Mary Kay Siefers Receives Mark & Eva Gardiner Innovation & Excellence Faculty Award
September 16, 2025
Dr. Mary Kay Siefers, Kansas State University teaching professor and global food systems leadership program director, has been selected to receive the 2025 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award.
Dr. Siefers received undergraduate and graduate degrees from K-State. She first joined the Staley School of Leadership Studies 25 years ago and has taught every core leadership course offered by the school, reaching thousands of undergraduates. In 2021, Dr. Siefers received the Kansas State University Presidential Award, recognizing leadership and excellence in teaching.
In 2018, Dr. Siefers collaborated with the College of Agriculture to develop the interdisciplinary secondary major in global food systems leadership, offered by the School of Leadership Studies, challenging undergraduates to make positive change in global issues facing food and agriculture. She is actively involved in recruitment, creating program curriculum and teaching courses. Siefers also serves as faculty advisor and co-creator of the Food Security Scholars program.
Well known for her mentorship of students and faculty members, Dr. Siefers assisted Staley School faculty during the pandemic discover creative ways (embracing the latest technology) to stay connected with students teaching in person or online.
Dr. Siefers is a member of the selection committee for the Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems lecture series held each fall on campus. Her active involvement on the committee has created learning opportunities for students across campus.
Upon notification of the award, Dr. Siefers said, “Words cannot express my gratitude (and surprise) in receiving this recognition. It is a privilege to be acknowledged for work that aims to strengthen and innovate for the benefit of the global food system. My commitment to the Global Food Systems Leadership secondary major at K-State continues to grow and further fuels my dedication to prepare students to lead in an ever-changing food and agricultural landscape. I remain steadfast in my service to K-State, rural Kansans, our farmers and ranchers, and in the shared goal of advancing food security both locally and globally.”
Dan Moser, interim dean of the College of Agriculture, said of Siefers’ professional and personal impact on generations of K-State students, “Mary Kay Siefers’ impact on K-State students is immeasurable. Her Global Food Systems Leadership courses grow students’ critical thinking skills and their global awareness. Students come away from her courses with a much broader understanding of food production worldwide and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. She’s highly deserving of this recognition, and I greatly appreciate Mark and Eva Gardiner’s support of this important faculty recognition initiative.”
In announcing the award, Mark Gardiner said, “Dr. Siefers is “rare air” among educators. After working with her on the Henry C. Gardiner Lecture committee, it was apparent her enthusiasm for students and passion for her profession ran long and deep. Her willingness to collaborate with the committee and communicate the importance of each lecture across campus has given the annual event broader recognition. Her teaching and mentoring accomplishments cannot be overstated. The development of an interdisciplinary secondary major in global food systems is precisely why land grant universities exists: to educate and train the next generation of food producers. Eva and I are grateful for tremendous educators like Dr. Siefers.”