MANHATTAN — Hale Library at Kansas State University reopened its first floor on Aug. 28, 15 months after the May 2018 fire. Now, as academic demands intensify, approximately 7,000 students are using the space every week.

The library’s transformation inspired some K-Staters to engage in the competitive process of representing K-State Libraries as an ambassador. Ultimately, 17 students from a wide range of majors and at both the undergraduate and graduate levels were selected to join the ranks of the K-State Libraries Student Ambassadors. This motivated group will have a unique opportunity to promote and advocate for all of the libraries on campus.

Among the students is Jarrod Kuckelman, junior in political science, from Macksville.

Ambassadors serve two-year terms as representatives for K-State Libraries at social, cultural and recruitment activities. They also provide valuable feedback on K-State Libraries’ initiatives and services, as well as advocate for the perspectives of the larger university student body. The ambassador program provides students with leadership skills, professional connections and the opportunity to make a positive impact at the university. For more information about the program, visit lib.k-state.edu/ambassadors.

The ambassadors were chosen following an application process and finalist interviews. The interview committee included advisers Sara Kearns, academic services librarian; Darchelle Martin, public relations officer; and Ashley Stark, academic services specialist. They were joined by three current ambassadors.

“We’re proud to have such a diverse group,” Martin said. “Our students range from first-years through doctoral candidates, and they’re studying a broad range of disciplines. That’s helpful because they can represent and speak for their peers as we make important decisions about programming, services and even new spaces in Hale Library.”