K-State Salina Awards & Recognition

K-State Salina faculty, staff and students make notable contributions to the campus, university, community and professional body. The following awards recognize the outstanding achievement of our employees, faculty, staff and students, in their teaching, scholarship and impact on the culture of K-State Salina.

K-State Salina is proud to recognize these individuals for their excellence and dedication.

 

Rex and Jean McArthur Family Faculty Award

The Rex and Jean McArthur Family Faculty Award honors a distinguished K-State Salina faculty member who demonstrates teaching excellence in the classroom and a commitment to research and innovation, as well as honorable service to the college, university, and community.

2024 Recipient
	Michael Oetken Assistant Professor and Graduate Faculty in Computer Systems Technology, Cyber Human Systems and Digital Media Oetken has research interests in immersive technologies that are well aligned with K-State Salina's strategic direction and is consistently willing to take on new projects and responsibilities. Oetken is also the campus's Faculty Senate Caucus Chair.

 

Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence

The Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence acknowledges a K-State Salina faculty member for their exemplary service to students, commitment in the classroom and overall excellence in teaching. Recipients promote excellence in education with a focus on the development of students’ talents and abilities.

2024 Recipient

Travis Balthazor Instructor in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Deputy Director of Applied Aviation Research Center Balthazor is recognized for navigating two major curriculum changes to ensure the UAS program keeps pace with the rapidly advancing industry needs. Balthazor has a tremendous commitment to both noncredit education and research. He has showcased leadership in helping to promote K-State Salina's UAS program at a national level.

 

Delker Faculty Excellence Award

The Delker Faculty Excellence Award recognizes a K-State Salina faculty member for developing innovative courses and curricula. Recipients demonstrate a passion for improving student learning opportunities and innovation in academics.

2024 Recipient
	Julia Morse Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Technology Morse developed innovated courses and curricula in flexible course modalities — hybrid and Hyflex — to accommodate business internship students and multicampus students while maintaining K-State Salina's strengths as a solution-based, engagement-oriented campus.

 

Kansas State University Salina Professional Staff of the Year

The Kansas State University Salina Professional Staff of the Year award recognizes excellence and outstanding effort by an unclassified professional staff member. Professional Staff of the Year recipients are acknowledged for their exemplary contributions to the mission and values of K-State Salina through their commitment to service, productivity, innovation, leadership, and/or belonging.

2024 Recipient
	Alyssa Wendel Director of Student Affairs Wendel is the inaugural recipient of this award. Her compassion, drive and persistence make her a quality leader for her unit and campus. Wendel displays professionalism, grit and hope in navigating the procedural and personal challenges that her role requires, and consistently demonstrated the core values of K-State Salina.

 

 

Kansas State University Salina University Support Staff of the Year

The program provides an employee award and recognition system authorized by K.S.A. 75-37, 105. The program is designed to recognize an employee's contribution to the objectives of Kansas State University through excellence in performance and service.

2024 Recipient
	Michelle Brockelman Custodial Specialist Brockelman is a consistent and quality custodial services professional and goes above and beyond with her service to campus. Brockelman often volunteers her personal time to assist in activities well beyond her required duties.

Kansas State University Salina Student Employee of the Year

The K-State Salina Student Employee of the Year award recognizes the invaluable services student employees perform for our campus. Recipients demonstrate reliability, initiative, and professionalism and leave a lasting imprint on those they serve.

2024 Recipient
	Bryce Griffin Graduate student, Integrated Systems Design and Dynamics Griffin interacts with those around him with a great attitude. On top of soft skills, he also takes the time to learn hard skills well, even volunteering and requesting to be trained on things that don't necessarily fall into his responsibilities.