School Directors
In September of 2024, appointments for the three school directors were announced. We are excited for them to take on these new roles and look forward to their leadership.
School of Consumer Sciences
Dr. Martin Seay, Interim Director
Martin has been a part of K-State since 2012, after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He served as the department head for Personal Financial Planning (PFP) after helping successfully launch the program. He has a proven track record of collaborating across units and colleges, with expertise in fundraising and budget allocation. Previously, Martin was appointed interim department head of Interior Design and Fashion Studies, where he successfully restructured the unit—leading to Interior Design moving to the College of Architecture and Fashion Studies gaining stability and a strategic vision. In his new role within the School of Consumer Sciences, Martin will oversee Personal Financial Planning, Hospitality Management, Fashion Studies, and Sensory Sciences. He has wide support from the members of this school and a clear vision to grow and strengthen industry partnerships. Having worked closely with Ben Wolfe, Dean of K-State Olathe, Martin is well-positioned to guide these programs and develop a school mission that reflects the strengths of each area.
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.