The annual back to school picnic at Fort Hays State University was held Aug. 20 on the FHSU quad.
Hundreds of student-based organizations set up tables, spoke with their peers, and handed out free swag. Chartwells provided catering for the event, which had an impressive turnout. Students flooded the sidewalks of the quad, spilling onto the lawn.
Students who want to get more involved on campus can visit the TigerLink website for a full list of on campus organizations.
By RICHARD KERR
Hays Post
Hundreds of students from Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech and Hays Academy of Hair Design marched from the FHSU quad to the Bricks of Downtown Hays on Thursday.
Core2Campus is an initiative hosted by Downtown Hays Development Corp., alongside the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, FHSU and Eagle Communications. The event aims to introduce students to the local businesses in Hays.
Participating businesses opened their doors to students, and a free meal was provided to the first 500 students.
By RICKY KERR
Hays Post
Fort Hays State University student organization Tiger Pals will be hosting a 5K walk/run, pancake feed, and carnival on campus Saturday, Aug. 27.
Tiger Pals works with special needs and disabled individuals in the Hays area community. Registration is $10. Proceeds will go the organization, as well as the Arc of Central Plains.
Check in for the event begins at 7 am in front of Sheridan Hall and the 5k begins at 8 am. A pancake feed will follow afterward provided by IHOP as well as a carnival on the quad until noon.
FHSU students will be able to form teams of six and compete in a series of games that include egg volleyball, waterball, dodgeball, sack race, tug-o-war and an obstacle course that features a slip-n-slide. The events will be scored and the top team gets a prize.
The carnival will also feature a doughnut eating contest, ring toss, balloon darts, twister and inflatable games.
Keshawn Sewell, Tiger Pals President, started the organization with FHSU track teammates Jake Morrow and Justin Montney on the way back from a meet after talking about ways they could get more involved in the Hays community.
Students interested in joining Tiger Pals will be able to sign up at their table at the Back To School Picnic on Monday, Aug. 22 located on the FHSU quad. Those interested in early registration for the 5K or donating to Tiger Pals can visit here.
Hays Post
Dr. Mirta Martin has been named the ninth president of Fort Hays State University by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Martin, who currently serves as dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University, was named President Edward Hammond’s successor at a special Regents meeting Friday morning on the campus of FHSU. When her administration begins on July 1, she will be the first female president in the institution’s history.
Following the board’s announcement, Martin and her husband, John, were introduced to members of the FHSU and Hays communities during a reception.
“The future of the nation lies in the pursuit of academic excellence,” Martin said. “Progress is not possible without vision, leadership and trust. As your president, my priority is to enable you to become your best self.
“I believe my selection as president is an affirmation of the Regents’ and Fort Hays State University’s commitment to entrepreneurial leadership, opportunity, diversity and innovation,” she added.
Since 2009, Martin has been responsible for strategic and administrative oversight of the Lewis School. She is a professor of management and a member of the president’s cabinet. Prior to her current appointment, Martin served as special assistant to the chancellor of the Virginia Community College System (2009), was executive vice president at John Tyler Community College and executive director of John Tyler Community College Foundation, Chester, Va. (2005 to 2009), and served as associate dean of the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, Richmond, Va. (2000 to 2003), among other positions.
Martin has served as dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University since 2009. She has also held various higher education leadership positions throughout her career such as special assistant to the chancellor, executive vice president, and associate dean, among other positions. Dr. Martin received her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond, and a Bachelor of Science from Duke University.
A native of Havana, Cuba, she received her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, a master’s of business administration from the University of Richmond, and a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C. In 2009, Martin was appointed to serve on the Virginia Council on Women; in 2010 she was appointed to serve on Virginia’s Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment; and in 2011 she was appointed as a member of the State Board for Virginia’s Community Colleges. She received the 2013 Metropolitan Business League Humanitarian Award for Educational Excellence, was a 2012 alumni inductee in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and in 2009 was acknowledged as the first female Hispanic dean in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Hammond last year announced his retirement effective June 30, after serving the university since 1987.
“Selecting a president is about identifying the person that fits the university. In assessing the candidates, we focused on who would embrace and enhance the traditions and achievements of Fort Hays State University,” said Fred Logan, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. “The Kansas Board of Regents is fully supportive of this new president and the direction she will lead Fort Hays State University into the future.
“Dr. Mirta Martin is the personification of the American dream,” Logan added. “She has been successful in every challenge she has ever faced. She will be successful at Fort Hays State University.”
The other four finalists for the position were:
The five finalists for the position are:
• Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president of Student Affairs at Fort Hays State University.
• Dr. Gregory Mosier, dean of the College of Business at the University of Nevada-Reno.
• Dr. Michael Droge, president of Park University in Kansas City, Mo.
• Dr. Tom Jackson Jr., vice president of student affairs at the University of Louisville. Jackson had accepted the presidency at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., earlier this week.
Check Hays Post for more on the story as it develops.
They’re creepy and they’re kooky — and they’re on their way to northwest Kansas.
Fort Hays State University’s Encore Series will present “The Addams Family,” a musical comedy, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m.
The plot includes a now-grown Wednesday Addams bringing her boyfriend home to meet the family — a first introduction to Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the oddities of the Addams mansion.
Tickets are still available online or at the student service center in Memorial Union. “The Addams Family” is sponsored by Cedar Lodge Dental Group.
Reserved tickets are $40 for the general public; $38 for seniors and children age 5 to 17; and $31 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $36 for the general public; $34 for seniors and children age 5 to 17; and $27 for FHSU students.
More information on tickets and upcoming shows is available HERE.
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University students will join their peers from other Kansas Board of Regents public four-year universities in Topeka for the second annual Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol and the inaugural Kansas Master’s Research Day at the Capitol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Capitol rotunda.
Participating students will present their research projects to legislators and the public. The purpose is to demonstrate the unique opportunities undergraduate and graduate students have to participate with faculty members in research at KBOR universities.
The Council of Chief Research Officers of the Kansas Board of Regents organizes the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. This event showcases the work of up to 80 Kansas undergraduate students representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. This event also emphasizes higher education’s role in developing educated citizens and preparing a workforce with the necessary skills to further the economic growth of the state.
The Kansas Council of Graduate Deans of the Regents is also sponsoring the inaugural Kansas Master’s Research Day at the Capitol to share students’ research experiences with state lawmakers in Topeka. This event showcases the work of up to 40 Kansas graduate students representing the state’s eight public institutions.
FHSU undergraduate student presenters and their presentations:
Keri L. Caudle, a Hays senior majoring in biology; “Effects of Extreme Drought on Photosynthesis and Water Potential of Andropogon Gerardii (Big Bluestem) Ecotypes in Common Gardens Across Kansas” investigated how drought affects prairie grasses; research mentor: Dr. Brian Maricle, Department of Biological Sciences.
Michael Cory, a Wichita sophomore from Andover High School and the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS); “The Effects of Copper Exposure on Mammal Cells” examined the way copper leads to cell death; research mentor: Dr.Thomas J. Wiese, Department of Chemistry.
Kayce Feldkamp, a Seneca freshman from Nemaha Valley High School and KAMS: “Effect of Nine Volt Direct Current Charge Applied to Radishes and their Growth” investigated the effect of electricity on radishes; research mentor: Dr. Paul Adams, Departments of Physics and Teacher Education.
Seth Gooding, a Hays senior majoring in chemistry; “Implications of Local Cultural Variations for the Strategic Use of Legal Flexibilities in China” interviewed international managers and lawyers in China; research mentors: Dr. Justin Evans and Dr. Tony Gable, College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Jessica Havice, an Abilene senior majoring in communication disorders; “Sound Intensity Measurements of a University Marching Band During Rehearsals” found that prolonged exposure to the sound levels generated by the marching band may cause hearing loss; research mentor: Dr. Fred Britten, Department of Communication Disorders.
Xining Li, a KAMS freshman from China; “Terminal Velocity of Meteorite” used a wind tunnel to compare the shapes of meteorites with the greatest terminal velocity; research mentor: Dr. Paul Adams, Departments of Physics and Teacher Education.
Xiaoying Lin, a KAMS freshman from China; “The Impact of Population Density on the Intensity of Urban Heat Island Effect in Manhattan, New York, and Saratoga Springs, New York, from 1960 to 2012” explored the relationship between population density and historical temperature data; research mentors: Dr. Paul Adams, Departments of Physics and Teacher Education, and the late Dr. John Heinrichs, Department of Geosciences.
Leah Piper, a St. Marys senior majoring in communication studies; “A Closer Look at the Costa Concordia” analyzed the types of image restoration strategies used following the cruise ship disaster; research mentor: Dr. Leslie Reynard, Washburn.
MaRyka Smith, a Hoyt freshman from Royal Valley High School and KAMS; “The Relationship of the California Horse Population and Grassland in the Sierra Nevada Eco Region” investigated the relationship between wild horses and grassland environment; research mentors: Dr. Paul Adams, Departments of Physics and Teacher Education, and the late Dr. John Heinrichs, Department of Geosciences.
Adam Wilbur, a Wichita senior majoring in graphic design; ““The Role of the Entrepreneurial Lawyer in Small Firms in China” analyzed the legal environment in China for small firms; research mentors Dr. Justin Evans and Dr. Tony Gable, College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
FHSU graduate student presenters and their presentations:
Clinton Helms, Hays, biology; Hays; “Nest Survival of Wet Meadow Breeding Birds at the Nature Conservancy’s Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve” investigated the effects of adaptive rotational grazing treatments versus traditional season-long grazing treatments on grassland nesting species; research mentor: Dr. Jordana LaFantasie, Department of Biological Science.
Aubray Magnusson, Hays, communication disorders; “The Relationship between Oral and Written Narratives” examined the relationship between oral and written narratives in overall language development for children 7-10 years of age; research mentor: Dr. Jayne Brandel, Department of Communication Disorders.
Brooke Mann, Hays, psychology; “The Role of Sex and Body Image on Online Shopping” investigated sex differences of body image satisfaction and online shopping; research mentor: Dr. Jenn Bonds-Raacke, Department of Psychology.
Steven S. Reed, Hays, geosciences; “Tying 3D Seismic Data with Well Logs to Correlate the Time/Depth Relationship of the Stone Corral Formation in Kansas” examined the relationship between 3D seismic data and sonic well log data to potentially increase the success rate of 3D seismic prospecting in Kansas; research mentor: Dr. Hendratta Ali, Department of Geosciences.
The public is invited to view the posters and talk with the student researchers.
Fort Hays State University provides accessible quality education to Kansas, the nation, and the world through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals to develop engaged global citizen-leaders.
FHSU University Relations
More than 40 police officers from across Kansas will meet at Fort Hays State University campus for a day of training beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the conference room of the Tiger Den in Custer Hall.
The training session is sponsored by the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the FHSU Police Department.
Topics will include liquor enforcement and updates and fake IDs, presented by Agent Michael Eells and Agent Scott Bisk of the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Kansas Department of Revenue. The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit will also share presentations about basic narcotic investigations, drug recognition and trends, and the K-9 Deployment Unit.
Lunch will be provided for officers along with presentations by Mike Baker, president of the KACP, and Doyle King, executive director of the KACP.
One could argue the most influential person in Hays — possibly throughout northwest Kansas — in the last generation is none other than the university president.
Fort Hays State University President Edward Hammond, the longest serving president of a Kansas Regents university, will hang up his spurs at the end of this school year.
And the challenge to find someone to fill his echoes might seem insurmountable.
Since his arrival in 1987, Hammond has overseen the university through a period of significant growth. Innovation has been the mantra, with student body growth fueled by the creation of the Virtual College, which allows students from across the state, nation and world to further their education.
Partnerships overseas not only have helped bolster the university’s financial status, but also brought to the Hays community a welcome dose of diversity, mostly in the form of the Chinese students who chose the small-town Kansas life for their education.
From new dorms to in-the-works educational buildings, from the foundation center to sports facilities, Hammond’s tenure has been pocked by good-news announcements demonstrating the best of what strong leadership can provide.
With the departure of Larry Gould from the No. 2 position of provost, the top tiers of leadership at FHSU will have changed entirely by the end of the school year. And while Hammond will stay on for a time as an adviser, the direction of the university will be one of the most closely watched stories in 2014.
And the task of those charged with finding a replacement for Hammond is daunting.
A Regents-appointed committee includes Denis Miller, chairman of the FHSU Foundation board of directors; Robba Moran, a regent from Manhattan, formerly of Hays and wife of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran; former regent Janie Perkins, Garden City; and Andy Tompkins, president and chief executive officer of the regents. Input from the student body and faculty also will weigh into the decision. The university and regents are being assisted by Washington-based AGB Search. The firm specializes in finding candidates for top-level administrative jobs in higher education.
Hammond’s tenure will be tough to top — his presence could be nearly impossible to replace. And as Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration continues to whittle away at budgets across the board, that presence protecting northwest Kansas will be ever more important.
The Hays community is bolstered by the university on one side, the hospital on the other. With the addition of the “other legs” of the economic stool — agriculture, energy, service, telecommunications — these institutions offer us a comforting protecting from the whims of the state and national economy.
Finding the next leader of FHSU is a critical decision, and one that will ripple through another generation. Here’s hoping the right person for the right job at the right place six standing in line waiting for that job interview.
Ron Fields is news and information director at Eagle Communications.
Contacts with 1,241 Fort Hays State University graduates from the 2012-2013 academic year found a “success rate” — placement in a job or enrolled in advanced study — of 95 percent, according to a report from the university’s Office of Career Services.
Career Services contacts all FHSU graduates inside the United States within six months of graduation. The 1,241 figure includes Virtual College, on-campus students, and associate and undergraduate degree students. Not included in the percentage are Virtual College graduates from China and other nations.
This placement rate for FHSU graduates continues the success of recent years. The placement rate was also 95 percent in 2011-2012; 94 percent in 2010-11; 94 percent in 2009-10; 95 percent in 2008-09; 98 percent in 2007-08; 98 percent in 2006-07; 98 percent in 2005-06; 98 percent in 2004-05; 98 percent in 2003-04; 98 percent in 2002-03; 98 percent in 2001-02; 99 percent in 2000-01; and 99 percent in 1999-2000.
Of the 2012-13 graduates, 844 are working in their major fields and 171 are continuing their education. Another 97 reported being employed outside their majors, 63 were still seeking employment and 29 were not seeking employment.
Geographic employment data show that 161 are working in Ellis County, 341 are employed in western Kansas, 152 are employed in other Kansas regions, and 287 are working out-of-state.
The annual survey is conducted by the Office of Career Services. The office assists FHSU students in acquiring the skills necessary for a successful job search and provides information about available jobs. It also assists students who are seeking admission to graduate school.
Career Services Office staff uses phone, mail and e-mail surveys and then turns to faculty, alumni, fraternity or sorority contacts, families, neighbors, and various other sources to find the employment or study status of almost all graduates.
Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president for student affairs at Fort Hays State University, was presented earlier this month with the Robert A. Shaffer Award from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors.
The award, announced this week by FHSU University Relations recognizes Mason for her involvement with several professional associations. She serves on the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values board and is also a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She served as the Sigma Kappa Foundation executive director from 1994 to 2004. 
Mason was nominated by Angela Guillory, who worked with Mason on the Sigma Kappa Foundation.
Guillory, assistant dean of students and director of Greek Life at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, said Mason “has gone above the call of duty to serve” and “brings others together because she values the perspective each person brings to the table.”
Guillory was one of many who recommended Mason.
“You can measure her work not only by what she did and does in her day-to-day life over the last 25 years but the time she gives over and above her professional career to serve the larger fraternity/sorority community,” Guillory said.
Mason also has been active in LeaderShape Institute Inc., the American Society of Executives and the Fraternity Executives Association.
The award was presented at the AFA annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.
The new Education Director at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is offering new activity programs next year to appeal to all ages.
Dave Levering says even the tried-and-true after school program will get a makeover.
“We’ll still have “Adventures and Activities” from 3:30 to 5p.m. Tuesdays,” says Levering. “Beginning in January, that program will be geared to kindergarten through third-graders. We’re adding “Junior Science Explorers” for the fourth and fifth-graders Thursdays at the same time.”
Also starting in January, monthly Museum Movie Nights, with films and information the entire family can enjoy:
“Conflict Tiger” will be presented Friday, January 17, starting at 6:30p.m.
Other new programs include photography classes taught by Levering and “Food for Thought,” a community discussion of current science research in cooperation with Gella’s restaurant.
