military Families, which is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m.
10-year plan will allow K-State to meet and exceed Gov. Parkinson’s challenges by building on a number of highly ranked programs and a legacy of student successes. We will become more nationally prominent. We will maximize retention and graduation rates, while ensuring a diverse and accessible education. Our graduates will continue to be successful in all economic climates. As the state’s student-centered, land-grant university, our mission is playing out during these tough economic times and will continue well into the future.”
Henry also said he was glad that the governor has taken interest in Kansas universities but believes that raising the standards of admissions would hinder the mission of a land-grant institution, such as K-State, which is to educate the public.
Speaker of the Student Senate, Amy Schultz, senior in biology and gerontology, said she agrees the Kansas university system can do better and that strategic planning is necessary.
“Governor Parkinson didn’t comment on how much the student retention initiatives would be funded but that’s a key part of making this initiative successful,” Schultz said. “We need funding support from the Kansas legislature otherwise we’ll have to pull funding from other entities.”
actually see us before try-outs,” Bowen said. “We will have a bigger variety of people to choose from.”
Witnessing the Fall Activities Carnival and Union Expo finally go from vision to successful reality was a highlight for some UPC members.
“[My favorite part of tonight was] seeing everything come together as a whole,” Garcia said. “Having the idea in your head and then finally seeing it at large is great.”