We are currently hiring for only three graduate assistant positions so the process is fairly competitive this year. 

Within the department, we have three different graduate assistant roles you may work in. To brush up on our position descriptions refer back to our first K-State GA Newsletter.

As you consider HDS, K-State, and Manhattan as a future home, please visit our website for a variety of informational newsletters. We've also created a few videos that express why we believe you'd love to join our team. Below are our "Why HDS?" "Why K-State?" and "Why Manhattan, KS?" videos.

Meet our People

The graduate hiring committee & OPE recruitment team are groups of people helping to navigate two concurrent hiring processes. 

Candidates who apply through our website and formal application will be in contact with our graduate hiring committee team. The co-chairs are Alli Coleman and Lauren Rockhold, who will do most of the communication with you. 

OPE stands for "Oshkosh Placement Exchange" which is process in which candidates travel to a central location to interview with a variety of schools for hiring processes. Visit the OPE website for more information.

OPE candidates, please look out for more information from our OPE recruitment team about interviewing with us. Continue reading to hear more from the individuals you will meet at OPE this week and weekend! 

Whitney Penn

Assistant Director



“Interviewing is as much about getting to know you and your strengths as it is about you getting to know the institution and position. Be prepared with great questions to help you learn more!" 

Jordan Wolf

Community Coordinator

"I can't wait to meet candidates at OPE. I hope that candidates know that we are always rooting for them to succeed, even if they don't end up at K-State. In my opinion, the most important thing to remember is that you can always hide in the bathroom if you need to! Just make sure you use that time to remember why you're here and know that you're going to find the place you're meant to be. " 

Troy Stambaugh

Assistant Community Coordinator

“Interviewing is a stressful process as you try to determine what school you think could make the most impact at. But don't forget to consider how that school can impact you!"

Bryan Hinnen

Assistant Director

“If you don’t say what you really mean, then nobody will know who you really are.” – Be sure to be YOURSELF in your interview, not who/what you think an institution is looking for. "

Meg Johnson

Community Coordinator

"Be Yourself!"

Lauren Rockhold

Community Coordinator

"Use your authentic voice and share from your heart. Be real. Be you."

Ruby Selvage

Assistant Community Coordinator

"I am so excited to meet new people and share my love for K State!"

Alli Coleman

Community Coordinator

"I am so excited to welcome new people into the field of student affairs and hopefully K-State! I love getting to meet new colleagues - graduate school is such a fun time and I can't wait to see folks navigate their new journey!"

Leah Lackey

Community Coordinator

"I am excited to meet our potential future K-State HDS team members!"

Many Thanks!

Thank you for interest in our positions and engaging with the graduate assistant interview process. We are excited to connect with you and learn more about your journey. 

If you have any questions, please contact reslife@ksu.edu and a member of our team will reach out. 

This newsletter will be the final update for this hiring season. The graduate hiring team sends our best wishes and positive thoughts throughout your interview process!