22 February 2024
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Kansas State University celebrated its state economic impacts at the Capitol Wednesday.
University President Richard Linton shared the results of an economic impact study the university conducted. He says they’re pleased with their findings.
“In the fiscal year of 2023 alone,” Linton said, “Kansas State University contributed a staggering $2.3 billion to the economy in Kansas.”
For Kansas taxpayers, every dollar they contribute to the university, Linton said it brings back $8.57 for the state’s economy. He said supporting Kansans gives him motivation to serve as president.
“What gives me energy is what we can do for the citizens of the state,” he said. “So, I’m incredibly proud of what we’re doing throughout the entirety of this state, making a real difference. At the end of the day, that’s all a president can ever wish for.”
Shortly after Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act of 1862, K-State became the nation’s first official land grant university. The act gave federal land to the states for the purpose of expanding higher education.
K-State Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs and Chief of Staff Marshall Stewart said the point was to invest in rural communities through education.
“People began to understand that if we were going to unlock the potential of society,” he said, “it was going to be through higher education.”
Fast forward to today, Marshall said K-State’s commitment to Kansans remains the same.
“It’s the mentality that we’re here for Kansans,” Marshall said. “We’re not here for ourselves. We’re here to serve the people who invest heavily in our university.”
And the school is doing just that. ‘K-State 105’ is a project Linton kicked off in September of 2022 and will conclude next month when he finishes visiting all 105 counties in Kansas. He said he listened to members of each community for ways the university can serve them better.
Now, he said it’s time for the university and legislators to deliver for Kansans.