Dear K-State alumni, friends and supporters,
Summer has arrived! While campus activity might be slowing down, the Graduate School is already busy at work planning an exciting and ambitious Fall 2025 semester. As we reflect on the Spring, we’re proud to highlight a few selected major milestones that made this semester one to remember.
We kicked off the Spring semester with our biggest turnout yet for the Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT) – thank you to all the participants and judges who made this event a resounding success! Shortly afterward, our graduate students traveled to Topeka to share their research with legislators and significant stakeholders at the Capitol. It is truly inspiring to witness our graduate students showcasing the depth of creativity, innovation, and talent that their research is providing for the enhancement of Kansas communities. We rounded out the semester celebrating the successful first year of the Graduate Student Mentor Program in partnership with our very own City of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
As we continue to expand our Graduate Enterprise beyond the walls of our campus and into the arteries of our community, we invite you to reach out and get engaged with our grad students! Whether you are a graduate student, faculty, or alumni, your experience is invaluable for the next generation of graduates. Alumni, we would love to hear about your journey post-graduation. Your experiences, successes, and insights help shape the future of our community in Manhattan and beyond.
Together, we aim to create a vibrant and engaged alumni network that reflects the dynamic, innovative, and collaborative spirit of the K-State Graduate School.
Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine and long-awaited reads!
Warmly,
Phil Payne, Acting Dean of the Graduate School
farewell from Dr. Claudia Petrescu
It was a bittersweet feeling when I said on Friday, May 24th, farewell to the Graduate School team and to all graduate faculty, students, staff, K-State and Manhattan community members. Serving for almost five years as the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School at K-State University has been an honor and a privilege!
The journey of these years has been filled with many changes: new initiatives launched to honor and celebrate graduate faculty and graduate students, building a strong culture of innovation, a graduate student success model, find solutions to organizational problems and innovative ways to address constituents’ various needs, streamlining policies and processes that govern graduate education, creating a strategic plan…The list goes on and on.
The most amazing part of this journey was the partnerships and friendships built with people that I walked the journey with faculty, students, colleagues, community members, staff, and with you, our amazing alums!
You, alums, showed me how much you believe in the value of the K-State graduate education. You inspired me! You have been an important partner to me in helping our graduate student succeed by participating in the Graduate School event, or serving on the First Advisory Board, or donating to the scholarships and fellowships, or mentoring students, or simply by engaging with me in conversations and showing interest in the Graduate School’s work.
I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity work with you, to get to know you, and together to strengthen the value of K-State graduate education!
I will take with me to my new role at Illinois State University so much from my time at K-State and from my work with you! Thank you for being the amazing alums that you are!
Best wishes,
Claudia Petrescu
A Message from the Graduate School Advisory Board
In our inaugural year, Dean Petrescu focused on creating an advisory board with members who share a vision and passion for enhancing the Graduate School experience, impact, reputation and recognition. Our members have backgrounds in academia, medicine, government, nonprofit organizations, and industry and serve in several working groups focused on advocacy, fundraising and recruitment to provide advice to the Dean.
The initial efforts of the board were to increase awareness of the Graduate School throughout the university community. Undergraduate students rightfully receive a great deal of attention, but a next generation land grant university must have a robust and vibrant graduate school.
In effort to connect the Graduate School to the broader Manhattan Community, the Board endorsed an initiative from the Dean to launch the Graduate Student Mentor Program. Through this initiative, graduate students are matched with community business leaders to serve as mentors. It was well received by both graduate students and the mentors. The Graduate School hosted an end-of-year social event that was well attended, and plans are to continue and grow the program for the 2025-26 academic year.
Additionally, we are working with the KSU Foundation and the University to increase the financial resources available to support the Graduate School. Thanks to One K-State Funds, the Graduate School was able to pilot the Cross the Finish Line Scholarship to address financial obstacles to degree completion.
In the coming year, we are eager to expand these initiatives, enhancing the graduate student experience through new programs tailored to their needs. Our efforts will also align with the university’s goal of increasing research funding while strengthening charitable support for Graduate School initiatives.
This is a tremendous opportunity to elevate K-State’s recognition, reputation, and standing through a strong Graduate School. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Dean to achieve this important goal. Learn more about the Graduate School Advisory Board Members.
Tim Taylor, Graduate School Advisory Board Chair and Mark Meyer, Founding Chair of the Graduate School Advisory Board
The Kansas State University Graduate School
honored 943 graduates during 2025 Spring Commencement
765 master's degrees
114 doctoral degrees
120 graduate certificates
118 international graduate students earn degrees this spring
44 master's students and 6 doctoral students self-report as active-duty service members or veterans
The graduate students who travelled the furthest to pursue graduate studies at K-State are from:
Sri Lanka (9,241 miles), and South Africa (9,138 miles)
A Commitment to Innovation and Something Bigger than Oneself
Ayyappan Elangovan’s story began in a small town in India. From a young age, Elangovan’s parents emphasized the importance of integrity, kindness, and education. They encouraged him, as he faced challenges, to stay focused, work hard, and be resilient.
With his parents’ unwavering support and their deep belief in education, Elangovan pursued an undergraduate degree in Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering. His early hands-on research alongside scientists took him beyond the classroom, sparking a passion for electrochemistry. Elangovan recognized the impact that furthering his education could have on solving larger scale problems with real world applications. This experience motivated him to further explore the interdisciplinary field through graduate education.
When choosing a university for his PhD, Elangovan sought out an environment that would challenge him academically, support him as his family did, and allow him to contribute to innovative projects that could have a broad impact on society.
At Kansas State University, he instantly felt a deep, familial presence. Much like the values Elangovan’s parents had instilled in him as a child, he recognized K-State's commitment to academic excellence, research opportunities, mentorship, and dedication to student development.
The community beyond campus was equally important to him. Seeking a home-away-from home, he reflected on the supportive and close-knit community he had cherished in India.
Elangovan characterized Manhattan as “a classic college town vibe” that he felt “promised opportunities to build lasting relationships and engage with people from a variety of backgrounds.” K-State and the community beyond provided him with the space to thrive intellectually while experiencing a sense of belonging.
“This balance of rigorous research, supportive mentorship, and a collaborative community reminded me of the environment I grew up in,” he said. "It gave me the confidence and motivation to pursue ambitious goals.”
Leading and encouraging Elangovan's pursuit of his goals was his major professor and mentor, university distinguished professor, Dr. Jun Li. Instilling a sense of curiosity and inspiring Elangovan to ask deeper questions. Dr. Li’s passion for the field of electrochemistry and energy storage technologies fueled Elangovan’s focus.
The collective mentorship he received from Dr. Li and professors in the chemistry department helped him develop the skills needed to effectively communicate his findings to a broad audience. Through interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration across departments, Elangovan grew significantly not only as a scientist but as an engaged researcher. This skill set became a huge asset during his transition from academia to industry.
“In graduate school, the emphasis is often on deep exploration and understanding every detail,” Elangovan recalled. “But, in industry, the priority shifts to delivering practical solutions quickly and efficiently.” Collaboration becomes more cross-functional, and results are centered around meeting business goals. The ability to align project results and communicate clearly with a variety of stakeholders is crucial. The leadership experience gained in graduate school from getting involved in various student organizations helped him grow as a communicator, team player, and mentor.
The foundations he built during his time in graduate school at K-State continue to inspire his commitment to innovation to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Elangovan graduated from Kansas State University with his PhD in Chemistry in 2020.
“What defines success for me today is not just what I achieve,” he stated, “but how my work contributes to something larger.”
Today, Elangovan works as a Battery Cell Engineer for Apple, Inc. Translating his scientific knowledge into practical solutions that serve societal needs.
Guiding Scholars and building Community
To excel at a high level, graduate students need a strong, multifaceted support system. Recognizing this, we established a mentoring program designed to extend beyond the classroom, fostering professional growth and community engagement. This initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the K-State Graduate School, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Executive Business Leaders group.
One of the main catalysts that brought this program to life is Dr. Cheryl Grice, Director of Community Engagement at Kansas State University and chair of the workforce advisory committee for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Grice knew the perfect group of people to serve as mentors: the Chamber’s Established Business Leaders.
"By integrating community-based mentorship into the graduate experience, the Graduate School at Kansas State University fosters deeper connections between students and society, while cultivating change makers who are equipped to lead with purpose, compassion, and competence,” Grice stated.
Abeena Damuah, a graduate student pursuing her doctoral degree in agriculture economics, was a participant in the pilot mentor program. As an international graduate student, outside of her regular routine of home, office, gym, church, and back home, Damuah had a limited connection to the Manhattan community.
“I didn’t realize just how much I was missing until I stepped into this program,” Damuah said. She noted that a huge part of what made her experience so meaningful was her mentor. “His encouragement and insight helped me grow in ways I had not anticipated.”
Kenneth Steensma, a member of the Chambers Established Business Leaders group, served as a mentor to four first-year international graduate students. He quickly recognized the impact this program had on his mentees.
“First-year international graduate students land in the U.S. and immediately ‘set up house’ and begin a new graduate study program, all while trying to manage a new culture.” Steensma said. “This program empowers new graduate students to help resolve obstacles, increase their readiness to succeed, and meaningfully connect with opportunities in the Manhattan business community.”
George Kandt, from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, stated “the mentor program opens up the spirit of community that we enjoy in Manhattan and eases the stressors for many of our graduate students.”
Supporting our graduate students in every aspect of their experience is a large part of the mission of the Graduate School. The program has created a platform for ongoing collaboration between the Graduate School and the Manhattan business community while simultaneously “raising awareness about the depth of talent and research taking place at the graduate level,” Kandt said.
“Overall, the mentoring program exposed me to new experiences that broadened my perspective, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and connected me to a vibrant network of people and opportunities.” Damuah stated.
To alumni considering mentorship, know your voice can make a lasting impact. “Graduate students are often seeking more than academic success. They are looking for belonging, direction, and real-life wisdom,” Grice said. “Your journey has value, just as it is. There is someone who can learn from your lived experiences. What matters most is showing up with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine willingness to listen.”
Overall, the pilot mentoring program was a success and was very well received by the graduate student participants and the mentors. The Graduate School and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce will continue the program in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Over the past 5 years the Graduate School has seen a 133% average increase in participation at K-State research forums
By presenting their work locally, nationally, and internationally, graduate students help create awareness of the important and groundbreaking work they and our graduate faculty are doing.
Annually, over 400 graduate students present their work at national and international conferences
Research and the State Fall 2024
3MT - Spring 2025
Watch the 2025 awardees presentations and volunteer to be a judge
KGRAD- Spring 2025
Capitol Graduate Research Summit - Spring 2025
These events not only strengthen your communication skills but also expand your professional network, opening doors for future collaborations and career opportunities.
-Conrad Schelkopf, doctoral student in pathobiology
Read the K-State Today article showcasing our 2025 CGRS presenters
Conversations with the First Lady
Over the last few years, the Graduate School has been building our leadership role in advocating for and developing initiatives to support holistic graduate student success, which includes their personal well-being. Much of this work is accomplished through strong partnerships across the university. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we built a partnership with First Lady Sally Linton to support graduate student mental health.
Oftentimes, mental health becomes a silent battle for graduate students. When we begin to tell ourselves false stories, that we are the only ones struggling, it becomes difficult to reach out for help. While naming your fears and struggles is a great first step to challenge the negative voices, by opening the conversation and hearing that others also experience similar struggles, we create space for connection and support.
First Lady Linton has been a champion for student well-being at K-State. She chairs K-State’s Committee for a Health-Promoting University, which is charged with leading strategic efforts to infuse health promotion into the university’s mission, ensuring well-being support for all K-State students, faculty, and staff. The First Lady has also built her own ADHD+ Executive Function coaching business, is a registered yoga teacher, and is certified in K-12 mindfulness.
Last fall, the Graduate School and Graduate Student Council hosted a conversation on mental health between First Lady Linton and graduate students. In the spring, the First Lady welcomed approximately 30 graduate students to the President’s Residence for a similar lunch-time conversation.
The gatherings were created with the intention of fostering a welcoming space where graduate students could openly share their experiences and concerns, while learning well-being best practices and skills from First Lady Linton and from one another. Graduate students felt seen and supported by upper leadership about their challenges. Together, they shared coping strategies, fostering a stronger sense of community.
Conversations like these are a crucial step in dismantling the stigma around mental health, ensuring that graduate students feel empowered to seek the support they need. By continuing to foster open dialogue and support one another, we can create lasting change in how mental health is understood and addressed in the graduate student experience. We value acknowledgement of graduate student mental health needs.
Graduate School Wins extra funding during the First K-State DAY OF GIVING
This spring, K-State along with the Kansas State University Foundation, launched the inaugural Day of Giving. A moment for the K-State family to come together and celebrate all the things that make K-State special. From academic programs to student success and innovative research, wildcats from around the world had the opportunity to share their pride for all things K-State.
The Graduate School highlighted two major initiatives for supporters to rally behind: The Student Parent Success Initiative and the Graduate Education Enhancement.
By the end of the 24-hour event, the Graduate School had secured over $1,900 in funding from 37 donors to support graduate student success. Adding to the day, each hour provided opportunities for colleges and units across campus to receive additional funding.
Thanks to our amazing staff, the Graduate School won the 9AM Power Hour Challenge by recording the most faculty and staff donors across the whole university! With this award came an additional $1,500 in funding for the Graduate School, bringing our total raised that day to just under $3,500. These funds are going directly to initiatives for graduate student success.
The Parent Success Scholarship
Jennifer Maitland, a proud mother of two children, Sean (23) and Emily (14), is currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling and Student Development at Kansas State University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education at four-year institutions, Jennifer is no stranger to the ups and downs that come with pursuing a higher education degree.
Like so many other graduate students who are raising a family, the decision to pursue a graduate degree came with uncertainty and sacrifice. However, the possibility of providing their families with a better future became the deciding factor.
Jenifer speaks for the countless graduate student parents who told us balancing graduate school and parenthood presents numerous challenges, including financial stress, time constraints, and the unseen emotional burden of managing multiple roles.
After hearing stories of struggles from our graduate students, we asked, how can the Graduate School support these families?
Our faithful donors answered the call when the Graduate School partnered with the KSU Foundation in 2021 to initiate fundraising for the Graduate Student Parent Success Scholarship. The Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of graduate student parents, allowing them time to focus on their education and professional advancement instead of deciding between a second job and spending time with their families.
Since spring 2022, donor contributions and internal funds have enabled us to support 175 applicants with scholarships up to $1,000. The demand spans a wide range of academic disciplines at both the master’s and doctoral levels. While financial support for daycare is the most common need among graduate student parents, they also need support for healthcare, food, education for their children, and clothing.
Although we’ve been able to assist 53% of applicants, current resources allow us to meet only 40% of their reported monthly needs. Even so, the initiative has made a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of those we’ve reached. We have received countless letters from recipients of the scholarship praising the financial assistance, but, even more so, the encouragement and validation they feel: The feeling that others believe in their journey.
Jennifer recalled the power that belief provided her, “The Parent Success Scholarship came at exactly the right time. It did more than provide financial assistance, it offered me breathing room, peace of mind.”
Every graduate parent who receives the Parent Success Scholarship carries forward a story of determination, sacrifice, and resilience. Your support is more than a donation; it's a declaration that their dreams matter, that their journey is seen and valued. Join us in lifting these scholars and their families—invest in their future by giving today. Together, we build a legacy of success.
Want to get involved with the Grad School?
Connect with grad students this Fall at our upcoming events
- Participate as a judge during Research and the State - October 2025
- Monthly Grad Chats (Virtual or In-Person)
- Share your story with us to be featured in the next Alumni Newsletter
To learn more about any of these opportunities send us a message to: grad@ksu.edu