“It makes a huge statement about the research and publication productivity of our faculty, especially considering the size of our department’s graduate faculty and who our competition is,” said Deb Canter, department head.

Graduate education and research lauded

Canter said the ranking puts the department closer to being recognized as an international pacesetter in food service and hospitality management graduate education and research.

According to Canter, the K-State ranking goes to show that a small number of focused researchers can make a big difference as many of the programs ranked ahead of K-State have more researchers and a different focus.

“I am extremely proud of the focus and productivity of our faculty,” she said. “We have 15 doctoral students, five master’s students, a new online master’s degree in dietetics and more than 500 undergraduate students. To teach, advise and mentor all these students with a small faculty and still get rated at this level for our research productivity to me is very heartwarming.”

The article, written by researchers at the University of Central Florida, includes an analysis of the scholarly contributions of researchers from each institution to 11 prominent hospitality and tourism journals from 2002 to 2006. The authors counted the number of articles, article instances and the number of contributing authors, also categorizing them by world region.

Tops in publishing

The journals surveyed were: The Annals of Tourism Research, The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, The Florida International University Hospitality Review, The International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, The International Journal of Hospitality Management, The Journal of Hospitality and Leisure Marketing, The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, The Journal of Travel Research, The Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing and The Journal of Tourism Management.

“For several years, our faculty and graduate students have garnered numerous ‘best paper’ awards at professional conferences focused on hospitality management research,” Canter said. “We have been building our reputation for a long time. To finally see us recognized in a peer-refereed journal in this way is most gratifying.”

Virginia Moxley, dean of the College of Human Ecology, said the ranking highlights the outstanding scholarship of faculty in the department of hospitality management and dietetics.

Researchers, teachers and leaders

“We expect great things of our faculty and this ranking illustrates how they exceed our expectations,” she said. “These researchers are also fine teachers and professional leaders. The scholarly contributions represented in this body of work have advanced knowledge in hospitality and food-service management worldwide.”

Canter said one area the study didn’t take into account was her department’s research commitment to the issue of food safety.

“A major research priority for our department is in the area of food safety. We focus on challenges of safe food handling in commercial and noncommercial food-service operations where the public consumes more than half of their meals,” Canter said. “The journals that were scanned for the purpose of this article are not typically places where food safety research is published. Thus, our faculty members are even more productive than this article reveals.”

Download the article in Adobe Reader format from SAGE Publications.

Prepared by Media Relations

She will be a full professor with tenure in the Department of Human Nutrition here.

Mason succeeds M. Duane Nellis, who left K-State in June to become president of the University of Idaho. Associate Provost Ruth Dyer has served as interim provost.

“Dr. Mason brings a wealth of experience to Kansas State, and I am very excited to have her join our leadership team,” said K-State President Kirk Schulz.

“She has been successful in teaching, research and service. She works well with faculty, students and staff members and we believe she will be an excellent provost and senior vice president for Kansas State University,” said John English, search committee chairman and dean of engineering.

Food science, nutrition professor at CSU

Mason has been dean at Colorado State since August 2004. She oversees the operations of six departments and three schools with about 100 tenure track faculty, many special appointment and adjunct faculty, 4,000 undergraduates and 850 graduate students. She also is a professor in the department of food science and human nutrition. Before joining Colorado State, Mason was associate dean for extension and associate dean for discovery and engagement in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences at Purdue University. As a faculty member in foods and nutrition at Purdue, she conducted research in the area of trace mineral availability from plant foods. She also taught in the cooperative extension program at Purdue for 20 years.

She is Colorado State’s representative to the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities’ Board on Human Sciences, where she has been on the executive committee since 2005 and board chair beginning this year.

Mason is author or co-author of 24 refereed publications, 40 published research abstracts and seven book chapters and proceedings. Her research has been supported by more than $12 million in grants in the past 10 years, and includes numerous grants from agencies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Research on plant-based food nutrients

Her current research focuses on the availability of key nutrients from plant based food products, which provide critical calories and essential nutrients to a large proportion of the world’s population. She also presents lectures on food safety and food security.

She is a member of numerous academic, professional and scholarly societies including Sigma Xi; American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; Institute of Food Technologists; American Society for Nutritional Sciences; Epsilon Sigma Phi extension fraternity; and Gamma Sigma Delta.

She attended the Overseas School of Rome in Italy before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in plant physiology and a Ph.D. in foods and nutrition from Purdue University.

This award honors national leadership that advances the human sciences in higher education. Moxley is cited for career accomplishments that include her leadership in the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance — which, since its inception in 1994, has grown to a nationwide alliance sponsoring multi-institutional undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Moxley was a founder of the alliance and was the first chair of the Great Plains IDEA Board of Directors. She currently serves as the chair of the Great Plains cabinet, and she administers management services for the alliance.

Moxley’s work with the Great Plains IDEA supported the development of the Great Plains IDEA Model for multi-institutional academic programs which has been replicated by other higher education academic alliances. Moxley co-administers K-State’s Institute for Academic Alliances that provides consultation and management support for higher education alliances nationwide.

Prior to the publication of the 2000 Classification of Instructional Programs by the National Center for Educational Statistics, Moxley led a team of representatives from six professional associations and two federal agencies to implement a major redefinition of the fields of study within the human sciences — the first major correction in four decades.

Additionally Moxley has served as past national president of Omicron Nu Honor Society (now Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society), co-founded the Undergraduate Research Community for the Human Sciences, and helped establish a human sciences program at the National University of Paraguay. She currently serves on the APLU Board on Human Sciences and on the Advisory Panel for the Food and Agriculture Education Information System.

Prepared by K-State media relations and Human Ecology communications

The program allows students to choose classes from a variety of disciplines so they can develop a well-rounded background in human development,

“In addition to the required course work, we offer a large number of elective courses, enabling students to choose among several different areas of emphasis to develop their own unique area of specialization, including early childhood, youth and gerontology,” said Mary DeLuccie, professor of family studies and human services.

The degree will provide students with the knowledge of human development and how it relates to the family. Students also will learn about programs and services that are beneficial in raising the quality of life for individuals and families.

Graduates have a wide field for employment: youth programs, family and community service programs, residential programs, the judicial system, cooperative extension, higher education, elder care facilities and public health programs.

To be eligible for the program, students must have  completed at least 30 credit hours of college course work.

More information about the family studies and human services bachelor’s degree completion program and complete application information are available on the K-State Division for Continuing Education web site.

Because of the program’s success, the National Institutes of Health has extended funding for five years. For the past six years, K-State has partnered with Kansas City Kansas Community College, Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College and Seward County Community College in Liberal to build “bridges” for students to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in the bio-behavioral or biomedical sciences.

Almost 50 students have transferred to K-State since the program began. Nearly 20 have graduated. A number are in graduate school, medical school, optometry or dental school.

Denis M. Medeiros is the director of the program for K-State. Medeiros is head of the department of human nutrition and associate dean for scholarship and research in the College of Human Ecology. Co-investigators of the grant are Anita Cortez, director of K-State’s Developing Scholars Program, and Farrell Webb, associate professor of family studies and human services.

Commitment to minority students

“The award is a testament of the commitment we have to minority students,” Medeiros said. “The College of Human Ecology has worked very hard to enhance minority presence.”

Students are recruited through visits by K-State faculty to the community colleges, an open house day at K-State for students and family of community college students, a one-week intersession where students learn about the scientific process of research inquiry and academic integrity, and an eight-week summer research experience with a faculty mentor.

Mentors span campus

“Faculty across the university have been fantastic as mentors,” Medeiros said. “We have had mentors from human nutrition, family studies and human services, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, veterinary anatomy and physiology, and diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.”

Students are selected based on grades and community college faculty recommendations.

“The number of college-age students is increasingly minority,” Medeiros said. “With African-Americans and especially Latinos increasing in numbers across Kansas, it is important that these programs continue to help develop K-State as a welcoming environment with a critical mass of students from these cultures.

Data shows ’pull effect’

“We are now seeing siblings of previous students come through the program. Moreover, our data suggests a ‘pull effect’ where other minority students are coming to K-State from these communities who are not in Bridges but know of others who are at K-State through this program.”

The new grant allows more funding for the community colleges to help students become more competitive in the bio-behavioral and biomedical sciences through cooperative learning experiences with local science agencies, Medeiros said.

Prepared by Human Ecology communications

The institute opens on Oct. 2. Briana Nelson Goff, professor and associate dean of the College of Human Ecology, serves as director.

How to cope with aftermath of wartime service

“This is a critical time to support military families and to further understand the unique impact these deployments have, particularly when experiencing multiple deployments, extensive exposure to trauma and new issues like traumatic brain injury,” Goff said.

“The institute will structure and organize the various programs already in place that are committed to furthering our knowledge of military families,” she added.

It continues the active partnership among Fort Riley, the Kansas National Guard and K-State to meet the needs of America’s soldiers.

The health and security of military families is among the top priorities and an area of expertise for the School of Family Studies and Human Services. The school was awarded more than $13 million in extramural funding in 2008 for research and programs related to military families. The school and new institute also will connect with the K-State Research and Extension office at Fort Riley, which opened in spring 2009.

Will coordinate researchers, educators, professionals

“This institute represents a culmination of years of research, education and outreach work — and the beginning of new era of discovery and service to the less than 1 percent of our national population that ensures the security of America and our way of life,” said Art DeGroat, K-State’s director of military affairs. “The creation of this institute is profound and will help the nation understand the challenges, demands and support required for our military families.”

The development of the institute began with discussions among several faculty and administrators. It will work to coordinate a multidisciplinary group of researchers, educators and professionals tackling issues including the effects of trauma on deployed personnel and family, and the impact of deployment on marriage, children, employment and family income.

Deployment affects soldiers, families, communities

“Increasingly, for today’s professional military, the aftermath of wartime service has consequences not only for soldiers’ and veterans’ well-being, but for their families and communities,” Goff said.

Besides coordinating efforts in this arena, the institute also will provide K-State students with specialized training on working with military families, conduct comprehensive research on military family issues and provide services to the state of Kansas and the nation that address the current and future needs of military families.

“The Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families will provide an avenue for K-State to become a national leader on the military family and capitalize on the current programs,” Goff said. “It is our plan to develop additional military family research and programs to meet the current and future demands faced by these families.”

The official opening of the Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families will coincide with the College of Human Ecology’s Legacy of Excellence celebration. At the celebration, several military personnel, the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley will be honored with college awards.

Prepared by K-State media relations and Human Ecology communications

The program is also the only one to offer a doctorate to distance students. It is  conducted almost exclusively online, said John Grable, professor of personal financial in the College of Human Ecology. Each summer, students will come to campus for an intensive 10-day course.

“I have never seen a class of students bond so quickly,” said Grable after the summer gathering. “These are all individuals who have the potential to change the way financial planning is taught and studied.”

The fourth summer, students will travel abroad to see firsthand how global markets work and how they affect financial planning in the United States and worldwide.

“Most will teach and conduct research at the university level; others will do consulting, particularly in helping third world nations improve the financial wellness of their populations,” Grable explained.

Among the students is Kurt Schindler, a  resident of Puerto Rico who was one of the first to enroll. “This program structure allows me to do something I have long desired but did not have the flexibility to pursue,” he said. “It fit into my goals, lifestyle and responsibilities.”

Schindler, who has worked in the financial sector for 22 years, said he was ready to take on the academic side of finance. But with deep roots in Puerto Rico, his options were limited.

“I saw the K-State program profiled in a trade magazine and began the application process almost immediately,” he said. “I wanted to be able to understand and participate in the academic perspective of this important profession. I am grateful to have this opportunity.”

Julie Cumbie, Edmond, Okla., is a full-time instructor of finance at the University of Central Oklahoma. She said earning her doctorate would mean real opportunities for promotion.

“I wanted to take my profession to the next level,” she said. “Completion of this program will allow me to be promoted and provide me with the skills to engage in research.”

In the program students learn to solve real-world problems and integrate knowledge about personal finance and relationships. They also will have the opportunity to participate in professional groups, assume professional leadership positions and become involved in teaching, researching and publication, Grable said.

Students can earn their doctorate in as few as five years.

This program also is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which will allow graduates to sit for the certified financial planner exam.

Only one other university offers a doctorate in personal financial planning. More information on the K-State program is available at http://www.ipfp.k-state.edu/programs/doctoral/

Prepared by K-State media relations and Human Ecology communications

Design Journal’s August 2009 report listed 15 schools. K-State was the only public university on the list. Other American institutions were Yale University, The School of Art Institute of Chicago, The Rhode Island School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts of New York.

“It is an honor to be recognized on the international platform for the exceptional interior design program we have here at Kansas State. The hard work of our outstanding faculty and students has resulted in this select reputation,” said Jana Hawley, head of the Department of Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design.

The report includes an interview with Hyung-Chan Kim, assistant professor of apparel, textiles, and interior design. Kim was born in South Korea, and his understanding of Asian interiors has added real-life insight to class assignments for the interior design students, Hawley said.

China is one of the oldest and most continuous civilizations on the plant, so students at K-State can benefit from learning about the country and studying there, according to Meredith.

“In our rapidly changing world where different countries are becoming increasingly reliant on each other, it is of vital importance for each of us to become more aware of other countries and cultures so we can effectively work with them,” Meredith said. “Study abroad experiences are life changing for students and will have positive benefits, both individually and beyond, for years to come.”

This last academic year, nine undergraduates from South China Normal University in Guangzhou, China, came to K-State to study various subjects. In exchange, one K-State student is presently studying at the Chinese school, and many others are considering the opportunity. This coming year, and each following year, 10 more students will be added to the program.

“It is hoped that more K-State students will spend a semester at South China Normal University to learn Chinese language and culture, and that other students will go for shorter periods,” Meredith said.

Faculty and graduate students in K-State’s marriage and family therapy and early childhood education programs, offered through the School of Family Studies and Human Services, also have gone to the Chinese university to conduct research and give presentations. Seven faculty members made the trip to China in May.

“Marriage and family therapy is an emerging field in China and K-State is doing its part to help that field grow,” Meredith said. “The Chinese also are adopting more Western ideas relative to early childhood education. The School of Family Studies and Human Studies is well suited to help them and, in the process, our faculty and students learn from them as well.”

(via K-State Media Relations)

K-State’s Soyoung Lim, doctoral student in human nutrition, Manhattan, is working with George Wang, associate professor of human nutrition at K-State, to understand the pigment effects of a Kansas-bred purple sweet potato on cancer prevention.

Lim said purple sweet potatoes have high contents of anthocyanin, which is a pigment that presents the purple color in the vegetable. The pigment can produce red, blue and purple colors depending on the source’s chemical structure, such as in foods like blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage.

She said anthocyanins have been epidemiologically associated with a reduced cancer risk, but the anti-cancer ability of the purple sweet potato has not been well investigated.

Lim used a sweet potato with pronounced purple flesh and skin that was developed by K-State’s Ted Carey, professor of horticulture, at K-State’s John C. Pair Horticultural Center in Haysville.

“Sometimes we can find purple sweet potatoes in the grocery store, but they don’t have this purple color on the skin and inside,” Lim said.

Three different purple sweet potatoes were used that had varying amounts of anthocyanin for the project. To quantify the amount in each potato, Lim extracted pigments from the vegetables and injected them into an HPLC-MS Analysis, which she said is a method that separates components.

The potatoes were segregated by multiple traits based on flesh pigmentation and fiber contents. The analysis determined that the Kansas-bred potato had significantly higher anthocyanin contents compared to the other potatoes. The analysis also found two derivatives of anthocyanin that were dominant: cyanidin and peonidin, Lim said.

Lim also measured the potatoes’ total phenolic content. Lim said phenols are chemical compounds that have been found to have anti-aging and antioxidant components. The specially bred purple sweet potato had a much higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the other regularly occurring purple sweet potatoes, she said.

The K-State researchers also wanted to see the specific effects of cyanidin and peonidin. Lim treated human colon cancer cells with low concentrations of the pigment derivatives and also studied the effects on the cell cycles.

Cyanidin and peonidin showed significant cell growth inhibition for the cancer cells, but there were no significant changes in the cell cycle. Lim said a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in the Kansas-bred potato could provide scientific evidence of its health benefits.

Lim presented the research at the Experimental Biology Meeting in New Orleans in April. She is doing a follow-up study this summer that will involve treating animal cancer cells with the pigments.

Other contributors to the project include Takeo Iwamoto, research assistant professor of biochemistry at K-State; and K-State students Genna Gehrt, Alma, and Kacey Provenzano, Derby, both May 2009 bachelor’s graduates in nutritional sciences.

Source: Soyoung Lim, psylimi@gmail.com
News release prepared by: Kristin Hodges, 785-532-6415, khodges2@k-state.edu
Media Relations