College of Arts and Sciences Renewal

Looking to the future for the college

The College of Arts and Sciences is entering an important period of change and opportunity. As K-State’s largest and most academically diverse college, Arts and Sciences plays a central role in providing students with a comprehensive education and advancing research, creative activity, community engagement, and workforce development.

Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, the college will undertake a comprehensive process to reimagine how it is organized and how it operates. This work will identify a forward-looking organizational structure and operating model that strengthens support for faculty, staff and students; uses college resources effectively and sustainably; encourages collaboration across disciplines and units; and aligns the college with K-State’s broader institutional priorities.

The process will be overseen by Cynthia Warrick, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with the Office of the Provost and directly guided by a committee of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff. The ultimate goal is to establish a new organizational structure and clear operational path for the college by the end of the academic year.

A&S Renewal Committee (ARC)

The process will be supported by the A&S Renewal Committee, or ARC. The committee will include representatives from the Office of the Dean, each of the college's three main academic areas, the College Committee on Planning, and K-State Faculty Senate.

  • Christie Launius, Associate Dean (chair)
  • Ben Stark, Assistant Dean
  • Marcellus Caldas, School Head
  • Brian Geisbrecht, Department Head
  • Karin Westman, Department Head
  • Jeff Zamostny, Department Head
  • Cath Harris, Budget/Fiscal Officer
  • Gabriel Bachura, CCOP Staff Representative
  • James K. Davis, CCOP Representative, HFA
  • Bret Flanders, CCOP Representative, QNS
  • Don Saucier, CCOP Representative, SBS
  • Phill Vardiman, Faculty Senate VP
  • Elaine Johannes, FSCOUP
  • Angel George, Human Resources (ex officio)

ARC will work with Emergent Method, the external management consulting firm that supported the development of K-State’s strategic plan, to examine the college’s current structure, engage the college community, consider potential organizational models, and develop recommendations.

Process and timeline

The process will take place throughout the 2026-2027 academic year and will include:

  • Reviewing the college’s current organizational structure and operations
  • Engaging faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders
  • Evaluating potential organizational models
  • Developing recommendations for the college’s future structure.

Additional information about key dates, engagement opportunities, and major milestones will be provided as the process moves forward. Shared documents will be linked below.

We want to hear from you.

Meaningful engagement will be essential to this process. Throughout this process, we will conduct anonymous interviews, surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups. Please respond to any requests for your participation. Your feedback is essential to how we set our future vision, goals, priorities, and strategies for success.

Access feedback submission form

Regular updates will be provided throughout the academic year, including information about opportunities to participate, major milestones, and emerging recommendations. While not every individual suggestion can be incorporated, all feedback will be considered as the college evaluates its options and makes decisions about its future.

Thank you for your participation in this process!