Allen County will host a delegation from Kansas State University Oct. 4 and 5, as university leaders plan to visit Humboldt and Iola as part of a university initiative to better understand and assist the diverse communities it serves.
Arranged in coordination with Southwind Extension District, the two-day tour will allow community members a unique opportunity to speak directly with K-State leadership.
“We want people to have an open dialogue with K-State administration and give input as to how K-State can better serve them,” said Krista Harding, Southwind Extension District director. “Individuals will also hear about how K-State supports local communities in Kansas.”
Events are free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP and can do so at k-state.edu/allen-county.
Humboldt’s Karen Works, a K-State alumna, is also helping coordinate the visit.
THINGS kick off Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. with a community forum at B&W Trailer Hitches’ The Hub in Humboldt.
Guests will hear from university leaders and local students Brody Nemecek and Allison Heim, who both study at K-State. The forum’s goal is to understand how K-State can better serve Allen County, and how communities here can ensure future Wildcats succeed on campus. Bring your questions and concerns; the event will focus on creating dialogue. Might as well bring your sweet tooth, too; there will be free K-State Call Hall ice cream.
Thursday will feature a series of smaller community conversations on varying topics. Starting at 9 a.m. at Humboldt’s Revival Music Hall, representatives from A Bolder Humboldt and K-State will share what Humboldt and towns across the state are doing to create innovative and thriving communities.
At 11 a.m., head to Allen Community College for a forum on what postsecondary increase student learning and growth. And after lunch, a conversation at the Southwind Extension District’s Iola office at 1006 N. State Street will focus on the affordable housing crisis. Representatives from Thrive Allen County, SEK Inc., and others will explore solutions.
THE tour of Allen County is the first of four planned by the university this fall. Last academic year, K-State officials visited nine communities, including a trip to Crawford County.
The university initiative also seeks to help communities better understand the role their Extension Districts play.
“We’re present in all 105 counties in Kansas,” said Harding. “But when most people think of their Extension office, they just think of 4-H. We’re so much more. We are here to serve all of our residents in all of our districts, whether that be with agriculture, assistance towards families, community vitality, and more.
“We want to be responsive and help provide research-based information,” Harding continued. “A lot of times Google can’t provide relevant answers here in southeast Kansas. The local Extension office can offer a personalized touch.”
