K-State is making sure every student gets a real-world experience out of the classroom
Conducting research on proteins in cancer cells. Learning about political science in another country. Helping a small-town dentist create a business plan.
What do these experiences have in common?
K-Staters who took what they learned in a classroom and enhanced their learning by actually doing.
The Next-Gen K-State strategic plan aims to give every degree-seeking student an applied learning experience by 2030. Through study abroad, internships, community outreach and undergraduate research, students apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings.
Lidia Lopez-Vazquez, a biology/pre-med senior from Dodge City, Kansas, conducts research on how environmental stress can cause the development of a second cell type in multicellular algae, leading to a better understanding of cancer development. She also traveled to Italy as part of the First-generation Experience.
“My education at K-State would not have been the same if I had only gone to classes,” said Lopez-Vazquez. “Building a community and having these experiences has shown me that I can do so much more than I can imagine.”
More than just talk
Ensuring that every student has an applied learning experience is no small feat and requires a dedicated leader.
Julie Davis, a 1978 K-State graduate in accounting, and her husband, Roger, have given $2 million to launch the campuswide applied learning initiative, which is housed in the Staley School of Leadership.
Craig Schroeder has been hired as the inaugural Julie and Roger Davis Executive Director for Applied Learning at K-State. Schroeder comes to K-State with experience from the University of Kentucky, where he founded and led a 15-year multi-level applied learning program providing STEM opportunity and access. As part of a collaborative research group, Schroeder helped build and scale the model at universities in seven additional states.
“We think of applied learning as the holy grail of higher education — a goal that many universities are trying to reach, however have not fully achieved,” the Davises said. “Establishing an endowed director position immediately energizes the launch of applied learning across K-State. Harnessing the power of K-State students who are out applying their learning across the state will be a force multiplier, enhancing both students’ learning and also the communities they serve.”
Walking the walk
Julie and Roger know personally the power of out-of-the-classroom experiences.
“As a senior in the accounting program, two others and I were assigned to assist a dentist in a town north of Manhattan,” Julie said. “We helped him create a business plan as he set up his practice, and we got class credit. It was a wonderful experience for him and us.”
The Davises see a win-win opportunity for students to get out of the classroom and for underserved communities in Kansas to benefit from K-State brainpower.
“We like the idea of K-State getting students out into communities,” Roger said. “Not only for their own learning experience, but to assist the citizens of the community. That’s a big plus.”
Bet on students
Applied learning projects like Julie’s don’t come with extra costs. But many other experiences, such as study abroad, are out of reach for many students.
“I was able to study for a semester at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies because I received the Goss Scholarship,” said Celina Trojnar, master’s student in English and Japanese language tutor. “It made it possible for me to travel and participate in cultural opportunities. I also received the Ichiki Japanese Language Award, which was helpful in supplementing my studies. I have found great opportunities here at K-State, such as becoming proficient in a language that opens avenues for employment and exploration.”
What will it take to meet K-State’s goal? The Davises encourage alumni to help K-State deliver applied learning to all students.
“We all have been blessed with some level of time, talent and treasure,” Julie said. “So pick whatever you have the most of to share with the K-State community, whether it’s the students, faculty or others, because you have something valuable to give.”
By creating unmatched opportunities for students to develop their skills, K-State is not only enhancing their college experience but also preparing them to be competitive in the workforce and, ultimately, stronger leaders.
“Because of the opportunities I had at K-State, I know I can take risks,” said Nick Saia, a 2024 graduate in civil engineering who completed three internships. “I’m not afraid to try something a little bit different.”
