Kansas State University (K-State) is a public research university located in Manhattan, Kansas. It was founded in 1863 as the first land-grant institution in the United States under the Morrill Act. K-State has a total enrollment of over 22,000 students and offers more than 250 undergraduate majors and 165 graduate programs across nine colleges and schools.
K-State is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and veterinary medicine. The university also has a strong commitment to research, with annual research expenditures of over $200 million. K-State is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Biosecurity Research Institute and the Konza Prairie Biological Station.
K-State’s athletic teams, known as the Wildcats, compete in the Big 12 Conference at the NCAA Division I level. The football team has won two conference championships and has appeared in 22 bowl games. The men’s basketball team has won 18 conference championships and has appeared in 31 NCAA Tournaments.
K-State has a strong commitment to community engagement and service. The university’s motto, “a community of scholars,” reflects its belief that education is a collaborative effort that involves students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. K-State students, faculty, and staff are involved in a wide range of community service projects and outreach programs, including the K-State Proud program, which raises funds to support students facing financial challenges.
Kansas State University
If you want to know more about Kansas State University, it’s surely a good idea to look at these 27 interesting facts about Kansas State University.
- K-State was the first public institution of higher education in Kansas.
- The university was originally named Kansas State Agricultural College.
- K-State was the first college in the nation to offer a degree program in bakery science.
- The university has a statue of its beloved mascot, Willie the Wildcat, located on campus.
- K-State is the oldest public university in the state of Kansas.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
- The College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State is one of the top programs in the country.
- The K-State marching band, known as “The Pride of Wildcat Land,” has performed at several prestigious events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- K-State has produced several notable alumni, including actor Eric Stonestreet, astronaut Steve Hawley, and NFL player Jordy Nelson.
- The university’s athletic teams have won 78 conference championships.
- The K-State football team has a winning record against its in-state rival, the University of Kansas.
- The university’s campus is home to several museums and galleries, including the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art.
- K-State has a strong program in entomology and is home to the largest insect collection in the region.
- The university is home to a number of research centers, including the Center for Sustainable Energy and the Center for Hazardous Substance Research.
- K-State is one of only two universities in the country to have a Department of Grain Science and Industry.
- The university’s library system is home to over 2 million volumes.
- K-State has a strong tradition of military service, with many alumni serving in the armed forces.
- The university’s mascot, Willie the Wildcat, was originally named Touchdown.
- K-State has a strong program in nuclear engineering and is one of only a few universities in the country to have a research reactor on campus.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and has been recognized for its efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
- K-State’s Division of Continuing Education offers a wide range of online degree programs and professional development courses.
- The university’s campus is home to several notable works of public art, including a sculpture by artist Jim Sanborn.
- K-State has a strong program in food science and is home to the Food Science Institute.
- The university has a long-standing tradition of excellence in agriculture, with many alumni going on to successful careers in the field.
- K-State is home to a number of student organizations and clubs, including the Wildcat Equestrian Team and the K-State Marching Band.
- The university’s mascot, Willie the Wildcat, has been ranked among the top college mascots in the country.
- K-State is a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization that recognizes the top research universities in North America.
Kansas State University is a vibrant and innovative institution that has played an important role in the state of Kansas and beyond. With a commitment to excellence in research, education, and service, K-State has produced generations of leaders in fields ranging from agriculture to architecture, and from engineering to entomology. The university’s strong tradition of military service, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to diversity and inclusion make it a unique and welcoming community for students, faculty, and staff alike. Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree in a cutting-edge field or simply want to be part of a dynamic and supportive community, K-State offers something for everyone.
