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Kirk Schulz was named K-State's 13th president in February, after Jon Wefald announced he was retiring. Submit your questions about his future plans for K-State now!
This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.
Moderator
July 28, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.
Hello, my name is Fally Afani, and I'm the chat moderator today. We'd like to thank Kirk Schulz for stopping by for the web chat. We are now taking your questions.
deck
July 28, 2009 at 12:48 p.m.
There is a hearing Thursday to address allegations that the decision to choose Kansas as home of the NBAF facility was flawed and Kansas is not the best choice. If the decision is reversed, or if the funding/construction process is delayed, what impact will it have on K-State?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.
Deck - we remain confident that NBAF will be built as scheduled in Manhattan, just as the Department of Homeland Security originally decided. K-State is working with our colleagues at the KBA, with our federal delegation, and the Governor's office to continue to advocate that Kansas is the RIGHT place to put NBAF.
jdrew
July 28, 2009 at 10:18 a.m.
K-State is leading the way on many studies in the 'Green Initiatives', how can you capitalize on it as a University, and do you think it will bring more students in from out of state?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
jdrew - I appreciation your recognition of our green initiatives. This past week, I was at the Sustainability forum at K-State, with over 100 attendees. We are working to identify key areas where K-State can excel, and then to use these not only be a national leader in sustainability, but also to recruit students with interests in this area to Manhattan. Bottom line - this is still a work in progress - but I like the idea of using this as a recruitment tool. Thanks for sharing.
wildcat4ever
July 28, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
What will you do as president to further advance the needs of the LGBTQ community at K-State and promote diversity for all other student groups to ensure that K-State is open and accepting to all students?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:35 p.m.
wildcat4ever - great question. My goal as President of K-State is to have a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds - so that Manhattan and the K-State campus is looked upon as a place where diversity is appreciated and valued. I believe we have made excellent progress in many areas, particularly in regard to Latino and African-American students, but we still have some significant progress to make in regards to the LGBTQ community. We will do all we can to continue to improve!
nhoch
July 28, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
The athletics department is a big part of Kansas State. After the events of the last few months unfolded, you and John Currie have talked about rebuilding the trust of the K-State family. How do you think the fans are responding in the early stages of this process?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:42 p.m.
nhoch - The K-State fan base has been awesome thus far. John and I have both been amazed at the passion K-Staters have for our university - which is a great thing. Most of the people we have talked with have been very supportive that we are taking the right steps to move K-State forward - and will be watching to see if our rhetoric will match our actions - will "we walk the walk" if you will. So far - everything is falling into place for what promises to be an exciting fall. Go Cats!
bbauman
July 28, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.
Mr. Schulz,
How do you view your role as KSU president? Are you an administrator, cheerleader, or visionary? If it's a combination, which one is most important and why?
Thanks.
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.
bbauman - Wow - I was hoping for an easier question this afternoon like - what is my favorite color! I believe that an effective university president does all three of these things - and to be honest - every day has all three of these things in different proportions. However, you want a firm answer and not a weasily one - so I would rank this as #1 - visionary, #2 - cheerleader, and #3 - administrator. Toss in husband, father, fundraiser, and used car salesman - you have the perfect presidential job description!
Marshanna
July 28, 2009 at 2:32 p.m.
How will the lack of state funding and increase in tuition at K-State factor into your long-term plan for the University?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.
Marshanna - there is no question that the changes in funding for public higher education are going to result in fundamental changes in how we operate. Thus, in the short term, K-State will get leaner and more efficient in all that we do. However, if you are used to getting $100 to do something, and then you have $85 to do the same thing - there are going to be changes in the way you do things. When the economy recovers, how are we going to invest the new monies which will come into K-State? This is an important question that we will be focused on over the next year. Keep your fingers crossed - we will need all of the help and advice we can get.
josiah
July 28, 2009 at 3:47 p.m.
There have been a few big pushes by K-State to have more of a presence on the web. Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, and Interviews like this are great ways to get more students (like me) involved in campus events. Do you have a plan for where to go from here? It would be great to see a bigger, more creative online community.
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:55 p.m.
josiah - you have hit on one of my passions! We need to continue to use modern social networking programs as great ways for everyone to stay connected to K-State, to get to know our administration better, and in general to feel a part of the K-State family no matter where people are. However, I must tell you - I am AMAZED at what some people are willing to put on the web about themselves or their friends! So, we need to expand our on-line presence - but in a fun but family friendly way. Any suggestions are appreciated!
foreverpurple
July 28, 2009 at 3:49 p.m.
With 23% of your students 25 yrs. and older how do you plan to engage them in the university and make them feel more a part of the K-State campus?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
foreverpurple - are you saying that the interests of 25 year old students are different than 17 year old students? (Just kidding). The best way to figure out how to improve the experience for our older students is to ask them what they would like to see on campus and in the community to meet their needs. I have an 18 year old college freshman at home, and I have learned A LOT about how he looks at things differently than older students. So - send in your suggestions and we will see what we can do - perhaps discounts in Aggieville for anyone over 45 (which I JUST qualify for ...)?
deck
July 28, 2009 at 12:49 p.m.
As a newcomer to the area, what fun things have you and your family experienced so far? What are you looking forward to trying?
Kirk Schulz
July 28, 2009 at 4:02 p.m.
deck - We love Manhattan - so far the top things to do are #1 - go to Aggieville for dinner, #2 - walk around campus and enjoy the scenery, and #3 - try and figure out what bowl game the Wildcats are going to play in when late December rolls around! Thanks to everyone who decided to join in my first chat today - Go Cats!
Moderator
July 28, 2009 at 4:03 p.m.
That's all the time we have for today. We'd like to thank everyone for submitting their questions, and thank Kirk Schulz for stopping by.
Comments
ksu123 (anonymous) says...
what importance do you give for integrity in research. For example How do you deal with academic or research misconduct by faculty. At most universities Vice president research deals with such isuues. With your experience as VP Research and now president i want to know how you will deal with such issues. Would you adopt a transparent approach in dealing with such issues. Particularly because universities always tries to cover up such issues to protect reputation. 2) How would you deal with mistreatement of students (also considered research misconduct) by faculty.
July 28, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )