K-State President Linton Speaks on Progress at Annual Showcase
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At the Agricultural Business Council’s October luncheon, held on the Kansas State University Olathe campus, President Richard Linton joined the deans of the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine to highlight the university’s achievements since launching its Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan two years ago. The discussion centered on how K-State is preparing to serve new kinds of learners, tackle global challenges, and strengthen Kansas’ economic future.
President Linton shared details of a new program offering a series of graduate certificates designed for professionals seeking specialized skills without pursuing a full degree. These certificates are more affordable than a traditional master’s program and emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to develop expertise across multiple fields.
“2025 is going to be a historic and record-breaking year,” Linton said. Among the milestones he noted:
Total enrollment: 21,213 students this fall
First-time freshmen: 3,788 — the fourth-highest in university history
Research funding: National Science Foundation’s HERD Survey reported a 21.6% increase, reaching $264 million, the highest ever for K-State
State legislative support: $150.4 million — another record
Looking ahead, K-State aims to grow research expenditures to $300 million by 2026 and secure $270 million in competitive research awards. The university also plans to reach a landmark $1 billion in fundraising by 2030.
The luncheon also marked the introduction of Dr. Ernie Minton as head of K-State’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, following the conclusion of his time as Dean of the College of Agriculture. In this new role, Minton will focus on securing funding, engaging stakeholders and donors through the KSU Foundation and overseeing the transition of new facilities from construction to operation.
To date, $186 million of the total $210 million project cost has been secured. “The Agriculture Innovation Initiative is the largest infrastructure project in K-State’s history,” Minton said. “I’m eager to continue advancing K-State as a global leader in value-added grain and livestock-based food systems.”
Dr. Dan Moser, professor and associate dean of the College of Agriculture, is serving as interim dean during the transition.
The Agriculture Innovation Initiative represents a transformative investment in interdisciplinary education, research, and industry partnerships spanning grain, food, animal, and agronomic sciences. It will create new and modernized learning spaces serving more than half of all College of Agriculture students and support the broader Kansas economy, where agriculture contributes an estimated $81 billion annually.