We want a vibrant and diverse community of people involved in our common book program, who represent people from across the university in every College, department, program, and level. Your voice and perspective is important in shaping our program! There are a variety of ways to be involved and we invite you to be a part of K-State First Book in whatever interests you most.
This subcommittee reviews booknominationsand selects the common book. If you are interested in joining the committee, fill out ourinterest surveyand tell us about yourself.
Each year, we plan a series of events connected to the common book, including a faculty lecture series, engaging activities, and we often invite the author to campus for a large, campus-wide event. We would love to partner with you, your program, or department, to create something connected to the book! Reach out tokstatefirst@ksu.eduor to our PR/Events subcommittee to get things started for the fall.
Tara Coleman K-State Libraries
Shawn Funk Lafene Health Center
Erica Hopwood Housing and Dining
Jennifer Tidball Division of Communications and Marketing
K-State First Book Awards celebrate the common experiences shared at K-State with the common book. The award winners all work hard to foster student engagement, enhance students' educational experience, expand the consideration of new ideas, values and concepts in the classroom and in the university community, and use creative applications of the themes from the common book of the year. The K-State First Book program offers several awards, including the Bill Miller and Debbie Leckron Miller K-State First Book Scholarship, a Student Group Award, and a Faculty/Staff Award.
The 2023 Bill Miller and Debbie Leckron Miller K-State First Book Scholarship winners are Kristen Wallace and Madisyn Robertson. Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences or (MANRRS) received the Group Award. Cliff Hight is the 2023 Faculty Award winner.
You don't have to be an incoming student at K-State to participate in our common reading program. Here are some things you can do with your friends and family.
Read the book
Purchase a copy online or from your local bookstore.
Borrow a paper copy from your public library.
Discussion
Initiate a conversation with your incoming student about the book.
Start a book discussion or use the common read in your book club. You can use the ideas listed on our faculty resource page or come up with your own questions.
Check out book reviews and critical essays to help spark well-rounded discussion.
Get Involved
Explore the other resources of this website, including recommended books, movies, and websites.
Attend theeventshelp on the K-State campus throughout the school year.
Check out travel agencies in your area and see how you can start a travel journey.
Volunteer and give back to your community through service. Ask local charities and non-profit organizations how you can help.
Do you have an idea you want to share? Email us at kstatefirst@ksu.edu and we’ll add it to the list.
