Programs offered through the Fort Hays State University’s FHSU Online division received seven No. 1 recognitions this spring along with numerous other rankings from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

No. 1, Top 2 Most Affordable Colleges by State 2021

FHSU topped University H.Q.'s list of the Top 2 Most Affordable Colleges by State 2021.&nbsp;

Factors that contributed to this ranking were affordability, as well as retention, graduation, and admissions rate; graduating salary, programs offered, loan default rate, diplomas awarded, and the percent of students receiving financial aid.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJB4SwlCt4PbOcTP9f75IW0-3DYBHA_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkhI-2Fohb7N08-2FJUGlxofs5j3u9RzPHJUcit9-2FX-2B8NRIGc65zBLTWvj4H9wZ2I-2F45j2NBsroabySVDzeeLM9hoorfmeAybE0tNiq-2BnTYnCES-2FIJDBenmOBEGL2Pv8FqguT-2FushI-2F8a36nfEs3a-2FneU8Wm-2F3ZzfTQykP0EWmoRIim3e">https://bit.ly/2UICOgl</a>.

FHSU topped Best Value School's list of the Best 24 X-ray Tech Schools in 2021.

The Fort Hays State program has affordable tuition, a variety of excellent programs and pathways to prepare students and professionals for career advancement.&nbsp;

"Whatever your current interests or career goals are in the field of medical diagnostic imaging, the Department of Allied Health has a program that will work for you. The department offers one associate's degree in Radiologic Technology and two Bachelor's degrees in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, one that offers a broad imaging spectrum and one with an emphasis in sonography.," says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKDZg4LyHsmZ0SO6VUAhkYN1c-2FVtshEvDJ211oH8BXxj-2FUYsuds6JT8YDRkc72-2BZMQ-3D-3Dozio_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkploarFZ1OjmV5bbAuqQ1WiBfXh81ced4y3JOMpFM1xTbJeKmzyQxV2Mbkd57vETwa43DdQDoomaY1c7V8CvgtSpgf7YQaYTzF5tSmCK-2BJufh-2Fgl4LRM6EB8-2Bf0ldcV-2BaGic-2BqRzsdZGe-2F-2B6k5J3s0bj-2FroSezcJZDspR5VlBT10">www.bestvalueschools.org/xray-tech-schools/.</a>

No. 1, Best 14 Online Master's in K-12 Education in 2021

FHSU also topped Best Value School's list of the Best 14 Online Master's in K-12 Education in 2021.&nbsp;

The FHSU Department of Advanced Education Programs prepares students with innovative tools and solutions to meet the challenges of teaching and leading in K-12 education. Most programs are 36 hours and use Open Education Resources instead of traditional textbooks.&nbsp;

"Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of teaching techniques, become a building principal or community counselor, or renew your license, the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University provides numerous degrees and the scheduling flexibility that will enable you to meet your career goals.," says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKJ-2BlwLYxZOVAPgF6oTkLAg-3DTTSv_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkt0Tg4PPH3FLxrjC722PjiYydy0hrsJs-2By6Y00zHFfc80sSs5oPJbrXX9Ss3v9kUqcTYJWD9jsg-2FdU19AdnZXNHudDOOJ1Bjq3NDmyYKn4XI8xPdM1dwGJ4Rv7xwE7NouLfncikgTJilTS0CBXOpnMiWcpuF6Pnh-2FranOPEvzDVx">&nbsp;https://bit.ly/3BHRBZ6.</a>

<a href="http://study.com/">Study.com</a>

No. 1, Best Online Bachelor's in Child Development

<a href="http://study.com/">Study.com</a>&nbsp;recognized FHSU's Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education program not only for its quality, but also for its affordability.

The website also noted the expert degree to which it blends the convenience of online education with the necessary rigor of field experience for teachers in training.&nbsp;

"Our unique programs and dedication to working with the latest educational technology provide a richer, more relevant, and marketable teaching education.," says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEX3-2F2p9rCGUnCAZGP-2BuLDI-3DmoAY_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvko9MdF1MhGJB-2FtNy6eHdiUuW4FwkGYyarVglQoB8IdATnhxldOcGsOH-2FV2wbFF-2B3rKJEntu4furTa7r1bJK4GNFc0epRPtQsfgPvwilQ-2B2LsUT-2BVRkJrufPi0zM2QzNH170Y6ccAqbZAykEotrnLwVcIBSbSbGkyZ34VLAUDSxh9">https://bit.ly/2UYL3EB</a>.

No. 1, Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science

<a href="http://study.com/">Study.com</a>&nbsp;also ranked FHSU first in the nation for Online Bachelor's Programs in Political Science.&nbsp;

The FHSU Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers undergraduate students distinct concentrations in pre-law or public administration. The website also noted that many perks and opportunities traditionally reserved for on-campus students are available to online students, such as extracurricular student groups.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCbg19LdufIA5g16C3-2FHZuc-3Dybf8_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkrgO-2BUe-2Fi-2BW-2Bun7vYZT4lM-2BK3WSFwKVXGDl1ktD8MtGaeAJvVw2YvXDBDlNT5LciLeO5hcltxaXNzCZEyw6JQQXr5HgtTTERSKqDrXfqXN-2BfYzRdmZRO3utCVID5LiMSayGMRF9oTP8hiqa4BeKRzkkQneDqnZFFSzAr0BmXnnfc">https://bit.ly/3rr6nij</a>.

No. 6, Best Online Psychology Bachelor's Degrees

<a href="http://study.com/">Study.com</a>&nbsp;also ranked FHSU sixth for the Online Psychology Bachelor's Degrees.&nbsp;

At FHSU, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in the fully online degree program. Graduates of the program will be equipped with a combination of theory and practice through research and mentoring with faculty, internship options, service-learning projects, and networking opportunities.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtBT8EwJV4-2FHtilBL9AG9wEI-3DDwf7_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkkcRamZdSl-2BDgxEVNIykf4jj7Dxbktz9SFUvt-2FL1L-2F1CqC4ngdWNE6PNnMz1rui477Rw9Z5r06Op8B15zbRo2-2FObb-2Fpj8iO6Adf5-2BZTgjWHFzUWMPImmMhMSQpeP8SSx6V01NYDNcPuhTgR10Gc3V5B0XBuH-2F-2BzuXjgUyyiK7Ow-2F">https://bit.ly/3x7wyeQ</a>.

No. 9, Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Degrees

<a href="http://study.com/">Study.com</a>&nbsp;also ranked FHSU ninth for the Online Bachelor's Programs in Computer Science.&nbsp;

A Bachelor's degree in computer science is necessary for a wide variety of careers across nearly every industry ranging from programming and software development to I.T. and database management.&nbsp;

The FHSU degree program focuses on software, digital storage and retrieval, networks, human-computer interaction, information security, digital design, and electronic media. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by government agencies, research organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGMzqmX-2ByFwX8VgbMMtoUR8-3DN6tq_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkp6sg17wTRizxvW-2BN3vCk7O4kJhX8InsvN3BfJyKNzZchPG4NgpUFobA2ZtqbG6ZFDXdAT4397Z13wi4HREjxXjYTtlkaKN-2BTpnol1uhIV6mfc3phprfyUU708dgDGXp2x0ZIE5jZe84x8M5uptZSdna3atTjYakSeiwT-2F3ytCZC">https://bit.ly/3l0yLqm</a>.

<a href="http://rntomsn.com/">RNtoMSN.com</a>

No. 1, Best R.N. to BSN Online Programs in Kansas

No. 1, Most Affordable R.N. to BSN Programs Online in Kansas

The affordable and highly acclaimed FHSU Department of Nursing's R.N. to BSN program earned the top spot on&nbsp;<a href="http://rntomsn.com/">RNtoMSN.com</a>'s Best R.N. to BSN Online Programs in Kansas list and the Most Affordable R.N. to BSN Programs Online in Kansas list due to its quality, affordability, and flexibility.&nbsp;

The department offers 8-week courses with rolling start dates and a focused leadership and management practicum that can be completed in the online-learners home community.&nbsp;

Additionally, the department offers a Master's of Science in Nursing online with concentrations in nursing administration or nursing education, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as post-master's certificates in nursing administration or nursing education.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJ-2B1ERwl4wIyklOh9VshB4I-3DRZkD_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvklP8uPFSZxdGTa18eQIMtG-2Ftkl-2Fl3et3eNwpZ0Vm-2Bb1jXLvY-2FRCBIAhszxaGRFTPQRaP7WTCChWRpHXl1joS-2B-2FtazIO87RHR34XXl5ZK5Zuby6syHxKpx8ViuKFxcMWH2MkMRmciW2fZnH-2FmPNK7iKXrEOyBZQY-2B6M-2FokJtf2AqG">https://bit.ly/3i7UpXy</a>.

2021 Top Adult Degree Programs (Online and On-campus)

FHSU earned a place on Abound's 2021 Top Adult Degree Programs list for the factors that matter most to the non-traditional student—accessibility, affordability, acceleration, and advancement.

With more than 200 online degree and certificate programs and innovative faculty and student resources to support student success, it's easy to see why FHSU is the best value in education—anywhere.&nbsp;

"At Fort Hays State, we've been helping those who need to learn from home for more than 100 years. We started back in the early 1900s, helping teachers in rural communities to keep their skills and certifications up-to-date. Today, we deliver award-winning online learning programs to students all over the world. Providing a flexible, affordable, and high-quality online program is central to our mission as a public university.," says the FHSU website.&nbsp;

To view this ranking,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJPB1Ljky77RNmrsHHzS25g-3D9VYT_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkrWCPs4Ogb3k6bMIRUx3JteKVBKmqMYLdF9dtdZo-2BCtqagbjG3bgv-2B8y2BYA9REhbdCb6bepcyNNtaGYt6ZlsSqr76Lh1nKjfOKu6zzDxxUnxaxp-2FNNnaBNMF2tiPfPDV3ekHNUjQKREW2rFSBqtsGWCRIXQlwXsNtMFEB4VtLWA">https://bit.ly/3iBw6k2</a>.

<a href="http://intelligent.com/">Intelligent.com</a>

No. 2, The Top 50 Computer Programming Degree Programs

FHSU's Bachelors of Science in Computer Science was ranked at No. 4 on the Top 50 Computer Programming Degree Programs list by&nbsp;<a href="http://intelligent.com/">Intelligent.com</a>&nbsp;and received recognition as the Best for Transfer Students.

The Bachelors of Science in Computer Science is one of the fastest-growing programs at FHSU because of its affordability, flexibility, academic rigor, and respected reputation as a leader in computer science. "Graduates from Fort Hays State University will be prepared to manage complex information and computing systems by possessing the skills and knowledge necessary to advance steadily in their careers.," says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtAsyE-2Bhxzm6Yp0ocN3r4ppg-3D0kAQ_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkjPvEVFSed6t4sb9KUGBmRWmpbghgg6BQ0DpTUP2O2AvXqcFyv7EzjWptxqiS-2BDoAzNkBFyArRLvtsO5-2F0Xxu-2BMkTR31m1hKTtAORxl0d8o8jxJkGSGBeteW8KcBdG5mQu7lIQNtCkjhsUB3AZixEDyobwaUFcoMxwHoJDDHMEYn">https://bit.ly/3hZMr2Z</a>.

No. 4, Best Business Administration Degree Programs for 2021

Intelligent also recognized FHSU's Bachelors of Business Administration in Management as No. 4 on the list and the Best for Adult Learners.&nbsp;

The BBA earned recognition for its flexibility, innovative faculty, course strength, affordability, and reputation of graduate success in the workplace.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCOXU3-2BgFcplRzUZtTKAFLc-3D34jo_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkhKOnjJMo7T7D-2Bsab9ZruzOdkGkfSl7P0bDaylNHMdbafOw7jQE2Sy7aPXxpY3ebs-2Bu-2F81iOKawaSABKVl7Mwi8jj9-2FJCBKKkB-2Bb2mCd3DEcqOIkcm4aZKagrbUO-2FbT0OW46ziYg3kpY4-2BClXrW5o5YYZEs4FJJj-2BbhzOGCI-2BKx-2F">https://bit.ly/3rr52rA</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

No. 4, 10 Fastest Online Bachelor's in Political Science

FHSU's Bachelor of Arts or Science in Political Science was named the No. 4 in the 10 Fastest Bachelor of Political Science programs in the nation by the Bachelor's Degree Center.

The 120-credit-hour-program includes American Government, Introduction to International Relations, Political Philosophy, Internship in Political Science, and a Senior Capstone.

"Whether you want to shape the future through policy, law, or activism, our programs and dedicated faculty and staff are here to guide you on the path to a career where you will serve as a principled, empathetic leader committed to productive public policies.," says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtO4sJMu5PFynLPAj9zeIzTk-3DmXOh_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkgcG7lgRRZSrpYzxmVml3VMFvtge4aTVp6-2FU1sL5pgKg4FLXYwwiWjmk9QkyMbDWKvtXqs8GYwdc2-2Bn2ro38zOerYY4pY-2Fmy-2Fa8XBZ2G2euQUFmVaY-2FMpRy5wXLBn5jaqDHAxqCMF9muSwaor0aXzEjL8nsHm9n2zjSqafwQ3SWz">https://bit.ly/3BFKOzg</a>.

No. 5, Best Online Bachelor's in Agriculture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU stood out as the most affordable institution on a national list of leading agricultural institutions ranking fifth for the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture.&nbsp;

The FHSU program is affordable and accessible, offering the flexibility of online courses to meet the needs of students going to school on a part-time schedule. Universities were ranked based on a composite of student satisfaction, admissions rates, the number of programs the school and department offer online, the median debt of graduates, and the student completion rate.

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtOO0sUC0lyNi5a2hBLRhQCg-3D7bj4_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkqBzpIj-2BkH9R4JcrxTRO7uLzQZXBD-2FHHCLX6vA9jdyRq9tW3L44LtU7OyZR66zbWnG3Q7SSaed-2B6dUpBQ087lbj-2BFj-2FN9vJYkpc3PGKoY9hYRhVUIjMnf5GKT2vYMmbM3pxHOUJxcuk-2Fo523M-2F37I1f3EpYJxwgbVV1yyYTjmKp8">https://bit.ly/3iNzngd</a>.

No. 5, 10 Best Affordable MBAs in International Business

FHSU was named the No. 5 in the ten best affordable MBAs in international business by the Master's Programs Guide.&nbsp;

The FHSU MBA program offers 15 career-focused concentrations, including international business, marketing, finance, and corporate communications. Students are paired with a personal advisor, and the MBA is available entirely online or on-campus.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCM-2BzKh85WZ1NdnCOucUyeY-3DFyHe_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkiwP-2B7B9QC0sNVt5HELFYzBEquYOR-2FKzk9KN-2FFcA2KpHOb-2FlYB2h6bW-2FQdkq0SWiRLRjcFthiMG4jOFa8kZw-2FssbmOi4xa32Lq-2FAAzDbUwGHproyRSHKKq0tsH8sTM5X47X-2BwgPCQb-2BbgF6nRRc2nZy8t2mDWsml5a0U9B2gsITh">https://bit.ly/3y6thOr</a>.

No. 7, 2022 Best Bachelor's in Secondary Education Programs&nbsp;

FHSU's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education was ranked No. 7 in the nation by Education Survey.&nbsp;

All fields of study are offered on-campus, and some are available online or in a hybrid delivery format. Programs were ranked based on accreditation status, academic quality, program reputation, affordability and access, student selectivity, employer and student success surveys, and faculty and staff resources.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtNXyqGMa4WGCuB0ryZhSXME-3DxFCB_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkg-2B-2BtzDlunHd7H-2Bdewz2r3lOarFwiXoL8hPRx7KIlxiNeVS6Q6g22FFI1Xs5uB3Ht9zQBz1XLQh-2F2oAfkdkTlwhBM5HAvHt1P8Wml6E5nx-2F3cUwSkrnfJd7EsKrUuZX9u3h39uehBop4qjnWAaeqTPDREnV-2FB2xBLqQ-2BJwhcdWsd">https://bit.ly/3eZ3Lmx</a>.

No. 12, Most Affordable Bachelor's Ranking

OnlineU named FHSU among the top Most Affordable Master's Ranking and Most Affordable Bachelor's Ranking lists.&nbsp;

OnlineU provides prospective students with clear, accessible tuition information that they can use to compare educational options and make an informed decision. Colleges were ranked based on tuition rates, and universities must offer at least ten online programs across varied subject areas to be considered.&nbsp;

FHSU stood out on the list for its robust online degree offerings and remarkably competitive tuition rate among the most affordable in the nation.&nbsp;

To view ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtLkMPJouJYHzz8-2F6D4aYUcM-3DwLht_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkrrQmv3cIHqbmJgrd99DKM4GmDS990xCHegZ-2BiC1QnXmT1-2BpQ2vKz3ssPhmYal2H7N4ik1oxEGQwSg1WSx-2FGnEKWLOxvQtDJZR8YA7FbLN59DMlAgR2zlFOy-2FZcccgf-2FLhDqnuFQxfsIJYjGYS336g1ydV3CsnN2sCqrVV5fLU-2FJ">https://bit.ly/371pFRN</a>.

No. 11, 25 Best Human Services Bachelor's for 2021.

FHSU's Bachelor's of General Studies with a concentration in human services was ranked eleventh in Best Health Degrees' list of the top 25 Best Human Services Bachelor's for 2021.&nbsp;

The program includes general education courses in English Composition, Humanities, Social and Behavior Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and a 21-credit hour concentration in sociology.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDxroprrHcvIfZkI9BLSDO4-3DmtL6_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkszn5CTkNPS8iqRFey-2B6Nj77QnJ1IpqNMN1C1HRCeXHdZqe51MTpFhptWGgqKBfy5c6ZE-2Ba3Jl3GW6TLW4RjilOaK17VTAL3KrMB9DAaOoANNHDT-2BNxtDvejvIZ-2BjPoQi7-2FOPSXxn1lx0igl9V1trGlpjHxK-2B9cs6xoL4MGlE4SN">https://bit.ly/3BKhlnx</a>.

No. 11, Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degrees

FHSU's online Bachelor's of Science and Bachelor's of Art in Cybersecurity ranked eleventh on the Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degrees list produced by college Consensus.&nbsp;

The FHSU degree programs are available fully online and on-campus. Graduates of the program gain real-life experience in internships, labs and practicum courses that empower students to pursue aspects of cybersecurity that excite them.&nbsp;

To view this ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtD2P1-2FHieOGzawVaxDcn71Q-3DPYF3_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLseXDVd-2BAC-2BJgy-2FskkuPm8XQ1TFlhZX8bBeQN9W1Hh5EwuTEYYjdCfnpTKtNCuEQSQ-2Bgq5-2BTF11wXhbZgLNvkhU-2FCY1rWsV-2B-2Flh7zlZc4UsOQVGJHbgW-2BVGL0CMytHDxQXEYjzvwDN08VVOkcdghM3g8Qof5WvvhVoxh11aVHOd1pTHfafK35ANLBSHV4bfk-2Fzl8mfk8hU7Xdzw79EvicYqVspZG-2BPyJIYzOMm-2FFRKkrIM43T-2BauDHpVl0dImDWp">https://bit.ly/374rSvK</a>.

Fort Hays State University serves Kansas and the world&nbsp;through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals providing accessible higher education to all who seek it. Our more than 15,000 students are found in every county in Kansas and around the world. FHSU excels at developing engaged global citizen-leaders through innovative online and on-campus programs designed to push the boundaries of what is known and drive solutions that serve the public good.

Fort Hays State earns seven No. 1 rankings

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher The past couple of weeks I had the privilege of attending several Farm Bureau events in person — Big Tent Reunions, Summer Summit and Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference — without masks, and it was awesome. This isn’t a statement about restrictions, masks or vaccinations, it is a statement of how much we all need social interaction and how valuable relationships are. The whole time we were staying at home, I knew I was missing people. I just didn’t realize how much. I don’t know how many times in the last two weeks I commented on the fact I couldn’t remember the last time I saw whomever I was talking to. In many cases it was prior to March 2020. That is a long time to not see friends, and I truly believe that took as much of a toll as the virus itself. Except for a very few of us, we humans are social beings and to not be able to do so really hurts our mental wellbeing. I saw it in conversations I participated in and those I overheard. Often, they would start with the usual topics like “How much rain are you getting?” or “How do the crops look?” and then evolve from there. Many times, what started out as a fairly routine conversation would lead to much deeper topics. It makes sense, for almost a year and a half we have really only talked to our spouses, kids and close family, and they didn’t need to be told because they were there living it like we were. Here we are with 16, 17 months of pent-up joys, disasters, concerns and observations and no one to share them with. Let’s face it, it is one thing to vent to your wife and kids, but it is far more therapeutic to find sympathy and empathy from a peer. I guess that is why it was so good to attend the Big Tent Reunions I did. It was cathartic to see old friends, to share the life happenings and to find out what was going on in their lives, too. I guess I have come to realize that one of the best benefits to Farm Bureau is the friends you develop because of your involvement. I hope everyone else got as much out of the meetings and events we have recently hosted. Don’t get me wrong, the education, advocacy and service are all things our organization is built on and represent the good and important work we do. However, at the end of the day it is the relationships and friendships we gain with fellow farmers and ranchers that make it all worthwhile. I tell young farmers and ranchers on their way to their first YF&amp;R Conference that the most important thing you learn is you are not alone, and there are people going through the same things you are. I believe that to be true and something that does not change with age. The last 18 months may have limited our interactions, but I am grateful for these recent gatherings and looking forward to catching up with everyone again soon. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and ensure we can see each other in person at Kansas Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in December.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher The past couple of weeks I had the privilege of attending several Farm Bureau events in person — Big Tent Reunions, Summer Summit and Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference — without masks, and it was awesome. This isn’t a statement about restrictions, masks or vaccinations, it is a statement of how much we all need social interaction and how valuable relationships are. The whole time we were staying at home, I knew I was missing people. I just didn’t realize how much. I don’t know how many times in the last two weeks I commented on the fact I couldn’t remember the last time I saw whomever I was talking to. In many cases it was prior to March 2020. That is a long time to not see friends, and I truly believe that took as much of a toll as the virus itself. Except for a very few of us, we humans are social beings and to not be able to do so really hurts our mental wellbeing. I saw it in conversations I participated in and those I overheard. Often, they would start with the usual topics like “How much rain are you getting?” or “How do the crops look?” and then evolve from there. Many times, what started out as a fairly routine conversation would lead to much deeper topics. It makes sense, for almost a year and a half we have really only talked to our spouses, kids and close family, and they didn’t need to be told because they were there living it like we were. Here we are with 16, 17 months of pent-up joys, disasters, concerns and observations and no one to share them with. Let’s face it, it is one thing to vent to your wife and kids, but it is far more therapeutic to find sympathy and empathy from a peer. I guess that is why it was so good to attend the Big Tent Reunions I did. It was cathartic to see old friends, to share the life happenings and to find out what was going on in their lives, too. I guess I have come to realize that one of the best benefits to Farm Bureau is the friends you develop because of your involvement. I hope everyone else got as much out of the meetings and events we have recently hosted. Don’t get me wrong, the education, advocacy and service are all things our organization is built on and represent the good and important work we do. However, at the end of the day it is the relationships and friendships we gain with fellow farmers and ranchers that make it all worthwhile. I tell young farmers and ranchers on their way to their first YF&amp;R Conference that the most important thing you learn is you are not alone, and there are people going through the same things you are. I believe that to be true and something that does not change with age. The last 18 months may have limited our interactions, but I am grateful for these recent gatherings and looking forward to catching up with everyone again soon. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and ensure we can see each other in person at Kansas Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in December."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Grateful for gatherings

Three-day weather outlook

	The August evening was steamy-hot and humid as I quietly walked across the alfalfa toward a tree line thick with fallen cottonwoods and old rotting hay bales. I followed the tree line until it ended abruptly, then tiptoed through a sea of Poison Ivy to the back door of our pop-up hunting blind. Once inside, I settled into a camp chair and unzipped windows on 3 sides. Approaching storms blew a nice breeze through the blind. In front of me was a narrow strip of alfalfa, hemmed in on the far side by a tilled wheat stubble field, and framed on 2 more sides by the river as it meandered through the countryside.

	My quarries tonight were wild turkeys which I had seen here with some regularity, and I was prepared to shoot as many as possible. The flock I’d been seeing was perhaps a dozen birds, and I was pretty sure I could get them all with 2 shots at most! Three Blue Herons rose from the timber along the river, but were gone before I could shoot. A lone Red Tail Hawk perched high above the river was also giving me a nice shot if I hurried!&nbsp;

	Now before you overload the switchboard at Operation Game Thief to turn me in for hunting turkeys out-of-season, and attempting to shoot blue herons and red tail hawks, allow me to explain. That night my weapon of choice hung by a strap around my neck; its barrel was a lense, and the trigger a small silver button. You guessed it! I was “shooting” photos with a camera.&nbsp;

	In the Kansas Hunter Education Manual, the chapter on Hunter Responsibility lists four stages of a sport hunter. This topic discusses how the standards by which a hunter defines success evolve and change as the hunter develops and matures. Stage 3 is called the “Trophy Stage,” and stage 4 is the “Method Stage.” During these 2 stages in a hunter’s life, he or she matures to the point where a trophy can just as easily be a photograph rather than a mount on the wall.

One frigid and snowy April morning years ago I shared a blind with a young man and his guide during the early youth turkey hunt. That was before cell phones had such fantastic cameras, so I had a digital camera around my wrist, hoping to record some of the hunt in pictures. Among the group of birds that came to our decoys were several hens, and among them was a white-speckled hen. My camera wouldn’t work in the icy morning air, so I didn’t get a photo of her, and now I’m relegated to remembering her only in my mind, (which is quickly fading.) I was more disgusted over the camera malfunction than if I had missed a shot at a long-bearded tom!&nbsp;

	I started deer hunting when I was just a kid, and I wish I had pictures or videos of every awesome, unusual and hilarious event I’ve seen in the woods since. Once, as I sat quietly on a log during deer season, a mother fox and several cubs ran by me so closely I could have reached out and grabbed one. The first red fox I ever caught in Ohio grabbed the toe of my rubber boot and wouldn’t let go. While fishing one evening at McPherson State Fishing Lake, I watched a beaver swim clear across the lake with a huge leafy branch in its mouth. Another time during the early January antlerless-only deer season, a buck with a monstrous rack hanging full of long grass and weeds became curious of my presence, and stood just yards away from me before coming to his senses. He looked like some exotic hanging garden on four legs.

`	I could go on, but my point is that all these things are in my mind’s eye only, and someday will probably be forgotten. If they were documented as photos, at least I could pass them on for others to enjoy as well. High dollar trail cameras are available that transmit photos directly to a computer, so why not a pair of glasses that does the same with images and action seen through their lenses?&nbsp;

	The Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. has a collection of fur pelts from every furbearing animal in Kansas. Among those pelts is a hat made from three skunk pelts. Whenever I take those pelts to an educational event or help with the booth at the state fair, I have more fun than I deserve to have with that hat. I put it on kids of all ages and senior citizens in wheel chairs and let moms and family members take all the pictures they can. They will all remember that experience for years.

	Now days, I always have my cell phone camera at the ready wherever I go, in the deer blind, checking traps, on fishing trips etc. Not many years ago, if someone had suggested I could be as happy with a picture as with a mounted trophy on my wall, I would have bristled at the thought. Now, however, I feel like that transition will someday be an easy one… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>	The August evening was steamy-hot and humid as I quietly walked across the alfalfa toward a tree line thick with fallen cottonwoods and old rotting hay bales. I followed the tree line until it ended abruptly, then tiptoed through a sea of Poison Ivy to the back door of our pop-up hunting blind. Once inside, I settled into a camp chair and unzipped windows on 3 sides. Approaching storms blew a nice breeze through the blind. In front of me was a narrow strip of alfalfa, hemmed in on the far side by a tilled wheat stubble field, and framed on 2 more sides by the river as it meandered through the countryside.	My quarries tonight were wild turkeys which I had seen here with some regularity, and I was prepared to shoot as many as possible. The flock I’d been seeing was perhaps a dozen birds, and I was pretty sure I could get them all with 2 shots at most! Three Blue Herons rose from the timber along the river, but were gone before I could shoot. A lone Red Tail Hawk perched high above the river was also giving me a nice shot if I hurried!&nbsp;	Now before you overload the switchboard at Operation Game Thief to turn me in for hunting turkeys out-of-season, and attempting to shoot blue herons and red tail hawks, allow me to explain. That night my weapon of choice hung by a strap around my neck; its barrel was a lense, and the trigger a small silver button. You guessed it! I was “shooting” photos with a camera.&nbsp;	In the Kansas Hunter Education Manual, the chapter on Hunter Responsibility lists four stages of a sport hunter. This topic discusses how the standards by which a hunter defines success evolve and change as the hunter develops and matures. Stage 3 is called the “Trophy Stage,” and stage 4 is the “Method Stage.” During these 2 stages in a hunter’s life, he or she matures to the point where a trophy can just as easily be a photograph rather than a mount on the wall.One frigid and snowy April morning years ago I shared a blind with a young man and his guide during the early youth turkey hunt. That was before cell phones had such fantastic cameras, so I had a digital camera around my wrist, hoping to record some of the hunt in pictures. Among the group of birds that came to our decoys were several hens, and among them was a white-speckled hen. My camera wouldn’t work in the icy morning air, so I didn’t get a photo of her, and now I’m relegated to remembering her only in my mind, (which is quickly fading.) I was more disgusted over the camera malfunction than if I had missed a shot at a long-bearded tom!&nbsp;	I started deer hunting when I was just a kid, and I wish I had pictures or videos of every awesome, unusual and hilarious event I’ve seen in the woods since. Once, as I sat quietly on a log during deer season, a mother fox and several cubs ran by me so closely I could have reached out and grabbed one. The first red fox I ever caught in Ohio grabbed the toe of my rubber boot and wouldn’t let go. While fishing one evening at McPherson State Fishing Lake, I watched a beaver swim clear across the lake with a huge leafy branch in its mouth. Another time during the early January antlerless-only deer season, a buck with a monstrous rack hanging full of long grass and weeds became curious of my presence, and stood just yards away from me before coming to his senses. He looked like some exotic hanging garden on four legs.`	I could go on, but my point is that all these things are in my mind’s eye only, and someday will probably be forgotten. If they were documented as photos, at least I could pass them on for others to enjoy as well. High dollar trail cameras are available that transmit photos directly to a computer, so why not a pair of glasses that does the same with images and action seen through their lenses?&nbsp;	The Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. has a collection of fur pelts from every furbearing animal in Kansas. Among those pelts is a hat made from three skunk pelts. Whenever I take those pelts to an educational event or help with the booth at the state fair, I have more fun than I deserve to have with that hat. I put it on kids of all ages and senior citizens in wheel chairs and let moms and family members take all the pictures they can. They will all remember that experience for years.	Now days, I always have my cell phone camera at the ready wherever I go, in the deer blind, checking traps, on fishing trips etc. Not many years ago, if someone had suggested I could be as happy with a picture as with a mounted trophy on my wall, I would have bristled at the thought. Now, however, I feel like that transition will someday be an easy one… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Photo shoot

The Phillips County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon via social media, the investigation of a Feb. shooting death in Phillipsburg had been reopened.

"On February 14, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Phillipsburg to investigate a shooting which occurred," the announcement said."Tragically, Janna Constable, 43, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.  The case was initially ruled a suicide.

"After new information was gathered, the Sheriff’s Office reopened the investigation. On May 19, the sheriff's office forwarded the completed investigation to the County Attorneys Office for criminal prosecution."

The case is currently under review by the Kansas Attorney Generals' office after being forward on by the County Attorney, the announcement said.

The Phillips County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon via social media, the investigation of a Feb. shooting death in Phillipsburg had been reopened."On February 14, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Phillipsburg to investigate a shooting which occurred," the announcement said."Tragically, Janna Constable, 43, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The case was initially ruled a suicide."After new information was gathered, the Sheriff’s Office reopened the investigation. On May 19, the sheriff's office forwarded the completed investigation to the County Attorneys Office for criminal prosecution."The case is currently under review by the Kansas Attorney Generals' office after being forward on by the County Attorney, the announcement said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fplsoks%2Fposts%2F3029744054015099&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="294" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Phillipsburg shooting death investigation reopened

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The former Catholic Parish Hall in Hays passed its first hurdle Monday in a planned renovation of the historic building into apartments.

The Hays Area Planning Commission approved a zoning change for the property from public and institutional to residential multi-family.

The commission heard a joint application from the Catholic Dioceses of Salina, which owns the property, and developer Todd Co. LLC.

Developer Justin Pregont of Atchison attended the meeting Monday night. The zoning changed passed easily — no one from the public spoke for or against the project.

Pregont is tentatively planning for 12 units in the former parish center, but that can't be confirmed until the project's design phase is completed.

The limestone building, 210 W. 13th, was built in 1907 and was used as a school and administration building for years. The building has not been used for more than five years.

The parish center is under contract, but the developer has not closed on the sale.

Because the parish center is listed as a historical building, it could qualify for state tax credits. The property is also within the Neighborhood Revitalization Program area and is eligible for tax rebates for 10 years.

Pregont said he is unsure what size of apartments the parish center will be able to accommodate or if they will be one- or two-bedroom units.

He will be applying for Moderate Income Housing funds through the Kansas Housing Resource Corp. He said he can't develop the project without that funding. An announcement on application awards will be made in December.

The zoning change will go before the Hays City Commission on Sept. 9 for final approval.

The planning commission also approved a replat of the El Charro Addition.&nbsp;

Both the addition's preliminary and final plats were approved Monday.

The addition,&nbsp;2010 and 2020 E. Eighth, is not in the Hays city limits, but it is within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, who was filling in for the director of planning, said the city does not plan to annex the addition at this time. These properties are served by city water and are part of the Big Creek Sewer District.

The addition is the site of Ol' 40 Express Convenience Store and three apartment complexes, which were all built in the 1940s.

The addition was one lot before 2015. In 2015, the convenience store was split into a separate lot from the apartment buildings. The plat considered Monday would break the addition into four lots, with each apartment complex on a different lot.

The city commission will likely consider the replat at one of its September meetings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626378684098.jpeg" alt="The Hays Area Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for the former Catholic Parish Hall in Hays to multi-family residential. An Atchinson developer hopes to renovate the historic building into apartments. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Hays Area Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for the former Catholic Parish Hall in Hays to multi-family residential. An Atchinson developer hopes to renovate the historic building into apartments. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe former Catholic Parish Hall in Hays passed its first hurdle Monday in a planned renovation of the historic building into apartments.The Hays Area Planning Commission approved a zoning change for the property from public and institutional to residential multi-family.The commission heard a joint application from the Catholic Dioceses of Salina, which owns the property, and developer Todd Co. LLC.Developer Justin Pregont of Atchison attended the meeting Monday night. The zoning changed passed easily — no one from the public spoke for or against the project.Pregont is tentatively planning for 12 units in the former parish center, but that can't be confirmed until the project's design phase is completed.The limestone building, 210 W. 13th, was built in 1907 and was used as a school and administration building for years. The building has not been used for more than five years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626378879847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The parish center is under contract, but the developer has not closed on the sale.Because the parish center is listed as a historical building, it could qualify for state tax credits. The property is also within the Neighborhood Revitalization Program area and is eligible for tax rebates for 10 years.Pregont said he is unsure what size of apartments the parish center will be able to accommodate or if they will be one- or two-bedroom units.He will be applying for Moderate Income Housing funds through the Kansas Housing Resource Corp. He said he can't develop the project without that funding. An announcement on application awards will be made in December.The zoning change will go before the Hays City Commission on Sept. 9 for final approval.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629222289552.png" alt="El Charro Addition" />
 <figcaption>El Charro Addition</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>El Charro Addition</h2>The planning commission also approved a replat of the El Charro Addition.&nbsp;Both the addition's preliminary and final plats were approved Monday.The addition,&nbsp;2010 and 2020 E. Eighth, is not in the Hays city limits, but it is within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.Jesse Rohr, public works director, who was filling in for the director of planning, said the city does not plan to annex the addition at this time. These properties are served by city water and are part of the Big Creek Sewer District.The addition is the site of Ol' 40 Express Convenience Store and three apartment complexes, which were all built in the 1940s.The addition was one lot before 2015. In 2015, the convenience store was split into a separate lot from the apartment buildings. The plat considered Monday would break the addition into four lots, with each apartment complex on a different lot.The city commission will likely consider the replat at one of its September meetings.

Hays Parish Hall passes first hurdle in apartment renovation project

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&nbsp;

The state health department also reported an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 74.

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

As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 10 Tuesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,890 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629308799015.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&nbsp;The state health department also reported an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 74.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 10 Tuesday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,890 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new virus cases, additional death in Ellis Co. since Monday

Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. 

All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.

Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. 

This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon. Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;

Ice cream, Sno-Cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;

With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters there will be numerous fun activities for all ages, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, laser tag, dunk tank, roller coaster simulator, DJ with music and karaoke, a four-square volleyball tournament, golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley, cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club, and popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At 5 p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini Monarch Combine where future monarchs can test their athletic skills. 

Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a fun run for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

The TMP-M Cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills, and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the activities at 9 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;

At 10 p.m., the evening will end with a literal “bang” as a firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;

Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. 

Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. 

Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. 

Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year.

<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools to host Back to School Bash" 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=ac2hk-10b9f61-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>SubmittedHays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon. Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;Ice cream, Sno-Cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters there will be numerous fun activities for all ages, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, laser tag, dunk tank, roller coaster simulator, DJ with music and karaoke, a four-square volleyball tournament, golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley, cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club, and popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;At 5 p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini Monarch Combine where future monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a fun run for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7 p.m.&nbsp;The TMP-M Cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills, and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the activities at 9 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;At 10 p.m., the evening will end with a literal “bang” as a firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year.<figure>
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🎙Post Podcast: Hays Catholic schools to host Back to School Bash

Seven&nbsp;Fort Hays State University alumni will be honored at the Alumni and Friends Awards Banquet on&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 1&nbsp;during&nbsp;Homecoming.&nbsp;For details on how you can celebrate&nbsp;these award winners during FHSU’s Homecoming week, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsuhomecoming.com/">www.FHSUHomecoming.com</a>.

This year's&nbsp;three&nbsp;Alumni Achievement Award recipients are&nbsp;Dave Fate&nbsp;’83, Fairview, Texas;&nbsp;Col (Ret)&nbsp;Jerry Stecklein&nbsp;’65, Colleyville, Texas;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. John Kim&nbsp;’77, Long Grove, Ill.

The&nbsp;Alumni Achievement Award, the association's highest recognition of its graduates, was established in 1959 to recognize graduates of the university for outstanding achievement based upon meritorious service to society or the community. The award is based upon career and professional achievements, service involving community betterment and philanthropic activities, and educational achievements.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Young Alumni Award&nbsp;recipients&nbsp;for 2021 are Regan Ochs Reif&nbsp;’13, Great Bend; and Dylan Bathurst ’10, Los Angeles, Calif.

The&nbsp;Young Alumni Award&nbsp;is designed to recognize those early in their careers who have had outstanding achievements and recent accomplishments. The award is based on professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from FHSU, be members of the 10-15-year classes and be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 1 of the year the awards are presented.&nbsp;

This year's&nbsp;Nita M. Landrum&nbsp;Award goes&nbsp;to&nbsp;Josh Dreher&nbsp;’09, Hays.

The&nbsp;Nita M. Landrum Award&nbsp;recognizes alumni or friends who have provided sustained volunteer service for the betterment of the Alumni Association and/or FHSU, in their home communities or at any local level.&nbsp;

The Distinguished Service Award goes to Mary Schreiber Porterfield ’68, ’68, ’77, Goodland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Distinguished Service Award&nbsp;recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a continuing concern for humanity on a universal, national, state or community level; who support spiritual, cultural and educational objectives; and who endorse and exemplify the highest standards of character and personal attributes. It is reserved for alumni or friends of the university.

Dave Fate, a native Kansan from rural Belleville, KS, graduated in 1983&nbsp;with a&nbsp;B.S.&nbsp;in&nbsp;finance and went on to lead a remarkable career in&nbsp;the commercial finance industry. Currently he is the Chief Executive Officer at Stonebriar Commercial Finance, a company he founded and has led, to become the largest independent commercial finance and leasing company in the United States. He began his career in 1983 as a credit analyst with CIT in Wichita. ITT Capital Finance soon lured Fate to the Plano, Texas area where he quickly assumed key leadership roles first with ITT and then as a co-founder of two commercial finance and leasing companies, all of which started from scratch and each with phenomenal growth and success. Transamerica Equipment Finance grew to $3.2B before it was sold, after which AIG Commercial Asset Finance built a $3.5B portfolio before Fate left AIG to form Stonebriar in March, 2015.

Fate currently leads a team of 47 professionals at Stonebriar, ranked #1 by the finance and leasing industry’s leading trade journal in assets, new business volume, and volume per employee. In 2018 Fate was selected from the industry's most senior leaders for the Monitor's inaugural MVP award, and Goldman Sachs recognized him as one of 2020’s 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July of this year, he was honored by the christening of a new 3,400 hp push boat, the MV Dave B. Fate by one of Stonebriar’s key strategic maritime partners.

Fate has demonstrated the importance of community, education, and helping others. He often serves as a mentor and promotes qualified young employees into leadership roles in the industry. One of his favorite projects, First Tee, is an initiative to raise financial support, teach life skills and provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth through golf. He has been a strong Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) industry advocate during his career through many service roles and is actively involved in the ELFA's Emerging Talent and Women's Counsel initiatives designed to attract, hire and&nbsp;encourage a diverse pool of current and future leaders with the same opportunities he experienced.

William Farrell, Jr., longtime friend, mentor and&nbsp;one-time boss&nbsp;noted, “Success cannot be measured purely by personal gains, but by the legacy you leave behind.&nbsp;Dave is known as a tremendously smart, hardworking innovative leader who is responsible for the success of four large organizations during the span of his career,&nbsp;but more importantly, he will one day be remembered for his positive impact on the industry as a whole and for his immeasurable contributions to the&nbsp;personal and career success of those around him.”

Fate lives in Fairview, Texas with his wife, Tasha Fate. They have two children, 26-year-old son Grant and 23-year-old daughter, Jordan.&nbsp; Both live in Dallas, Texas.

Hays-area native, Jerry Stecklein graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration.&nbsp;Following graduation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He attended the USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training program, graduating near the top of his class.&nbsp;

However, his love for flight actually began when he was a 9-year-old boy living on a farm near the small town of Munjor, and his father bought a small plane. Stecklein once recounted, “When we flew to other farms and landed in their pastures, my job was to guard the plane and keep the cows from chewing on it. The airplane was covered with a treated fabric, and they loved eating it.”&nbsp; This simple experience led to his love of flight, his decision to join the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished career in the military service and related business ventures spanning decades.

Stecklein’s first assignment was as a flight instructor in the Cessna T-37B jet trainer, teaching USAF Academy, College/University USAF ROTC and Officer Training School graduates, and allied student pilots from NATO countries as well as from Saudi Arabia and Iran. He taught them how to fly and perform all aerobatic, instrument, navigation, and formation maneuvering to military standards in jet aircraft operations. He also was an academic instructor, and as President of the Junior Officer’s Council, initiated a program to introduce junior officers to military and civilian leaders, and spearheaded a campaign to make the public aware of the exceedingly inhumane conditions USAF and Navy airmen endured in prison camps after being shot down and captured while flying combat missions in the Vietnam theater of operations.&nbsp;

Stecklein was then selected to fly the RF-4C, Phantom II jet and assigned to Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in 1971. He flew 173 combat missions over North and South Vietnam and Laos and earned four awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force award for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, and 14 awards of the USAF Air Medal.&nbsp;

Upon returning to the United States where he continued as a combat-ready pilot, Stecklein fulfilled many roles, including work at the Pentagon where he was responsible for moving USAF flight training activities from actual aircraft flight to flight simulators and then served on Project Checkmate to combat Cold War actions.&nbsp; He also served in multiple command positions in the US and overseas, including Commander of the USAF’s largest undergraduate pilot training wing. His final assignment was the Assistant Director of Operations of the USAF Air Training Command where he was responsible for all USAF pilot, navigator and space operator training.&nbsp;

Stecklein then transitioned into management and leadership roles in the defense industry, working for a large defense contractor. In the late 1990s, serving as the company’s Director of Engineering Support, he realized a significant aviation training industry need for automated tools to assist flight training managers and improve the quality and safety of commercial flight training.&nbsp; Unable to convince the company CEO the idea merited the necessary sizeable investment, Stecklein retired from his position and together with three partners started Talon Systems, LLC to meet that aviation training industry need.

Under Stecklein’s leadership, Talon Systems is now the premier cloud-based provider of flight training management, aircraft maintenance management and safety management systems serving nearly 100 universities and colleges and commercial flight training academies and schools in the US and many other countries. The systems are currently being used to manage flight training for over 40,000 flight training students worldwide. The widespread use of Talon Systems' products has contributed toward improving the quality and safety of flight training resulting in measurably improved pilot quality and overall flight safety.&nbsp;

He is also currently serving &nbsp;on the board of trustees for the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) where he recently received the distinguished Chairpersons Award for distinguished service in guiding AABI’s role in worldwide aviation education accreditation. He continues to work as president of Talon Systems and continues his love of flight, frequently flying his own Beechcraft Bonanza.

He currently lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joanne Schmidt Stecklein. They have two daughters, Janalee Corato and Julianne Stecklein.

Upon graduating from Fort Hays State in 1977 with a Master’s in Chemistry, John Kim had no idea he would one day build an international company with expertise importing and exporting a variety of products.&nbsp;

Through hard work and determination to make a better life, Kim left his poor farming village in South Korea to earn a degree in ceramic engineering and rather than enlist in the South Korean army, he traveled to California where he toiled at three menial jobs to save enough money to continue his education. Before his visa would expire, he found his one opportunity at Fort Hays State University. After his first year as a graduate student, he almost dropped out for financial reasons, but thanks to the support of his advisor, the department chair and the woman who provided him room and board, he persevered, graduated and then earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Kansas. Kim went on to have an outstanding career teaching college-level chemistry before working in the industry and founding Unidex in 1990.

Unidex offers a complete line of coilers, formers, wire benders, grinders and special-purpose machinery for producing springs, wire forms and metal stampings. The company has also been a supplier of custom-designed flexible packaging solutions for pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. Unidex has extensive import and export experience producing on three different continents. Kim won the 1998 US Small Business Administration Award as Illinois Small Business Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;

Kim is described as a "pillar" of the Rotary Club of Chicagoland-Korean Northbrook and served as its president in 2015-2016 and as the longtime chair of the scholarship committee. He also was the champion and grants manager for a major project providing vocational training and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges. Kim is a member of the International Network of Korean Entrepreneurs and holds a US Patent for a flexible packaging in 2005 and magnetic belt issued in 1996.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fellow member of Rotary International, Lyle Staab stated, “With the help of Fort Hays State, he has made a life, and made a difference. From that poor village in South Korea, John has become the embodiment of the American Dream.”

Kim lives in Long Grove, Ill. with his wife, Dal Kim, and two sons, David and Richard.

This 2013 alumna with a B.S. in organizational leadership has progressed through her career into her current position as Strategic Marketing Manager with The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.

Reif began her career immediately following graduation from Fort Hays State at Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, Chtd. in Great Bend as an H.R./Marketing Associate and quickly advanced to Marketing/Executive Administrator and then Chief Operations Officer. Described as a visionary leader and mentor to many, she proved her passion by focusing on the firm's strategic planning and operations. She played a pivotal role in the firm’s recruitment, human resources, and marketing efforts. Recognizing her leadership and service to the community, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce presented her with the 2016 NextGen Leader of the Year award.

Reif then worked at Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a Member Services &amp; Key Accounts Manager before moving to her current position as Strategic Marketing Manager at The University of Kansas Health System.

As she did throughout the years as a college student, Reif continues to be active in community organizations and civic leadership. She serves as a member of the FHSU Leadership Studies Advisory Board; a mentor for the Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) at Fort Hays State University; an executive board member and volunteer for the United Way of Central Kansas; a current board member and past ambassador for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; volunteer and past chairperson for Barton County Young Professionals along with being active in other area groups.

In addition to the personal success she has achieved, the words of Glenn Growe, Ph.D., FHSU assistant professor of accounting, in a 2013 letter of support for the Torch Award nomination at the university, accurately predicted her future impact: “Her commitment to achieving excellence and her stellar work ethic will help those she leads to achieve success.”

Reif lives in Great Bend with her husband, Cole Reif, and two children: Fitz and Dax.

Young Alumni Award honoree and Kansas native from Talmage, Dylan Bathurst earned his B.S. in information networking and telecommunications from FHSU in 2009 and has been recognized in the information technology industry for his proficiency in web design and work as a software engineer.

Bathurst moved up the ranks at Zappos Family of Companies as a front-end developer building website code to increase user functionality.&nbsp;

He went on to co-found a company, Rumgr, an online garage sale application for buying and selling used products. He created the app when he saw the need for a formalized process to provide greater simplicity and security for users. &nbsp;He and two fellow software developers presented the code and design for the app at Startup Weekend Las Vegas, where the app was named the crowd favorite and won two prizes. In addition, the app earned recognition on CBS and local newspapers and was accepted into the Apple App Store, an achievement allowing wide distribution for iPhone users to download the app for free. While co-managing the new business, in an effort to support other budding entrepreneurs, he also became an organizer for Startup Weekend Las Vegas to secure sponsorships, recruit judges and plan the overall event. In developing Rumgr, Bathurst performed web work for businesses and built a premium product that was then acquired by eBay.

Bathurst expanded his knowledge in the I.T. industry as a software engineer with Close5, Upright Metrics and Purse before his current role as Senior Staff Engineer with&nbsp;<a href="http://blockchain.com/">Blockchain.com</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, the world’s leading software platform to transact internet commerce. The company deals in trading and processing digital coins and works to accelerate the adoption of crypto currency. As a member of Blockchain staff, Bathurst works to design, build and maintain systems to securely move these digital funds as the company ushers in the future of finance.

Mark Bannister, former Dean of FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, affirmed “Dylan is a bright and diligent Informatics graduate from Chapman who has vigorously and creatively put his skills to work as an entrepreneur.”

Bathurst lives in Los Angeles, Cal. with his wife Crystal Chang and children Coral and Sunhee.

The Nita M. Landrum award winner for 2021, Josh Dreher, Hays, is dedicated to serving the Hays community through volunteerism. Dreher is a 2009 graduate of Fort Hays State University, earning his B.B.A. in management while working at Bank of Hays throughout college as a teller, which, upon earning his degree and gaining more experience, developed into his current career as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Bank of Hays.&nbsp;

As an alumnus, Dreher has continued to serve the university by volunteering for the FHSU Community Drive fundraising team as both a member of several teams and as a team captain. He served as a coach for the 2018 FHSU College of Business' annual startup weekend, helping community members present their entrepreneurial projects. He also has worked closely with the FHSU Small Business Development Center

His community outreach memberships include The United Way of Ellis County, where he served six years on the board, Hays Rotary Club, ARC Park fundraisers, Paint-a-Thon for low-income families in partnership with Tigers for Service, Hays High School technical education advisory committee, Hays Larks board, Big Brothers and Big Sisters telethon, Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course advisory committee, Heartland Community Foundation and Leadership Hays.

Dreher has demonstrated his commitment to serving as an ambassador for Fort Hays State University and bettering the community of Hays through his many areas of volunteerism. &nbsp;Sandy Jacobs, executive director of the Heartland Foundation, noted that he “clearly understands the importance of quality of life issues…. He is not a ‘resume building’ board member, but one who takes his role seriously and dedicates himself to the betterment of our organization, Fort Hays State University and his community as a whole.” As Brandon Prough, Bank of Hays senior vice president, concluded, “Josh has a heart for giving back.”

The Distinguished Service Award winner for 2021 is Mary Schreiber Porterfield. Her primary passion has always been a desire to see the world and bring the world closer to Kansas. Throughout her career as a teacher, Porterfield was also a volunteer for AFS Intercultural Programs. For more than 40 years, she welcomed many students to her home for short and year-long visits. From her school, 17 students studied abroad, and the school community welcomed over 100 students from various countries around the world.&nbsp;

As a Spanish teacher for 46 years in the Goodland school district, Porterfield taught grades 4-12 not only the language, but also the culture and customs of each country. From 1992-2014, her classroom was linked to the Peace Corps' World Wise School Project, which connected her students with Peace Corps volunteers in Spanish-speaking countries to do several projects. In 1998 her classroom was the only US classroom to participate in a project with the World Bank and the World Links Latin American Initiative.

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