By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Monica Dreiling believes in engaging her students in learning.

This could mean dressing up as a Revolutionary War figure, designing cardboard boats or making care packages for the elderly in one of her class's many community service projects.

Dreiling was nominated by two people for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.

Alexis Campbell said, "[She] has always done above and beyond for USD 489 and deserves to get recognition for it."

Shayne Wilson said, "Mrs. Dreiling is a wonderful and caring teacher."

"To me, that is the biggest gratitude you can receive is just a thank you from a student or staff, or they see you in the community after they've left fifth grade and they can remember a memory from fifth grade," Dreiling said. 

Dreiling, 44, a native of Bunker Hill, has been a teacher for 21 years.

Dreiling is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, master's degree in special education with a gifted endorsement, and endorsements for English as a second language and administration.

She began her career in special education in her home district of Russell. She taught there for a year before moving to teach special education in Hays. She taught for 14 more years in special education in Hays before transferring to teaching fifth-grade general education. 

Dreiling's mother was a special education teacher, which initially discouraged her from entering the profession. She saw how much time was involved and how much it took away from her family. However, when she entered college, she said she knew that was the career she wanted to pursue.

She ultimately decided to switch from special education to general education so she could spend more time with her family. 

"When a child moves in that has an IEP, you don't just pull a textbook off a shelf. You're creating materials and curriculum to do with that child," she said.

She also wanted the opportunity to teach grade-level science. 

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/17/lincoln-teacher-finalist-for-national-math-science-award/">Dreiling was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2019. This award is given to a teacher every other year in K-6 education.</a>

This year, Dreiling incorporated a Santa Fe traveling museum into her curriculum, which honored the anniversary of the trail in Kansas. The Kansas State Historical Society sent the school a trunk filled with artifacts.&nbsp; 

The students dressed in period clothing and gave presentations to fellow students on artifacts from the trunk.

Dreiling tries to incorporate life skills into her lessons, such as requiring students to iron their own costumes for their Revolutionary War play.

Hands-on learning fills several needs for students, she said. They have immediate access to information. The students interact with each other, and they have opportunities to showcase what they're good at. 

"My favorite aspect of being a teacher is helping kids find what they're good at," she said, "and helping kids persevere with things they might not feel comfortable with or they need extra assistance with."

Her favorite lesson is her students' cardboard boat races, which are set for May 5. Students learn about buoyancy and density throughout the school year and use those principles to design their boats.

Dreiling saw the Big Brothers Big Sisters cardboard boat races and was inspired.

"I woke up in the middle of the night and asked my husband, 'Do you think we could do that with fifth graders?'" she said.

Dreiling also said she enjoys teaching civics and involving students in community service projects.

This year the students rang bells for the Salvation Army, baked dog treats for the Humane Society of the High Plains, delivered gift baskets to assisted living and nursing care centers, and wrote letters and delivered treat baskets to veterans and military personnel.

The class also decided to adopt their school neighborhood for a year. They dropped gifts on their Lincoln neighbors' porches, including wooden pumpkins at Thanksgiving.

"I think volunteerism is a good life skill," Dreiling said. "I think it's an essential component of good citizenship. 

"It's also important for the kids who have difficult home lives or who struggle with self-esteem or social-emotional issues. It builds empathy and allows them to feel good about something that they're doing."

Dreiling said it was community service projects that meant the most to her when she was a student.

"Those were the projects that stuck with me the most and were more memorable — anything that involved other people and either making someone's day better or giving them something that they needed," she said.

Dreiling is personally involved in a variety of community service organizations outside of school, including Girl Scouts, 4-H, Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651077622576.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651077474692.jpeg" alt="Monica Dreiling, a fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, was named the Hays Post Teacher of the Month for April. She is pictured with photos and thank you notes associated with her class's community service projects. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Monica Dreiling, a fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, was named the Hays Post Teacher of the Month for April. She is pictured with photos and thank you notes associated with her class's community service projects. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMonica Dreiling believes in engaging her students in learning.This could mean dressing up as a Revolutionary War figure, designing cardboard boats or making care packages for the elderly in one of her class's many community service projects.Dreiling was nominated by two people for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.Alexis Campbell said, "[She] has always done above and beyond for USD 489 and deserves to get recognition for it."Shayne Wilson said, "Mrs. Dreiling is a wonderful and caring teacher.""To me, that is the biggest gratitude you can receive is just a thank you from a student or staff, or they see you in the community after they've left fifth grade and they can remember a memory from fifth grade," Dreiling said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651078287749.jpeg" alt="Monica Dreiling's students participate in cardboard boat races at the Center of Health Improvement. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Monica Dreiling's students participate in cardboard boat races at the Center of Health Improvement. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling, 44, a native of Bunker Hill, has been a teacher for 21 years. Dreiling is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, master's degree in special education with a gifted endorsement, and endorsements for English as a second language and administration. She began her career in special education in her home district of Russell. She taught there for a year before moving to teach special education in Hays. She taught for 14 more years in special education in Hays before transferring to teaching fifth-grade general education. Dreiling's mother was a special education teacher, which initially discouraged her from entering the profession. She saw how much time was involved and how much it took away from her family. However, when she entered college, she said she knew that was the career she wanted to pursue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651078620558.jpeg" alt="Students in Monica Dreiling's fifth-grade class at Lincoln Elementary School make dog treats for the Humane Society as a class community service project earlier this school year. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Students in Monica Dreiling's fifth-grade class at Lincoln Elementary School make dog treats for the Humane Society as a class community service project earlier this school year. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>She ultimately decided to switch from special education to general education so she could spend more time with her family. "When a child moves in that has an IEP, you don't just pull a textbook off a shelf. You're creating materials and curriculum to do with that child," she said. She also wanted the opportunity to teach grade-level science. <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/17/lincoln-teacher-finalist-for-national-math-science-award/">Dreiling was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2019. This award is given to a teacher every other year in K-6 education.</a>This year, Dreiling incorporated a Santa Fe traveling museum into her curriculum, which honored the anniversary of the trail in Kansas. The Kansas State Historical Society sent the school a trunk filled with artifacts.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651079166298.jpeg" alt="Monica Dreiling's fifth-grade class made wooden pumpkins that were gifted to their Lincoln school neighbors this fall. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Monica Dreiling's fifth-grade class made wooden pumpkins that were gifted to their Lincoln school neighbors this fall. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The students dressed in period clothing and gave presentations to fellow students on artifacts from the trunk.Dreiling tries to incorporate life skills into her lessons, such as requiring students to iron their own costumes for their Revolutionary War play.Hands-on learning fills several needs for students, she said. They have immediate access to information. The students interact with each other, and they have opportunities to showcase what they're good at. "My favorite aspect of being a teacher is helping kids find what they're good at," she said, "and helping kids persevere with things they might not feel comfortable with or they need extra assistance with." Her favorite lesson is her students' cardboard boat races, which are set for May 5. Students learn about buoyancy and density throughout the school year and use those principles to design their boats. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651079246211.jpeg" alt="Monia Dreiling's fifth-grade students designed prosthetics as part of a science project. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Monia Dreiling's fifth-grade students designed prosthetics as part of a science project. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling saw the Big Brothers Big Sisters cardboard boat races and was inspired."I woke up in the middle of the night and asked my husband, 'Do you think we could do that with fifth graders?'" she said.Dreiling also said she enjoys teaching civics and involving students in community service projects.This year the students rang bells for the Salvation Army, baked dog treats for the Humane Society of the High Plains, delivered gift baskets to assisted living and nursing care centers, and wrote letters and delivered treat baskets to veterans and military personnel. The class also decided to adopt their school neighborhood for a year. They dropped gifts on their Lincoln neighbors' porches, including wooden pumpkins at Thanksgiving. "I think volunteerism is a good life skill," Dreiling said. "I think it's an essential component of good citizenship. "It's also important for the kids who have difficult home lives or who struggle with self-esteem or social-emotional issues. It builds empathy and allows them to feel good about something that they're doing."Dreiling said it was community service projects that meant the most to her when she was a student."Those were the projects that stuck with me the most and were more memorable — anything that involved other people and either making someone's day better or giving them something that they needed," she said. Dreiling is personally involved in a variety of community service organizations outside of school, including Girl Scouts, 4-H, Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Joseph Catholic Church. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651077622576.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Teacher of the Month: Boat races to dog treats, teacher believes in learning in action

Ranchland Trust of Kansas opened its 11th&nbsp;annual photography contest on Friday. The contest will be open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas ranching.

Photos submitted to the contest should express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the summer and close on August 31.

Photo contest entries will be judged by representatives of RTK, Kansas Livestock Association, and special guest judge Jim Richardson.

Richardson, a Kansas native, has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lindsborg where his work is featured in their store, Small World Gallery.

Photo contest judges will select one winner in each of the following categories: grand prize, landscape, livestock, people, wildflowers or other wildlife, sunrise or sunset, youth (ages 5-17), KLA member, fan favorite via Facebook voting and one honorable mention.

L’image in Wichita will sponsor the photography contest this year with prizes for the winning photographers. All category winners will be awarded an 8” x 10” plaque mount of their winning photo. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” canvas or metal print of their winning photo.

L’image is locally owned, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. They also offer image mounting, metal prints, laminating, canvas gallery wraps and traditional framing. They are in the business of making the artist or photographer look their best.&nbsp;

For full contest rules and to enter, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/">https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650920429507.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RTKRanchland Trust of Kansas opened its 11th&nbsp;annual photography contest on Friday. The contest will be open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas ranching.Photos submitted to the contest should express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the summer and close on August 31.Photo contest entries will be judged by representatives of RTK, Kansas Livestock Association, and special guest judge Jim Richardson.Richardson, a Kansas native, has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lindsborg where his work is featured in their store, Small World Gallery.Photo contest judges will select one winner in each of the following categories: grand prize, landscape, livestock, people, wildflowers or other wildlife, sunrise or sunset, youth (ages 5-17), KLA member, fan favorite via Facebook voting and one honorable mention.L’image in Wichita will sponsor the photography contest this year with prizes for the winning photographers. All category winners will be awarded an 8” x 10” plaque mount of their winning photo. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” canvas or metal print of their winning photo.L’image is locally owned, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. They also offer image mounting, metal prints, laminating, canvas gallery wraps and traditional framing. They are in the business of making the artist or photographer look their best.&nbsp;For full contest rules and to enter, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/">https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/</a>

Ranchland Trust of Kansas photo contest now open

Fort Hays State University held its inaugural Engaged Scholars breakfast reception on Friday, April 22. A collaboration among Forsyth Library, University Communications, and the Office of the Provost, the event was created to recognize faculty and staff whose work expanded scholarly conversation in their areas of expertise. Those recognized made significant contributions to the university’s mission in four areas: Open Educational Resources (OER), top downloaded content, scholarly news, and thought leadership.

In the OER category, three campus academic departments were recognized for their success in lowering the costs of course materials by identifying openly available and other zero-cost course materials. in the areas of growth, innovation, and impact. The Department of Leadership Studies was recognized for a significant expansion in the use of OER materials in its courses. The Department of Advanced Education Programs earned recognition in the “Innovation” category. The Department of Nursing was identified as the team that delivered the most impact with its OER improvements.&nbsp;

Downloads from the university’s Scholars Repository stand at approximately 1 million, demonstrating tremendous global reach and impact of the scholarly work of FHSU faculty, staff, and students. The top downloaded content producers from each of the university’s five colleges were recognized in this second category. Dr. Robert Lloyd of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship was the top producer of downloaded content.&nbsp;

FHSU recognized the accomplishments of faculty and staff who created content shared through a scholarly news program that launched in the Fall of 2021. The university recognized more than 30 faculty and staff for their contributions in this category.&nbsp;

In the final category, 22 faculty and staff were honored for their work in advancing the university’s reputation by serving as subject matter experts in the earned media efforts of the Office of University Communications. From creating new content to participating in TV, podcast, and print media interviews to helping craft story ideas, the voices of FHSU thought leaders were featured in dozens of publications, including the New York Times and Washington Post.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information about the Engaged Scholars Breakfast Reception at FHSU, including the names of those recognized by category, go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58Gl-2FKJzL0rIJBDIcgieNOAOVSsHkGMv0IQnYH9kQjj4scQ-3D-3DeMMq_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemb3-2FAKBgMFWrhh6xJtPdF7bmNfZTeJuPGVs2KbmnCbyztbhrkKS-2FFYJBiocCpbsZVUNTaqiDSesoq-2FOfISeWf0dOPfGI-2BF4zvOldY4FB8im0BRmgMyxsM2LX0SQjYbeFkffXw-2B-2FoF0IWmsLTXc5hbxU2ppg35HMpGAkQzZV88xNCIyYrIBef1LCBhZeFmLeA8RdlHaZ-2B6VaXsL0M76Pw9Df3AZNqFD00MCp6GkMhHkFqykpDxqg-2FkjF4QGznsvEK2p2OC7vZz7D4Cbe-2FB2yOGqA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYpJxNLK5s</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651008396319.jpeg" alt="Dr. Kim Perez, Dr. Amber Nickell, and Hollie Marquess from the FHSU Department of History." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Kim Perez, Dr. Amber Nickell, and Hollie Marquess from the FHSU Department of History.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University held its inaugural Engaged Scholars breakfast reception on Friday, April 22. A collaboration among Forsyth Library, University Communications, and the Office of the Provost, the event was created to recognize faculty and staff whose work expanded scholarly conversation in their areas of expertise. Those recognized made significant contributions to the university’s mission in four areas: Open Educational Resources (OER), top downloaded content, scholarly news, and thought leadership.In the OER category, three campus academic departments were recognized for their success in lowering the costs of course materials by identifying openly available and other zero-cost course materials. in the areas of growth, innovation, and impact. The Department of Leadership Studies was recognized for a significant expansion in the use of OER materials in its courses. The Department of Advanced Education Programs earned recognition in the “Innovation” category. The Department of Nursing was identified as the team that delivered the most impact with its OER improvements.&nbsp;Downloads from the university’s Scholars Repository stand at approximately 1 million, demonstrating tremendous global reach and impact of the scholarly work of FHSU faculty, staff, and students. The top downloaded content producers from each of the university’s five colleges were recognized in this second category. Dr. Robert Lloyd of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship was the top producer of downloaded content.&nbsp;FHSU recognized the accomplishments of faculty and staff who created content shared through a scholarly news program that launched in the Fall of 2021. The university recognized more than 30 faculty and staff for their contributions in this category.&nbsp;In the final category, 22 faculty and staff were honored for their work in advancing the university’s reputation by serving as subject matter experts in the earned media efforts of the Office of University Communications. From creating new content to participating in TV, podcast, and print media interviews to helping craft story ideas, the voices of FHSU thought leaders were featured in dozens of publications, including the New York Times and Washington Post.&nbsp; &nbsp;For more information about the Engaged Scholars Breakfast Reception at FHSU, including the names of those recognized by category, go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58Gl-2FKJzL0rIJBDIcgieNOAOVSsHkGMv0IQnYH9kQjj4scQ-3D-3DeMMq_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemb3-2FAKBgMFWrhh6xJtPdF7bmNfZTeJuPGVs2KbmnCbyztbhrkKS-2FFYJBiocCpbsZVUNTaqiDSesoq-2FOfISeWf0dOPfGI-2BF4zvOldY4FB8im0BRmgMyxsM2LX0SQjYbeFkffXw-2B-2FoF0IWmsLTXc5hbxU2ppg35HMpGAkQzZV88xNCIyYrIBef1LCBhZeFmLeA8RdlHaZ-2B6VaXsL0M76Pw9Df3AZNqFD00MCp6GkMhHkFqykpDxqg-2FkjF4QGznsvEK2p2OC7vZz7D4Cbe-2FB2yOGqA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYpJxNLK5s</a>.

FHSU recognizes faculty, staff for scholarly excellence

In February, we announced a new partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design that will provide the hair academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials certificate from Fort Hays State University.

This partnership is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;the Gateway Program through FHSU and the North Central Kansas Technical College. Through that program, NCK Tech students can enjoy many benefits offered to Fort Hays State students, including access to campus services, participation in student activities and organizations, and on-campus student housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our first eight-week class of the certificate, Understanding Personal Finances, was a huge success. The second, Management Practices, will conclude at the end of this semester. The third and fourth classes – Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing – will be taught during the fall 2022 semester.

Hays native Reece&nbsp;Leiker, who will graduate from Hays High School in May, plans to enroll in all those classes next year.

I have known Reece for several years as a client of her make-up and skin care business. I have always been fascinated by her business savvy. I am thrilled that she is among the students taking advantage of the FHSU-Hays Academy partnership.

Reece said she knew from the first time she heard about the partnership that it was something she wanted to check out.&nbsp;

“I love school for the social aspect, and I like surrounding myself with like-minded peers,” she said. “I knew living on campus was for me because I want to meet new people and stay connected to my friends who will be attending FHSU this fall. I think living on my own will teach me a lot about myself, and I look forward to that.”

Reece said her goal is to enjoy the college experience while still being able to attend the school of her choice – the hair academy.&nbsp;

“My goal is to have the college experience but receive the schooling of my choice through the hair academy,” she said. “The business classes follow the same logic for me, and I believe that knowing more is highly beneficial.”

One of things that I really admire about Reece is her entrepreneurial spirit. She said she didn’t picture herself as an entrepreneur when she was younger. However, when she was 11 years old and her younger brother, Channing, was 7, their mom asked them “What could you do to change the world?”

Soon thereafter, the&nbsp;Leiker&nbsp;siblings created Pure&nbsp;Roots, &nbsp;a&nbsp;homemade laundry detergent.&nbsp;

They identified and acquired a corporate sponsor for the materials so that 100% of the money from the detergent sales went directly toward their philanthropic goal to build five homes for the extremely poor in Nicaragua.

They estimated the total cost of those five homes to be $26,000, and they set a timeline of one year for raising that amount. However, Reece and Channing reached their goal in just seven months. They then set a new target of funding 20 homes&nbsp;and also&nbsp;met that goal, raising $104,000.

Inspired by her early success, and driven by her family’s motto, “Leave it better than you found it,” Reece set out on a new venture: making the world more beautiful,&nbsp;inside&nbsp;and out, by inspiring confidence and self-love.

At the age of 14, Reece became an affiliate for a cosmetics brand. Later, she and her family established Fancy That Boutique for her business. The Hays storefront features additional products such as journals and jewelry.

That’s when Reece realized that the beauty industry was something she wanted to pursue as a career.

“I chose Hays Academy of Hair Design because after being an affiliate for a cosmetics brand, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed,” she said. “I love helping women become the best version of themselves and reflecting their inner beauty outward.”

“While I attend Hays Academy and FHSU, I plan on launching my brand and focusing on growing my business. &nbsp;After graduating, I plan to expand my brand and take over Fancy That Boutique.&nbsp;

“I love Hays and want to do my part in growing the business sector,” she said, “so I'm sure there will be more entrepreneurial opportunities I will pursue.”

“I really admire my mother when it comes to business because she leads with humility and compassion,” Reece said. “She makes others feel loved and heard. She pushes through her struggles and comes out stronger each time. She takes time to grow herself and takes her priorities seriously.”

I have watched Reece grow her understanding of business practices such as inventory, supply chain, marketing, website development, financial management, and business planning. In all my encounters with Reece, I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable about her products and among the best in customer service and relationships. Each order she prepares for her clients includes a hand-written note to encourage a smile and a positive thought. She constantly thinks about her focus on inspiring positive change in our world.

Even at her young age, Reece has already made a significant impact in the lives and hearts of many while simultaneously building her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills and heart. I cannot wait to see how her journey continues to ignite people, communities, and our world with love. And I am excited about how our partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design will continue to bring students like Reece to our campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>In February, we announced a new partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design that will provide the hair academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials certificate from Fort Hays State University.This partnership is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;the Gateway Program through FHSU and the North Central Kansas Technical College. Through that program, NCK Tech students can enjoy many benefits offered to Fort Hays State students, including access to campus services, participation in student activities and organizations, and on-campus student housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our first eight-week class of the certificate, Understanding Personal Finances, was a huge success. The second, Management Practices, will conclude at the end of this semester. The third and fourth classes – Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing – will be taught during the fall 2022 semester.Hays native Reece&nbsp;Leiker, who will graduate from Hays High School in May, plans to enroll in all those classes next year.I have known Reece for several years as a client of her make-up and skin care business. I have always been fascinated by her business savvy. I am thrilled that she is among the students taking advantage of the FHSU-Hays Academy partnership.Reece said she knew from the first time she heard about the partnership that it was something she wanted to check out.&nbsp;“I love school for the social aspect, and I like surrounding myself with like-minded peers,” she said. “I knew living on campus was for me because I want to meet new people and stay connected to my friends who will be attending FHSU this fall. I think living on my own will teach me a lot about myself, and I look forward to that.”Reece said her goal is to enjoy the college experience while still being able to attend the school of her choice – the hair academy.&nbsp;“My goal is to have the college experience but receive the schooling of my choice through the hair academy,” she said. “The business classes follow the same logic for me, and I believe that knowing more is highly beneficial.”One of things that I really admire about Reece is her entrepreneurial spirit. She said she didn’t picture herself as an entrepreneur when she was younger. However, when she was 11 years old and her younger brother, Channing, was 7, their mom asked them “What could you do to change the world?”Soon thereafter, the&nbsp;Leiker&nbsp;siblings created Pure&nbsp;Roots, &nbsp;a&nbsp;homemade laundry detergent.&nbsp;They identified and acquired a corporate sponsor for the materials so that 100% of the money from the detergent sales went directly toward their philanthropic goal to build five homes for the extremely poor in Nicaragua.They estimated the total cost of those five homes to be $26,000, and they set a timeline of one year for raising that amount. However, Reece and Channing reached their goal in just seven months. They then set a new target of funding 20 homes&nbsp;and also&nbsp;met that goal, raising $104,000.Inspired by her early success, and driven by her family’s motto, “Leave it better than you found it,” Reece set out on a new venture: making the world more beautiful,&nbsp;inside&nbsp;and out, by inspiring confidence and self-love.At the age of 14, Reece became an affiliate for a cosmetics brand. Later, she and her family established Fancy That Boutique for her business. The Hays storefront features additional products such as journals and jewelry.That’s when Reece realized that the beauty industry was something she wanted to pursue as a career.“I chose Hays Academy of Hair Design because after being an affiliate for a cosmetics brand, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed,” she said. “I love helping women become the best version of themselves and reflecting their inner beauty outward.”“While I attend Hays Academy and FHSU, I plan on launching my brand and focusing on growing my business. &nbsp;After graduating, I plan to expand my brand and take over Fancy That Boutique.&nbsp;“I love Hays and want to do my part in growing the business sector,” she said, “so I'm sure there will be more entrepreneurial opportunities I will pursue.”Reece’s role model is her mom, Taryn.“I really admire my mother when it comes to business because she leads with humility and compassion,” Reece said. “She makes others feel loved and heard. She pushes through her struggles and comes out stronger each time. She takes time to grow herself and takes her priorities seriously.”I have watched Reece grow her understanding of business practices such as inventory, supply chain, marketing, website development, financial management, and business planning. In all my encounters with Reece, I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable about her products and among the best in customer service and relationships. Each order she prepares for her clients includes a hand-written note to encourage a smile and a positive thought. She constantly thinks about her focus on inspiring positive change in our world.Even at her young age, Reece has already made a significant impact in the lives and hearts of many while simultaneously building her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills and heart. I cannot wait to see how her journey continues to ignite people, communities, and our world with love. And I am excited about how our partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design will continue to bring students like Reece to our campus.

MASON: Partnerships expanding opportunities for students

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651263871813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

On May 10, this community will decide whether to approve a $143 million school bond. Its supporters say that a new high school is needed to draw more residents. Unfortunately, the bigger tax bills and higher rents will make life unaffordable for many who live here now. They’re struggling as it is, and the evidence suggests that things are about to get worse.

In a story last month, Fox Business <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/russian-war-in-worlds-breadbasket-threatens-food-supply">noted</a> how Ukraine and Russia are known as the breadbasket of Europe, and between them they account for a third of global wheat and barley exports. They also produce corn, and 75% of the world’s sunflower oil. Unfortunately, that breadbast will be a lot lighter this fall.&nbsp;

Due to Russia’s invasion, many <a href="https://www.agricensus.com/Article/ANALYSIS-Ukraine-planting-outlooks-slashed-amid-Russia-invasion-21174.html">Ukrainian farmers</a> haven’t been able to plant this year. And even for those who have, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to bring their crops to market. While Russian farmers are planting, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to sell what they grow: as Bloomberg <a href="https://archive.ph/6Geaa">reported</a> on April 5, there is now mounting pressure to sanction the country’s agricultural products.&nbsp;

Now you might be thinking, “Hey, we’re Americans–we grow our own food.” Well, that’s tough to do without fertilizer, something which just got significantly more expensive. Modern fertilizers typically contain three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium is usually derived from something called potash; unfortunately, Russia and Belarus are the world’s number two and three potash producers. As of this month, Russia is <a href="https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/17312-russian-halt-to-fertilizer-exports-expected-to-boost-prices-spur-shortfalls">no longer</a> exporting potash, while potash from Belarus is about to be hit with steep U.S. tariffs <a href="https://archive.ph/8FthD">next month</a>.

Nitrogen usually comes in the form of ammonia, something that requires natural gas to manufacture. Low and behold, Russia is the world’s <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264771/top-countries-based-on-natural-gas-production/">second largest</a> natural gas producer. We could mitigate rising natural gas prices by aggressively upping domestic production, but the Biden administration <a href="https://video.foxnews.com/v/6302696045001/">isn’t interested</a>.&nbsp;

So what does all of this mean? Well, even Joe Biden <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-warns-americans-food-shortage-gonna-be-real-following-sanctions-russia">acknowledged</a> last month that “real” food shortages are a possibility. In other words, we’ll be paying a lot more to buy groceries. That’s on top of the extra we’ll be shelling out to fill our gas tanks and heat our homes. Then there’s the fact that interest rates are up and <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/mortgage-rates-fastest-pace-1994">expected to rise</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is going to impact everyone, but it’ll be hardest on those who are just scraping by. These are often the elderly, single parents, and families with low incomes. Forcing them to pay more in property taxes or higher rent along with a half cent sales tax could literally force some out of their homes. Even if you think it’s reasonable to burden them with more costs, now isn’t the time to do it.

Instead of “growing Hays,” passing this bond will push out the vulnerable, including many of our elders who have nowhere else to go. We need to show up on May 10 and keep that from happening. 

On May 10, this community will decide whether to approve a $143 million school bond. Its supporters say that a new high school is needed to draw more residents. Unfortunately, the bigger tax bills and higher rents will make life unaffordable for many who live here now. They’re struggling as it is, and the evidence suggests that things are about to get worse. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a story last month, Fox Business <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/russian-war-in-worlds-breadbasket-threatens-food-supply">noted</a> how Ukraine and Russia are known as the breadbasket of Europe, and between them they account for a third of global wheat and barley exports. They also produce corn, and 75% of the world’s sunflower oil. Unfortunately, that breadbast will be a lot lighter this fall.&nbsp;Due to Russia’s invasion, many <a href="https://www.agricensus.com/Article/ANALYSIS-Ukraine-planting-outlooks-slashed-amid-Russia-invasion-21174.html">Ukrainian farmers</a> haven’t been able to plant this year. And even for those who have, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to bring their crops to market. While Russian farmers are planting, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to sell what they grow: as Bloomberg <a href="https://archive.ph/6Geaa">reported</a> on April 5, there is now mounting pressure to sanction the country’s agricultural products.&nbsp;Now you might be thinking, “Hey, we’re Americans–we grow our own food.” Well, that’s tough to do without fertilizer, something which just got significantly more expensive. Modern fertilizers typically contain three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium is usually derived from something called potash; unfortunately, Russia and Belarus are the world’s number two and three potash producers. As of this month, Russia is <a href="https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/17312-russian-halt-to-fertilizer-exports-expected-to-boost-prices-spur-shortfalls">no longer</a> exporting potash, while potash from Belarus is about to be hit with steep U.S. tariffs <a href="https://archive.ph/8FthD">next month</a>.Nitrogen usually comes in the form of ammonia, something that requires natural gas to manufacture. Low and behold, Russia is the world’s <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264771/top-countries-based-on-natural-gas-production/">second largest</a> natural gas producer. We could mitigate rising natural gas prices by aggressively upping domestic production, but the Biden administration <a href="https://video.foxnews.com/v/6302696045001/">isn’t interested</a>.&nbsp;So what does all of this mean? Well, even Joe Biden <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-warns-americans-food-shortage-gonna-be-real-following-sanctions-russia">acknowledged</a> last month that “real” food shortages are a possibility. In other words, we’ll be paying a lot more to buy groceries. That’s on top of the extra we’ll be shelling out to fill our gas tanks and heat our homes. Then there’s the fact that interest rates are up and <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/mortgage-rates-fastest-pace-1994">expected to rise</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is going to impact everyone, but it’ll be hardest on those who are just scraping by. These are often the elderly, single parents, and families with low incomes. Forcing them to pay more in property taxes or higher rent along with a half cent sales tax could literally force some out of their homes. Even if you think it’s reasonable to burden them with more costs, now isn’t the time to do it.Instead of “growing Hays,” passing this bond will push out the vulnerable, including many of our elders who have nowhere else to go. We need to show up on May 10 and keep that from happening. Adam Peters, Hays

LETTER: The time to spend on schools is not now

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County in the last week.

KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Fridays.

Case numbers in Thomas, Trego and Osbourne counties were raised to the "substantial" designation by KDHE and from low to moderate in Ellis County.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,142 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651255677661.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County in the last week.KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Fridays.Case numbers in Thomas, Trego and Osbourne counties were raised to the "substantial" designation by KDHE and from low to moderate in Ellis County.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,142 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651255777668.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Four new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in last week

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Smith Center indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s <a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption">PWS Consumer Information webpage.</a>

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Smith Center indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s <a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption">PWS Consumer Information webpage.</a>

Boil order rescinded for Smith Center

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with K-State president Richard Linton

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: K-State president Richard Linton" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mt25a-1212da7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with K-State president Richard Linton

🎤Forward Ever: K-State president Richard Linton

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University is pushing pause on a plan that would have consolidated departments within the College of Art, Humanities and Social Sciences after backlash from both students and faculty.

A letter sent to staff on April 13 by Provost Jill Arensdorf outlined the plan, which was originally set to take effect on July 1.

The proposal included consolidating the following 11 departments into schools.

Arensdorf told the Faculty Senate in an emergency meeting Tuesday the move was meant to create efficiencies in the college, increase opportunities for interdisciplinary courses and head off the potential closure of programs by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Faculty and students expressed many concerns about the plan, including a lack of transparency from college administration, a failure to consult faculty about the changes and a lack of data to support the changes.

The FHSU Chapter of the American Association of Univerisity Professors presented a resolution against the proposed changes on April 22, in part citing the timeline. FHSU student senators at a student meeting on Monday also discussed proposing a resolution against the changes in the FHSU Student Senate.

"I will also let you know that the answer to many of your questions will be I don't know because this process is not complete," Arensdorf told the Faculty Senate. "This idea is not complete. Not all decisions have been finalized."

University seeks to address drops in enrollment

&nbsp;Arensdorf said the proposal was an attempt to reimagine and reinvigorate the college but may have been perceived by some as a "gut punch."

The college's enrollment has been in decline for the last five years. The number of majors in the college has dropped by 550 since 2017.

However, faculty members noted enrollment is down at universities across the country, including other Kansas Board of Regents schools in Kansas.

Arensdorf cited multiple reasons for decreased enrollment, including challenges with marketing, increased competition, the pandemic, negative perceptions of higher ed, challenges in preparing graduates for the workforce and rural population loss.

 Arensdorf, as well as FHSU President Tisa Mason, said the university is under unprecedented critical review from the Regents. The university also was forced to cut $2.1 million going into the next budget year.

Arensdorf said the plan is not about cutting programs, cutting faculty or cutting staff. If administrative assistants are cut in the college, the university would seek to reassign those workers to other positions.

Although the plan would eliminate five department chairs, Arensdorf said the college would still need leaders within the individual programs.

Pay for existing chairs would be maintained for at least a year, she said.

Students seek to retain autonomy in consolidation

Students in a grassroots meeting that drew about 100 people on Monday raised concerns about the division of labor under the plan. They said they were concerned their faculty would be forced to take on more responsibilities without appropriate compensation. 

Several students also said they had already been asked to take on administrative assistant duties without compensation and feared those instances would increase with the elimination of administrative assistant positions.

Students also expressed concerns about how resources and scholarships would be distributed under the school system. Faculty asked if resources would be distributed based on major headcount or credit hours.

Arensdorf Tuesday at the Faculty Senate meeting did not give specifics on the distribution of resources. However, she said she did not intend the college consolidations to affect scholarships within programs.

Arensdorf said the plan would not create many budget efficiencies.

"This is not a budgeting exercise," she said. "This is a reimagining exercise."

One of the faculty members asked Tuesday why the administration had asked the chairman of the music department to be the new chairman of the proposed combined music, theater, and art and design school. Art and design had 190 majors this fall compared to 72 in music.

Art students expressed similar concerns about the change in leadership at their meeting Monday. They also expressed concern four of the five chairs would be men even though the college has three existing chairs who are women. 

Arensdorf said she would not comment on the leadership of the proposed schools because they have not been publicly announced.

The Regents have hired a consulting firm, RPK, to look at programs at all the universities in the Regents' system. That report is supposed to be presented to the Regents in about six months.

Arensdorf said FHSU's original timeline for the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences restructuring was an attempt to get in front of that report. 

University President Tisa Mason, who was at the Faculty Senate meeting, said "This Board of Regents is very different, hands-on, take over."

She cited three other initiatives in addition to the RPK report that could result in loss of local control.

Regents' universities are no longer in charge of deferred maintenance. They are also going through a student success initiative that will dictate retention and graduation strategies. Universities may also lose local control of student health, Mason said.

Arensdorf said the university's next step will be to go back to the college's 11 chairs and have more dialogue on the proposed changes.

She did not say the plan was going to be scrapped, but the timeline will be pushed back until at least this fall. She said she did not anticipate such a visceral response to the proposal.

"I am not saying we're abandoning the five schools," she said, "but there's nothing magic about that. Maybe there's another way to reimagine. We need to start a dialogue. ...

"I have not once in the last two weeks heard an idea from anyone. I've heard a lot of negativity, a lot of rumors and a lot of complaints, but I have not had one idea come to me."

One faculty member asked Arensdorf if the administration would keep faculty informed and involve them in decision-making.

"I think a lack of communication with the faculty is part of the issue here," one faculty member said. "We can handle it, and we can be part of the solution.

"What I am asking is for you, Jill, the president and the deans to recommit to us and share the bad news with us, so we can be a part of it and we can avoid situations like this and move forward."

Arensdorf said she would commit to doing that.

Arensdorf was asked Tuesday by faculty if any similar reorganizations were being considered within other colleges at the university. She said no.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651086662187.jpeg" alt="A meeting of the Fort Hays State University Faculty Senate Tuesday to discuss proposed changes in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A meeting of the Fort Hays State University Faculty Senate Tuesday to discuss proposed changes in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post Fort Hays State University is pushing pause on a plan that would have consolidated departments within the College of Art, Humanities and Social Sciences after backlash from both students and faculty.A letter sent to staff on April 13 by Provost Jill Arensdorf outlined the plan, which was originally set to take effect on July 1.The proposal included consolidating the following 11 departments into schools.<ul>
 <li>Art and Design, Music and Theatre</li><li>Communication Studies and Leadership Studies</li><li>Sociology and Criminal Justice</li><li>English, Modern Languages and Philosophy</li><li>History and Political Science</li>
 </ul>Arensdorf told the Faculty Senate in an emergency meeting Tuesday the move was meant to create efficiencies in the college, increase opportunities for interdisciplinary courses and head off the potential closure of programs by the Kansas Board of Regents.Faculty and students expressed many concerns about the plan, including a lack of transparency from college administration, a failure to consult faculty about the changes and a lack of data to support the changes.The FHSU Chapter of the American Association of Univerisity Professors presented a resolution against the proposed changes on April 22, in part citing the timeline. FHSU student senators at a student meeting on Monday also discussed proposing a resolution against the changes in the FHSU Student Senate. "I will also let you know that the answer to many of your questions will be I don't know because this process is not complete," Arensdorf told the Faculty Senate. "This idea is not complete. Not all decisions have been finalized." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651175415253.jpeg" alt="A group of about 100 students and a few faculty members met on Monday to discuss proposed changes to the FHSU the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A group of about 100 students and a few faculty members met on Monday to discuss proposed changes to the FHSU the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>University seeks to address drops in enrollment</h2>&nbsp;Arensdorf said the proposal was an attempt to reimagine and reinvigorate the college but may have been perceived by some as a "gut punch."The college's enrollment has been in decline for the last five years. The number of majors in the college has dropped by 550 since 2017.However, faculty members noted enrollment is down at universities across the country, including other Kansas Board of Regents schools in Kansas.Arensdorf cited multiple reasons for decreased enrollment, including challenges with marketing, increased competition, the pandemic, negative perceptions of higher ed, challenges in preparing graduates for the workforce and rural population loss. Arensdorf, as well as FHSU President Tisa Mason, said the university is under unprecedented critical review from the Regents. The university also was forced to cut $2.1 million going into the next budget year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651176179593.jpeg" alt="FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf " />
 <figcaption>FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf </figcaption>
 </figure>Arensdorf said the plan is not about cutting programs, cutting faculty or cutting staff. If administrative assistants are cut in the college, the university would seek to reassign those workers to other positions.Although the plan would eliminate five department chairs, Arensdorf said the college would still need leaders within the individual programs.Pay for existing chairs would be maintained for at least a year, she said.<h2>Students seek to retain autonomy in consolidation</h2>Students in a grassroots meeting that drew about 100 people on Monday raised concerns about the division of labor under the plan. They said they were concerned their faculty would be forced to take on more responsibilities without appropriate compensation. Several students also said they had already been asked to take on administrative assistant duties without compensation and feared those instances would increase with the elimination of administrative assistant positions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651164503226.jpeg" alt="FHSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences number of majors per department as of fall 2021. " />
 <figcaption>FHSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences number of majors per department as of fall 2021. </figcaption>
 </figure>Students also expressed concerns about how resources and scholarships would be distributed under the school system. Faculty asked if resources would be distributed based on major headcount or credit hours. Arensdorf Tuesday at the Faculty Senate meeting did not give specifics on the distribution of resources. However, she said she did not intend the college consolidations to affect scholarships within programs.Arensdorf said the plan would not create many budget efficiencies. "This is not a budgeting exercise," she said. "This is a reimagining exercise."One of the faculty members asked Tuesday why the administration had asked the chairman of the music department to be the new chairman of the proposed combined music, theater, and art and design school. Art and design had 190 majors this fall compared to 72 in music.Art students expressed similar concerns about the change in leadership at their meeting Monday. They also expressed concern four of the five chairs would be men even though the college has three existing chairs who are women. Arensdorf said she would not comment on the leadership of the proposed schools because they have not been publicly announced.<h2>Pressure from the Regents</h2>The Regents have hired a consulting firm, RPK, to look at programs at all the universities in the Regents' system. That report is supposed to be presented to the Regents in about six months.Arensdorf said FHSU's original timeline for the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences restructuring was an attempt to get in front of that report. University President Tisa Mason, who was at the Faculty Senate meeting, said "This Board of Regents is very different, hands-on, take over."She cited three other initiatives in addition to the RPK report that could result in loss of local control. Regents' universities are no longer in charge of deferred maintenance. They are also going through a student success initiative that will dictate retention and graduation strategies. Universities may also lose local control of student health, Mason said.<h2>Proposal on pause not scrapped</h2>Arensdorf said the university's next step will be to go back to the college's 11 chairs and have more dialogue on the proposed changes.She did not say the plan was going to be scrapped, but the timeline will be pushed back until at least this fall. She said she did not anticipate such a visceral response to the proposal. "I am not saying we're abandoning the five schools," she said, "but there's nothing magic about that. Maybe there's another way to reimagine. We need to start a dialogue. ... "I have not once in the last two weeks heard an idea from anyone. I've heard a lot of negativity, a lot of rumors and a lot of complaints, but I have not had one idea come to me."One faculty member asked Arensdorf if the administration would keep faculty informed and involve them in decision-making. "I think a lack of communication with the faculty is part of the issue here," one faculty member said. "We can handle it, and we can be part of the solution."What I am asking is for you, Jill, the president and the deans to recommit to us and share the bad news with us, so we can be a part of it and we can avoid situations like this and move forward."Arensdorf said she would commit to doing that. Arensdorf was asked Tuesday by faculty if any similar reorganizations were being considered within other colleges at the university. She said no.

FHSU pauses dept. consolidations after faculty, students object

Nominees for three top commencement awards have been announced by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.

Twenty-one graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2022 Torch Award, the highest student honor, and 28 faculty members were nominated by members of the class of 2022 for the Pilot Award for an outstanding faculty member.

Eleven graduate students from the 2021-22 academic year (Fall 2021 and Spring 2022) were nominated for the Lighthouse Award to honor an outstanding student completing graduate studies.

The recipients of each award will be announced at a reception at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, in the Memorial Union Sunset Atrium. The announcement will be live streamed for those not able to attend in person. Live-stream details will be posted on the FHSU Alumni Association Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJC6OevMn6-2BGFdRG-2BhEyWgfrobe07xwDbSlr1UXbg8PuPpDJ9_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemnD9aksyvXLIR82RYIGsxpcXbpl4HZfrHPIk5F6fMbzk5U-2FHZ8chjBsDvN81BM9TdSImwd-2B0SOTCV-2Ba6X24WN2P3KFaljhyEYrM-2B5MayMIsuUWC5SFimyoVqApF7h93K9LGxVKhVXMzfj-2FweaCfL77fnhc-2BGAt032f3uBxl4rQfcyj161FR4-2BvsNvybYhk326yFQpP8fZFd0AHZRb2AJkOXQT79NDpchL82Ug1VbKL8Y5v-2Ftk-2F33nTZAbWT62FdPbaSOdZ2mFBxNbdZ8qkOiaNw-3D-3D">www.Facebook.com/FHSUalumni</a>.

The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, and the Lighthouse Award, created in 2018, are presented annually during the spring semester.

Torch Award and Lighthouse Award candidates are nominated by FHSU faculty and staff on the basis of classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and involvement in student, civic, or research activities.

Pilot Award candidates are nominated by members of the graduating class on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research, and service activities.

Nominees for the Torch and Lighthouse Awards are listed alphabetically by their state (or country) and hometowns. Pilot Award nominees are listed alphabetically by last name.

Finalists for each award are denoted by an asterisk.

Haley Reiter, Tourism and Hospitality Management

Mackenzie Wertz*, Medical Diagnostic Imaging, emphasis in Ultrasound

Abby Kennemer, Organizational Leadership, minor in Psychology

Meleny Jacome-Banuelos, Organizational Leadership

Spencer Manning*, Political Science, minor in Spanish

Jaidyn McHenry, Radiologic Technology and Medical Diagnostic Imaging

Alec Bevis*, Chemistry, emphasis in Biochemistry

Brooke Bronniman, Communication Sciences &amp; Disorders

Sadie Holloway, Communication Sciences &amp; Disorders

Josie Hemphill, English and Secondary Education

Makenna Allen*, Marketing, concentration in Digital Marketing

Ray Urbina, Health &amp; Human Performance

Brooks Barber, Master of Liberal Studies in Corporate Communications

Drew O’Brien, Master of Business Administration in Finance

Megan Zeman, Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership

Madison Shandy*, Speech-Language Pathology

Mary Kathy Robb*, Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics

Allison Argo, Education Specialist in Innovation and Leadership

May Yu-Harper*, Master of Business Administration in Digital Marketing

Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, assistant professor, Biological Sciences

Dr. Gary Andersen, associate professor, Advanced Education Programs

Dr. David Fitzhugh,&nbsp;associate professor, Health and Human Performance

Dr.&nbsp;Anthony Gabel*, associate professor, Management

Dr. Justin Greenleaf, associate professor, Leadership Studies

Dr. Brittany Howell,&nbsp;associate professor, Agriculture

Ms. Jacque Jacobs, coordinator, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Ms. Shauna Keil, assistant professor, Nursing

Dr. Candace Mehaffey-Kultgen, assistant professor, Management

Dr. Robert Lloyd*, assistant professor, Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (international faculty)

Dr. Tamara Lynn, associate professor, Criminal Justice

Dr. Helen Miles*, assistant professor, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell, professor, Psychology

Dr. Phillip Olt, assistant professor, Advanced Education Programs

Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor, Criminal Justice

Dr. Samuel Schreyer, professor, Economics and Finance

Dr. Tanya Smith, associate professor, Nursing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651162825922.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsNominees for three top commencement awards have been announced by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.Twenty-one graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2022 Torch Award, the highest student honor, and 28 faculty members were nominated by members of the class of 2022 for the Pilot Award for an outstanding faculty member.Eleven graduate students from the 2021-22 academic year (Fall 2021 and Spring 2022) were nominated for the Lighthouse Award to honor an outstanding student completing graduate studies.The recipients of each award will be announced at a reception at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, in the Memorial Union Sunset Atrium. The announcement will be live streamed for those not able to attend in person. Live-stream details will be posted on the FHSU Alumni Association Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJC6OevMn6-2BGFdRG-2BhEyWgfrobe07xwDbSlr1UXbg8PuPpDJ9_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemnD9aksyvXLIR82RYIGsxpcXbpl4HZfrHPIk5F6fMbzk5U-2FHZ8chjBsDvN81BM9TdSImwd-2B0SOTCV-2Ba6X24WN2P3KFaljhyEYrM-2B5MayMIsuUWC5SFimyoVqApF7h93K9LGxVKhVXMzfj-2FweaCfL77fnhc-2BGAt032f3uBxl4rQfcyj161FR4-2BvsNvybYhk326yFQpP8fZFd0AHZRb2AJkOXQT79NDpchL82Ug1VbKL8Y5v-2Ftk-2F33nTZAbWT62FdPbaSOdZ2mFBxNbdZ8qkOiaNw-3D-3D">www.Facebook.com/FHSUalumni</a>.The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, and the Lighthouse Award, created in 2018, are presented annually during the spring semester.Torch Award and Lighthouse Award candidates are nominated by FHSU faculty and staff on the basis of classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and involvement in student, civic, or research activities.Pilot Award candidates are nominated by members of the graduating class on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research, and service activities.Nominees for the Torch and Lighthouse Awards are listed alphabetically by their state (or country) and hometowns. Pilot Award nominees are listed alphabetically by last name.Finalists for each award are denoted by an asterisk.<h2>TORCH AWARD NOMINEES</h2>KANSASBALDWIN CITYAbigail Hayes, Criminal JusticeCUNNINGHAMJenna Fitzsimmons, Animal ScienceEL DORADOSidney Sullivan, Political ScienceELLISHaley Reiter, Tourism and Hospitality ManagementGREAT BENDMolli Banks, Art HistoryGREENSBURGMackenzie Wertz*, Medical Diagnostic Imaging, emphasis in UltrasoundHAYSErin Adams, HistoryKelli Arnold, Organizational LeadershipAbby Kennemer, Organizational Leadership, minor in PsychologyJOHNSONMeleny Jacome-Banuelos, Organizational LeadershipLAWRENCESpencer Manning*, Political Science, minor in SpanishMINNEAPOLISJaidyn McHenry, Radiologic Technology and Medical Diagnostic ImagingSALINAHannah Feldman, English EducationTOPEKARiley Sanford*, Geology and SpanishWICHITAAlec Bevis*, Chemistry, emphasis in BiochemistryCOLORADOLAS ANIMASBrooke Bronniman, Communication Sciences &amp; DisordersCHEYENNE WELLSNikki White, Medical Diagnostic ImagingSTERLINGSadie Holloway, Communication Sciences &amp; DisordersSTRASBURGJosie Hemphill, English and Secondary EducationLITTLETONMakenna Allen*, Marketing, concentration in Digital MarketingINTERNATIONALASUNCION, ParaguayMateo Rivarola, FinanceLIGHTHOUSE AWARD NOMINEESKANSASGARDEN CITYRay Urbina, Health &amp; Human PerformanceGOODLANDSamuel Ayers*, EnglishHAYSBrooks Barber, Master of Liberal Studies in Corporate CommunicationsAlison Helget*, HistoryDrew O’Brien, Master of Business Administration in FinanceMorgan Weber, Speech-Language PathologyMegan Zeman, Master of Professional Studies in Organizational LeadershipMcPHERSONMadison Shandy*, Speech-Language PathologyMISSOURIKansas CityMary Kathy Robb*, Master of Fine Arts in CeramicsTENNESSEELebanonAllison Argo, Education Specialist in Innovation and LeadershipINTERNATIONALHOHHOT, Nèi Měnggǔ (Inner Mongolia)May Yu-Harper*, Master of Business Administration in Digital Marketing<h2>PILOT AWARD NOMINEES</h2>Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, assistant professor, Biological SciencesDr. Gary Andersen, associate professor, Advanced Education ProgramsDr. David Fitzhugh,&nbsp;associate professor, Health and Human PerformanceDr.&nbsp;Anthony Gabel*, associate professor, ManagementDr. Justin Greenleaf, associate professor, Leadership StudiesDr. Christine Hober*, professor, NursingMs. Angie Howard, instructor, PsychologyDr. Brittany Howell,&nbsp;associate professor, AgricultureMs. Jacque Jacobs, coordinator, Communication Sciences and DisordersMs. Shauna Keil, assistant professor, NursingDr. Candace Mehaffey-Kultgen, assistant professor, ManagementDr. Robert Lloyd*, assistant professor, Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (international faculty)Dr. Tamara Lynn, associate professor, Criminal JusticeDr. Helen Miles*, assistant professor, Health and Human PerformanceMs. Hollie Marquess, instructor, HistoryDr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell, professor, PsychologyDr. Phillip Olt, assistant professor, Advanced Education ProgramsDr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor, Criminal JusticeMr. Jeremy Ryan, instructor, AgricultureDr. Samuel Schreyer, professor, Economics and FinanceDr. Tanya Smith, associate professor, NursingDr. Kevin Splichal, associate professor, Advanced Education ProgramsDr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor, Criminal JusticeDr. April Terry, associate professor, Criminal JusticeDr. Karen Thal, associate professor, Applied Business StudiesDr. Edward Vengrouskie, instructor, Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (international faculty)Dr. Whitney Whitaker, associate professor, PsychologyMr. Kenneth Windholz*, instructor, Psychology

FHSU Torch, Pilot and Lighthouse award nominees announced

Discover Oceans of Possibilities with this year’s Hays Public Library Summer Challenge. The challenge will run from May 23 to July 29.&nbsp;

The library will use the online program Beanstack to track summer reading for children and teens. Through Beanstack, families register participants and use the program to log their reading progress. Staff will assist with sign-up and logging for those without computer access. Challenges have been created for each age group, early literacy, elementary, and young adult.&nbsp;

For children and teens, the Summer Challenge is an exciting way to improve literacy during the summer months.&nbsp;Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during&nbsp;summer&nbsp;vacation, actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall.&nbsp;

Registration is required and begins May 1, online or in person. Each child who registers receives a gift. A prize will be given to each child who completes their challenge by the end of the event on July 29. Those who complete the challenge also will put their name in a drawing for the grand prize of their choice.&nbsp;

Adults participate in the Summer Challenge by completing activities on a bookmark that can be picked up at the library, beginning May 23. They will receive a tote bag when they sign up. As in the past, there will be ten challenges. Adults will have until July 29 to complete all the challenges and submit an entry into the end of the summer prize drawing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A day of activities will kick off the Challenge on May 23. A special guest will highlight the theme, Oceans of Possibilities.&nbsp;Kevin Kurtz, an award-winning children's author, will be at the library in partnership with the Sternberg Museum for their new exhibit,&nbsp;In Search of Earth's Secrets: A Pop-Up Science Exhibit.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has written many non-fiction books for children and will be reading&nbsp;Uncovering Earth's Secrets&nbsp;at Storytime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kurtz also will be presenting his experiences as an Education Officer on the research vessel the JOIDES Resolution. He traveled with an international team of scientists during an expedition where he spent eight weeks at sea in the South Pacific.&nbsp;

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 </figure>HPLDiscover Oceans of Possibilities with this year’s Hays Public Library Summer Challenge. The challenge will run from May 23 to July 29.&nbsp;The library will use the online program Beanstack to track summer reading for children and teens. Through Beanstack, families register participants and use the program to log their reading progress. Staff will assist with sign-up and logging for those without computer access. Challenges have been created for each age group, early literacy, elementary, and young adult.&nbsp;For children and teens, the Summer Challenge is an exciting way to improve literacy during the summer months.&nbsp;Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during&nbsp;summer&nbsp;vacation, actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall.&nbsp;Registration is required and begins May 1, online or in person. Each child who registers receives a gift. A prize will be given to each child who completes their challenge by the end of the event on July 29. Those who complete the challenge also will put their name in a drawing for the grand prize of their choice.&nbsp;Adults participate in the Summer Challenge by completing activities on a bookmark that can be picked up at the library, beginning May 23. They will receive a tote bag when they sign up. As in the past, there will be ten challenges. Adults will have until July 29 to complete all the challenges and submit an entry into the end of the summer prize drawing.&nbsp;&nbsp;A day of activities will kick off the Challenge on May 23. A special guest will highlight the theme, Oceans of Possibilities.&nbsp;Kevin Kurtz, an award-winning children's author, will be at the library in partnership with the Sternberg Museum for their new exhibit,&nbsp;In Search of Earth's Secrets: A Pop-Up Science Exhibit.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has written many non-fiction books for children and will be reading&nbsp;Uncovering Earth's Secrets&nbsp;at Storytime.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kurtz also will be presenting his experiences as an Education Officer on the research vessel the JOIDES Resolution. He traveled with an international team of scientists during an expedition where he spent eight weeks at sea in the South Pacific.&nbsp;For more information about the Summer Challenge and to sign up on Beanstack, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/srp22">hayslibrary.org/srp22</a>&nbsp;or call 785-625-9014.

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