MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University students pursued professional development dreams around the world last summer thanks to the university’s Mark Chapman Scholars Program. Applications are open now for the 2026 program.
From environmental science studies in France and fine arts training in New York City to tallgrass sustainability research on the prairie, an art museum internship in Kansas City, and volunteering at a youth camp in Wisconsin, the 2025 scholars gained life-changing insight and skills for their future careers.
The Chapman Scholars Program provides $5,000 awards to five outstanding first- and second-year students in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences to pursue research and other applied learning opportunities that support their educational and career goals. The scholars use $3,000 to fund their summer experience, and the remaining funds are for the following academic year’s tuition and fees.
“Our Chapman Scholars demonstrate tremendous initiative and creativity in finding and creating incredible summer learning experiences,” said Beth Powers, director of K-State Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. “I hope their projects inspire other students to plan meaningful experiences and apply for summer 2026.”
The 2025 award recipients were Elizabeth Bachman, junior in fine arts and pre-law and a certificate in museum studies, Hesston; Allie Cloyd, sophomore in environmental science with minors in French and agronomy, Manhattan; Antoinette Dadzie, sophomore in biology and pre-medicine with a minor in leadership studies, Bogoso, Ghana; Allison Ricker, junior in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology, Ellinwood; Alyssa Sukup, senior in art history and French with a minor in business and a certificate in museum studies, Kansas City, Missouri. Ellinwood, Hesston and Manhattan, Kansas; and Kansas City, Missouri.
Bachman studied at the New York Academy of Art in New York City, a childhood dream come true. She spent long days painting and drawing in the studio, was taught how to paint like the masters, participated in critiques with high-profile artists, and presented a final exhibition of her intensive work. She deeply appreciated the first-hand experience in the art world and the opportunity to sharpen her skills and explore her creative potential surrounded by artists and instructors who inspired and supported her.
Cloyd spent five weeks studying in Pau, France, where she took sustainability and French language and culture courses and lived with host families for an immersive cultural experience. She is passionate about many areas of environmental science and hopes to make a career finding solutions to environmental challenges. At K-State, Cloyd is involved in undergraduate research, the Soils Judging Team, Rotaract Club, Students for Environmental Action, and College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors.
Dadzie volunteered at Trinity Woods Catholic Retreat Center in Trego, Wisconsin, as part of a team that supported youth campers by organizing activities, serving meals, maintaining lodges, and being present to guide and uplift them. With plans to become a medical doctor, Dadzie appreciated that this experience helped her develop more patience, communication skills and emotional resilience, and learn the importance of teamwork and self-reflection. Committed to service and leadership, Dadzie is a Staley School of Leadership Ambassador and has volunteered for several K-State activities and Manhattan community service providers.
Ricker conducted research on the rainfall adaptability of Big Bluestem, a dominant prairie grass and cattle food. She collected and analyzed leaf samples exposed to varying rainfall levels to assess their response to drought. In addition to research, Ricker spends time serving her sorority. She hopes to become a research ecologist or do educational outreach at a national park.
Sukup worked as a social media intern at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. With career aspirations to work in an art museum, she appreciated this opportunity to network with museum professionals and learn about the workflow of a prominent art institution. She also enjoyed the experience of planning social media content well in advance of publication. At K-State, Sukup has been involved with the K-State Marching Band and Cat Band, Art Ambassadors, and Accelerator Consulting.
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Chapman Scholars Program is March 2. Application instructions can be found on the Chapman Scholars Program website.
The Chapman Scholars Program was created in 2008 by Mark Chapman, a native of Clay Center, who graduated from K-State in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. Chapman lettered in football, track and softball, and was a member of Army ROTC and the Acacia fraternity. He later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas. He was a successful entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry as well as a painter, poet and supporter of the arts.
For more information about the Chapman Scholars Program, contact the program coordinator, Kyle Padden, [email protected].
