News from K-State Communications and Marketing
Former longtime CEO and dean of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, Dennis Kuhlman, died Monday due to complications of COVID-19.
Kuhlman served as CEO and dean of the Salina campus from 1997 until his retirement in 2012, leading the campus’s enrollment growth and its establishment as an aviation industry leader. He also grew campus facilities, including the addition of the Student Life Center, which opened in 2009.
K-State President Richard Myers says Kuhlman’s leadership “helped establish our Polytechnic campus in Salina as one the preeminent aviation and applied technology institutions in the country. The university is in a better place as a result of his vision and dedication.”
Under Kuhlman’s leadership, the Salina campus played host to the team that sent Steve Fossett on a nonstop solo flight around the world in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in 2005. The event drew international attention to the campus.
Before joining K-State Salina Kuhlman was an extension agricultural engineer on the Manhattan campus. He joined K-State in 1977 and he served as president of the K-State Faculty Senate in 1994-1995.
Kuhlman received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from K-State and his doctorate from Oklahoma State University, all in agricultural engineering.
Memorials in Kuhlman’s honor may be donated to the Dennis Kuhlman Student Activity Fund through the KSU Foundation; Ashby House in Salina, which helps empower homeless families and individuals; or Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salina.
