Growing Our Mindset Diversity Forum

We love helping students make their ideas come to light. The Growing our Mindset: Why Diversity Matters in Agriculture Forum was a concept developed by and for College of Agriculture students to foster student dialogue on the importance of diversity in agriculture.

Industry leaders and K-State student organizations provided speakers, student panels and moderators to challenge and engage student perceptions and preparedness for becoming leaders in a diverse industry. This event is held each semester.

Be sure to follow @kstateag and @dpo_kstate on social media for announcements about the Growing Our Mindset Diversity Forum.

Spring 2024

John Niemann, Chairman of Dean's Advisory Board and Owner/Operator of JNiemann Enterprises

Watch the Spring 2024 Forum below:

Past speakers/moderators

Spring 2024 - John Niemann, Chairman of College of Agriculture Dean's Advisory Board and Owner/Operator of JNiemann Enterprises

Fall 2023 - Hannah Osowski, HR Manager and Leader of SELO at Scoular

Spring 2023 - Lauren Brewer, ITQ Manager at General Mills

Fall 2022 - Ryan Locke, Industry Relation Manager for FMC

Spring 2022 - Bill Spiegel, Crops Editor of Successful Farming and 4th Generation Farmer at Spiegel Family Farms

Fall 2021 - James Millsap, Manager of Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, Dick's Sporting Goods

Spring 2021 – J.J. Jones, Founder of Roots and Legacies Consulting

Fall 2020 – Edward Honesty Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer, Best Harvest Bakeries.

Spring 2020 – Demetha Sanders, Global Head of Inclusion and Talent Management, Cargill.

Fall 2019 – Troy Anderson, Vice President of Operations, Ardent Mills.

Spring 2019 – Angela Jones, Vice President for People and Culture, Compass Minerals.

Fall 2018 – Adonis Wooten-Herron, Hormel Foods, K-State Alumna.

Fall 2017 – Panel included: K-State College of Agriculture Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean for Diversity Programs, MANRRS Officers, Ag Student Council Officers and Industry Representatives.