On September 27th 2019, Kansas State University held the State of the University Address in which he spoke about the goals for the future, the records we've set as well as many other things. Richard Myers has been president at K-State for almost three years. He was named president in November of 2016.
In the beginning of his speech, Myers expands on the research done at Kansas State and how 2019 was a record year for awards from research at the University. 1,553 awards have been obtained from research at Kansas State just in 2019 alone."We've got really hard working research faculty here," President Myers said. One of the goals for Kansas State University by the year 2025 is to be apart of the top 50 public research universities.
Myers goes on to brag about K-State in the quality of life aspect. He said, "The Princeton Reviews 2020 edition of Best 385 Colleges ranks K-State number two in the nation for 'Best Quality of Life,' number three for the 'Happiest Students,' and number three for 'Students Who Love Their College.'"
President Myers has a positive outlook on the future of the students at Kansas State University as well as the future of the University as whole.
One of the biggest things that is planning to come to the University in the future is a nursing program which currently does not exist at Kansas State. The nursing program will partner with Wichita State University and their program. This is a huge step for Kansas State University because it will give opportunity for students to attend this University and begin their education for nursing.
Another goal for the University is to have a more diverse student body. The value of inclusion plays an important role not only on campus but off campus and in the community as well. Myers goes on to say that, "K-State have been repeatedly recognized as a five-star LQBTQ friendly college by the Campus Pride Index."
Myers then goes on to talk about athletics. He spoke about Chris Klieman and the football team this season. He said, "I think they are exceeding expectations." Myers spoke about the future of the athletic facilities and how there will be improvements in the future.
The alumni association at Kansas State University has always been a big deal and Myers acknowledges that the special K-State alumni license plate has raised over five million dollars in scholarships for students at the university. "We're the number one affinitive plate in the state," Myers said
President Myers ended his speech with an inspirational video showing the welcoming community that is Kansas State University.
It is safe to say that the future for Kansas State University is bright and exciting. President Myers speech showed the university how much we have to look forward to in the success of not only the students but faculty and the people that support the university.
