Areas of Responsibility

Kathy has served as editor of the K-State Extension Agronomy eUpdate since 2017. She provides editorial leadership for the weekly publication by working closely with K-State Extension specialists to identify timely topics, plan each issue, develop and edit content, and ensure research-based information is delivered in a clear, practical, and timely manner. She also oversees publication of the eUpdate, website content management, email distribution, and promotion through the department's social media channels.

In addition to managing the eUpdate, Kathy coordinates the statewide Crop Conditions Zoom meetings that bring together K-State Extension specialists and county agricultural agents to discuss current crop conditions and emerging production issues. She also manages the Department of Agronomy's social media presence, helping communicate research and Extension programming across multiple platforms, and assists with planning and coordinating Extension educational programs and events.

Background

Originally from a small farm in eastern Tennessee, Kathy earned a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before coming to Kansas State University in 1999 to pursue a master's degree in agronomy under the direction of Dr. Chuck Rice. Her graduate research focused on nitrogen forms and transport in runoff water from integrated agricultural management systems.

Following completion of her M.S. degree, Kathy held research positions in soil chemistry within the K-State Department of Agronomy and later in ecosystem ecology with the K-State Division of Biology. She has also taught chemistry, soil science, and environmental science courses at colleges in Kansas, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Kathy is currently a Ph.D. candidate (all but dissertation) in the Department of Agronomy under the direction of Dr. Peter Tomlinson in the Environmental Quality program. Her research focuses on nitrous oxide emissions from dryland grain sorghum production systems in western Kansas, with an emphasis on improving greenhouse gas estimates and nitrogen management for semi-arid cropping systems.

Her background in agronomy, research, teaching, and science communication provides a unique perspective for translating complex agricultural research into practical information that supports informed decision-making for agricultural producers and industry professionals.

Kathy and her husband, Ron, a K-State Agronomy Ph.D. graduate, have called Manhattan home since returning in 2014. They have three children, two adult daughters, and a younger son. Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and friends and cheering on her favorite sports teams. A lifelong University of Tennessee Volunteer fan, she still proudly wears orange, but has also become a devoted supporter of the K-State Wildcats.

Education

• PhD in Agronomy, Kansas State University, Expected 2026
• MS in Agronomy, Kansas State University, 2003
• BS in Plant and Soil Science, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 1998