School Directors

We are excited for the three school directors to take on these new roles and look forward to their leadership.

School of Consumer Sciences

Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, Interim Director

Elizabeth has been a valued faculty member in the Department of Personal Financial Planning since 2012 where she also serves as an Extension Specialist. She joined HHS after completing her Ph.D. in Human Resources and Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her work focuses on enhancing financial decision-making and promoting financial education, and she is actively involved in developing and delivering Cooperative Extension programs across Kansas. Her service to not only our HHS students, but to our entire Kansas community has made a significant impact, and we are excited to welcome her into this new role.

 

School of Health Sciences

Dr. Craig Harms, Interim Director

Craig has been a valued member of K-State since 1997 and a key leader in our college. He previously served as interim dean of the college and had a significant role in transitioning the Kinesiology department from the College of Arts & Sciences to our college in 2012. He brings extensive experience in leadership, having held roles in national organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine. His academic background includes an M.S. from Colorado State University, a Ph.D. from Indiana University, followed by positions at the Indiana University Medical School and a prestigious postdoctoral appointment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Craig's excellence in leadership has been widely recognized, earning him the University Department Head of the Year award in 2019 and the National Department Head of the Year award from the American Kinesiology Association in 2020. He was also instrumental in developing the strategic plan for the college. In his new role, Craig will collaborate closely all Health Sciences departments to ensure all voices are included in key decisions. Craig's ability to bring people together, along with his deep understanding of curriculum, budgeting, and leadership, will be essential in stabilizing and advancing this school. With the largest department on campus by student enrollment, Craig will focus on integrating programs, developing synergies, and managing the human-health accredited programs.

School of Human Sciences

Dr. Mindy Markham, Director

Mindy served as the Department Head for Applied Human Sciences for the past 1.5 years, following a successful term as interim chair, during which she gained overwhelming support from her department. She has been a dedicated member of K-State since 2008, joining after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Throughout her tenure, Mindy has consistently stepped up during pivotal moments, notably leading as chair of the University Faculty Senate through the challenges of COVID-19. Her leadership has driven significant progress within her programs, with positive outcomes in proposals, expenditures, and the outreach efforts that impact students, the state, and the community. These programs are especially influential in delivering clinical hours and improving patient outcomes across several accredited fields. Mindy’s exceptional communication and organizational skills, coupled with her commitment to incorporating the voices of her faculty and staff, position her as a proven leader. In her new role, she will collaborate with other school directors to strengthen cross-school partnerships in instruction and research, bringing the School of Human Sciences into a new era aligned with the next-generation strategic plan.