Alumni in academia: K-State grads who teach at K-State
Tara L. Coleman ’02, Lonnie Hobbs Jr. ’19, ’23 and Ashley Rhodes ’01, ’04, ’13 all
know what it’s like to sit on both ends of the classroom at K-State: first as students,
ready to learn, and later as instructors, guiding the students occupying the same
types of desks they once sat in.
More than 1,800 K-State graduates work at the university, including those who serve
as instructors. The purple pride that inspired them as students still inspires them
today, and their experiences as learners in the classroom shape them as they now shape
the next generation of K-Staters.
We asked these three K-State grads who teach at the university to share more about
their journey from K-State student to instructor:
Tara L. Coleman ’02
Coleman is a professor; program services coordinator for Kansas State University Libraries;
and the K-State First Book coordinator.
What are some of the most important things you learned during your time as a student
at K-State?
I learned a lot of things as a K-State student. As an English major, I learned how
to become a better communicator. My classes taught me how to analyze information,
be a critical thinker, gather credible information, and share my thoughts logically
and thoughtfully.
I also learned how to make friends in a new town, what it takes to be a good employee
and colleague, and the value of helping others and accepting help myself.
How do you think your experience as a student at K-State shaped or impacted you as
a teacher today?
I had a great college experience because of the supportive and passionate faculty,
staff and friends I encountered daily. People took an interest in me and supported
my needs and interests. From my professors to the librarians, everyone I interacted
with showed an infectious enthusiasm that inspired and fostered my personal and academic
growth.
As a learner, I thrive when given options and the autonomy to direct my learning journey.
Sometimes, that meant writing an essay comparing a classic piece of literature to
Star Trek, and sometimes, it meant hanging out with my friends instead of studying, with the
occasional accompanying consequences.
I strive to create a similar environment for my students. I let students know how
happy I am to work with them and share my passion for the subject. I encourage creativity
and allow them to take ownership of their learning, empowering them to participate
actively in the educational process.
Considering your experiences first as a student and now as an educator, what do you
think makes K-State stand out as an institution?
I was fortunate to be in the classroom with engaging scholars, live in residence halls
with welcoming housing staff, and work with amazing library professionals who were
happy I was at K-State. We put students first and do our best to help them be successful.
What are your favorite parts about teaching and interacting with students?
I love working with students, especially first-year students. Their enthusiasm and
openness to new experiences create an almost visible buzz on campus.
What's the most important thing you hope your students will take away from their time
with you in the classroom?
I want students to know I'm invested in their well-being and success at K-State and
in the future. I can't do everything, but I've been here long enough to point them
in the right direction if they need guidance or support. I also want them to know
that I'm really happy they're at K-State, and we're a better place because they are
students here.
Lonnie Hobbs Jr. ’19, ’23
Hobbs is an assistant professor in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics.
What are some of the most important things you learned during your time as a student
at K-State?
At K-State, two key lessons have been instrumental to my success. First, prioritization
is essential. As a student, numerous things competed for my attention. However, to
thrive, I learned to focus on the most important tasks like classes, studying and
research. Secondly, proactivity is crucial. My mentor, Dr. Zelia Wiley, constantly
reinforced, "you must prepare for war in the time of peace." This means preparing
for the future now so that when it arrives, you're ready. These two lessons have been
my keys to success.
How do you think your experience as a student at K-State shaped or impacted you as
a teacher today?
My student experience has influenced my teaching. In graduate school, I was fortunate
enough to co-teach the GENAG 210 course with my mentor, Dr. Zelia Wiley. This experience
helped me understand course development, management and effective student engagement.
Later, I had the opportunity to be the primary instructor for an Ag Econ course (AGEC
420). This role helped me find my teaching style and define the type of instructor
I wanted to become. Additionally, teaching AGEC 420 allowed me to reflect on my past
instructors, incorporating teaching methods I admired and avoiding those I did not.
Considering your experiences first as a student and now as an educator, what do you
think makes K-State stand out as an institution?
K-State stands out to me because of the resources and opportunities it provides for
students. From internships, industry connections, organizations and resource offices,
K-State is a great place to be a student and faculty member. Specifically, in the
College of Agriculture, the College of Ag Diversity Programs Office (DPO) is the primary
reason for me coming to K-State, being successful while at K-State, and was a big
factor in my decision to stay at K-State. The mentorship, connections and opportunities
to grow as a professional are only a few of the many things provided by the DPO that
have helped me and many other students to be successful.
Additionally, the support of the college and the Agricultural Economics department
made my decision to join K-State as a faculty member an easy one. The college and
Ag Econ department have been very supportive in my teaching and research area. The
level of mentorship offered by the veteran faculty members, advice and connections
provided by the leadership, and opportunities to represent the college and department
at various levels have helped me to be a better educator and researcher.
What are your favorite parts about teaching and interacting with students?
I enjoy engaging with my students. In my class, I aim to foster a learning environment
where everyone can express themselves. I allocate time for casual conversation and
provide opportunities for everyone to share their experiences. We laugh, debate and
have a great time. This approach helps to create a comfortable setting where students
aren't afraid to ask questions or express when they don't understand. Most importantly,
it helps me build rapport with them, making them feel comfortable approaching me with
issues outside of class as well. I love being a teacher and connecting with students.
This aspect is a significant part of why I love my job.
What's the most important thing you hope your students will take away from their time
with you in the classroom?
My main goal for every student is to leave my class with a better understanding of
themselves. This could mean recognizing their strengths and weaknesses relating to
the coursework, understanding the importance of clarifying assumptions in conversations,
gaining the confidence to express themselves freely, or learning to value others.
Ultimately, I aim to impart lessons that will help them succeed in life. The teachers
who left a lasting impression on me were not necessarily those who excelled in teaching
a subject, but those who taught me something about myself or life that I still apply
today. My aspiration is to be that kind of teacher for my students.
Ashley Rhodes ’01, ’04, ’13
Rhodes is a teaching professor in K-State’s Division of Biology.
What are some of the most important things you learned during your time as a student
at K-State?
Not being from a rural background, I think one of the things that was most striking
when I started at K-State was the rural mindset that just permeated everything in
the best of ways. For example, there was just this automatic assumption that everyone
is welcome and has something to contribute but also has a responsibility to pass it
on. Help the next person, do good work, be honest, put your best self forward, clean
up after yourself, and take responsibility when things do not go well. These were
all taught in a friendly manner and made you think, "I want to be like that!"
How do you think your experience as a student at K-State shaped or impacted you as
a teacher today?
I remember watching my professors jump in and help wherever needed. No job was too
small or beneath them, it was just part of doing what needed to be done. I think that
left a big impact on me — do not assume it's someone else's job. If it needs to be
done, do it. As an educator at K-State today, I try my best to keep that momentum
going. I think students need to see educators modeling professional behavior both
in and outside of the classroom and it's interesting how many of them notice the small
things you do in the classroom or lab.
Considering your experiences first as a student and now as an educator, what do you
think makes K-State stand out as an institution?
I think one of the most interesting things about K-State is that it's a big place
with so many talented people and well-known programs. And yet, it's friendly and there's
an expectation to be friendly. Having been on other campuses where this is glaringly
absent, it changes how you start to see yourself or your place on campus. It's not
as motivating to be there.
What are your favorite parts about teaching and interacting with students?
It's really interesting to observe how students approach new information, especially
if it is complex and seems intimidating at first. I enjoy helping them work through
difficult concepts and find ways to be successful and confident going forward. Will
they remember all the details I covered? No, unlikely! But if I can help them see
that learning is a process, and the end goal isn't memorization of facts or a single
test grade, then I feel like I have made at least some lasting impact on their ability
to be successful in the future and I really love that.
What's the most important thing you hope your students will take away from their time
with you in the classroom?
Don't be afraid to try new things or take on difficult challenges but also know that
failure is part of it and sometimes is the best teacher.