Global Food Systems Leadership

09/12/2026

We were thrilled to welcome Hon. Kemo Gassama to LEAD/GENAG 225 this week. Hon. Gassama represents Lower Baddibu in the National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia.

He spent the class period explaining the importance of viewing issues through a systems-thinking lens and exchanging ideas with students on how The Gambia and the United States use policy to address concerns facing farmers, the agricultural industry, and food systems.

We appreciate Hon. Kemo Gassama taking the time to visit with one of our classes and giving students the opportunity to engage with a global leader in the food system!

09/08/2026

Welcome Olalekan Sipasi, our new director of Global Food Systems Leadership. This spring Mary Kay Siefers, our former director, passed the torch to Dr. Sipasi. We first met him at the Staley School as a Mandela Fellow in 2019. Sipasi founded ProtectOzone Sustainable Livelihood Initiative, a nonprofit in Nigeria that supports sustainable agriculture practices to combat poverty and food insecurity.

After earning his Ph. D. at K-State, he has returned to strengthen GFSL as a collaborative platform that prepares emerging leaders to contribute to more resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems.

Learn more about Dr. Sipasi at the link in our bio!

09/07/2026

12/12/2025

Ready to turn winter break into something meaningful? Join the Alternative Break in Garden City, KS, from January 11 to 14, for hands-on service, immersive learning, and community impact.



You will:

Tour local schools, food systems, and businesses

Serve alongside nonprofits tackling food insecurity

Connect with leaders shaping rural communities



Perfect for students interested in Agriculture, Education, Sociology, Public Policy, Global Food Systems, Community Development & more. Cost to attend is $250 for participants, or $125 for site leaders, scholarships are available. Apply by Dec 22, following the link in our bio! Questions? [email protected]

10/22/2025

Scheduling classes for next semester? Interested in leadership, agriculture, and/or helping others? Consider adding GENAG/LEAD 225 for the Spring semester!

This is the first core class for the Global Food Systems Leadership Secondary Major. In this course, you will examine how people, places, and production influence the global food system. You will explore complexities within self, others, and community related to leadership in the context of a rapidly increasing global population.

If you have questions about this course or the secondary major, contact Mary Kay Siefers or our Student Coordinators at [email protected] or [email protected].

10/16/2025

As we reflect on the Cultivating Conversations event, we think about the valuable dialogue we were able to craft and nurture. Thank you to the alumni, faculty, and current students who helped make this event a success!

09/30/2025

The Feeding Resilience: Risk and Readiness in Food Security conference will take place on October 7, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Stanley Stout Center. This multidisciplinary event brings together experts and stakeholders from agriculture, climate, security, and development to explore the future of food and water security.

This is a free event that allows you to broaden your understanding of pressing global issues. If you need transportation to the event or have any questions, please contact Dena Bunnel at [email protected]. Register at the link in our bio by this Friday, October 3rd!

09/03/2025

The Global Food Systems Leadership (GFSL) program and Food Security Scholars (FSS) are coming together during Celebrate Ag Weekend to honor our programs. This special weekend offers three opportunities to connect with fellow alumni, current students, and friends of GFSL and FSS. Whether you join us for one, two, or all three, we would love to see you there!

Cultivating Conversations: This event takes place on Friday, September 26 from 4:00–5:30 PM in Room 201 in the Leadership Building. This is the perfect kickoff to our reunion! Join alumni, instructors, and friends for an engaging gathering with current students. Share stories, spark dialogue, and pass on wisdom over refreshments and conversation.

College of Agriculture Big Barn Bash: This event is on Friday, September 26 from 7:00–10:00 PM at the Stanley Stout Center. Enjoy live music, dancing, and a delicious BBQ meal with friends old and new. With drinks at the open bar, country tunes from Kansas City’s Midnight Rodeo, and limited-edition Celebrate Ag gear, this promises to be a night to remember!

College of Agriculture Alumni & Friends Tailgate: Happening Saturday, September 27 for 3 hours before kickoff on the Bramlage Coliseum Floor, you can grab a free Celebrate Ag hat, enjoy a meal, and get ready to cheer on the Wildcats as they take on UCF!

For more information and to register for these events, visit our bio!

08/14/2025

Global Food Systems Leadership and Food Security Scholars alumni, save the date for a special reunion this fall! In conjunction with Celebrate Ag Weekend, hosted by the College of Agriculture, reunion events will be happening September 26-27. Stay tuned for more information of the events planned. We hope to see you there!

05/09/2025

It’s finals season but we know you got this!The GFSL crew is cheering you on💜