Kansas State University (KSU) is a public research university located in Manhattan, Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1863 as the state’s land-grant institution under the Morrill Act. KSU is known for its strong academic programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, and it is the oldest public university in the state of Kansas.
Today, KSU has four distinct campuses throughout the state of Kansas, with the main campus located in Manhattan. The university offers over 250 undergraduate majors and more than 150 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in various fields. KSU has a diverse student body, with over 22,000 students enrolled from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
KSU is also known for its research, with over $200 million in research expenditures annually. The university is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Biosecurity Research Institute, the National Gas Machinery Laboratory, and the Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine. KSU is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in a variety of fields.
History
Founding
Kansas State University (K-State) can trace its roots back to February 9, 1858, when the founding settlers of Manhattan, led by Issac, Goodnow, and Joseph Denison, obtained a charter from the Territory of Kansas creating Bluemont Central College. The charter’s objective was to establish an agricultural department in addition to the literary department of arts and sciences. The college’s name was changed to Kansas State Agricultural College in 1863, and it became the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Kansas.
Expansion and Growth
K-State continued to expand and grow, and in 1901, the college’s name was changed to Kansas State Agricultural College and Experiment Station to reflect its focus on research. By 1915, the college had grown to include nine schools and colleges, and in 1931, it became Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. The college became a university in 1959 and was renamed Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.
Recent Developments
Today, K-State is a public research university with its main campus in Manhattan, Kansas. It is home to over 22,000 students and offers more than 250 undergraduate majors and options, 65 master’s degrees, and 45 doctoral degrees. K-State is known for its research in areas such as food safety and security, global food systems, animal health, and cancer research. In recent years, K-State has also made significant investments in infrastructure, including the construction of new research facilities and the renovation of existing buildings to support its growing student population and research programs.
Overall, K-State has a rich history of providing high-quality education and conducting groundbreaking research, and it continues to be a leader in higher education and research today.
Academics
Kansas State University is renowned for excellence in its numerous academic offerings, outstanding faculty, and groundbreaking research. The university offers over 250 undergraduate majors and options, 43 graduate certificates, 73 master’s degree programs, 39 doctoral degree programs, and 4 educational doctoral programs.
Colleges and Schools
K-State is organized into nine colleges: Agriculture, Architecture, Planning & Design, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Each college offers a wide range of majors and programs to students. The university also has a Graduate School, which coordinates graduate education and research across all colleges.
Research Programs
K-State is a research-intensive university with a strong commitment to solving real-world problems. The university has over 90 research centers and institutes that focus on a wide range of topics, including food safety and security, energy, health, and environmental sustainability. K-State is also home to the Biosecurity Research Institute, which is one of the few high-containment research facilities in the world.
Student Life
K-State offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience. The university has over 475 student organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and service organizations. K-State also has a thriving athletics program, with 16 varsity sports teams that compete in the Big 12 Conference. The university’s campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, Kansas, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. K-State also offers a wide range of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and suites.