Kansas State University President Richard Linton spoke to the Manhattan City Commission Tuesday.
Linton spoke to commissioners about combating student enrollment, which declined almost 25% between 2014 and 2022.
“A lot of work is being done to be able to stimulate research innovation, I think a great example is the partnership that we might envision with NBAF which was opened up this past spring. I had mentioned the opportunity to be able to engage around the state in all 105 counties and communities. We’re thinking about how we can better partner throughout the entire state,” he said.
K-State has goals to grow their degree-seeking student population while adding more credential and certificate programs. Linton spoke specifically about how K-State has targeted Hispanic students living in southwest Kansas, who may be unwilling to come to Manhattan, at least at first, to obtain their degree.
“We’re working with community colleges in Garden City, Liberal and Dodge City on programs that would help stimulate and support agricultural education,” he said.
This is done by K-State providing instruction, either virtually, or through Extension offices to make students more comfortable with a local experience with the potential they might explore coming to Manhattan to pursue a 4-year degree afterward.
Mayor Wynn Butler says he likes that approach and hopes to retain more soldiers from Fort Riley, looking for educational opportunities.
“That’s excellent and I hope we can get those enrollments up there because it will make a big difference for the city,” he said.
Linton took questions from commissioners, including one from Karen McCulloh, who’d like to see better utilization of the city-university fund to improve access to transportation, particularly for international students.
“I think it’s a great idea. It’s my understanding that much of this fund is taken and used to support projects around the Edge Collaborative District. I’ve heard same kinds of concerns and complaints, especially as we grow toward the Edge district,” Linton said.
Commissioner Peter Oppelt asked if the university might be willing to partner with the city on a potential indoor aquatic center, which the city has identified as a potential project over the next five years.
“I certainly think Kansas State would love to be sitting around the table to be able to see if there’s a partnership and it makes sense for the community and the students as well,” Linton said.
K-State began demolition of the Natatorium, which had become unsafe and outdated.
