I am a 4th generation Kansan. I met my husband, Grant Bannister, ’93, at Fort Hays State, and together we have three children, Sydney (26), William (21), and Grace (17). After graduating from FHSU in May ‘92, I worked as an international leadership consultant with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. This led me to seek a master’s in higher education from the University of Kansas. I completed my doctorate in 2009 at Kansas State University and served for over 23 years in various leadership roles.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I recently left K-State to serve as an Assistant Vice President for the NASPA Center for first-generation student success. The center’s mission is to transform higher education by eliminating barriers facing first-generation students and ensuring they obtain degrees at the same rate as multigenerational students. To achieve this goal, we partner with institutions of higher education nationwide to provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities to scale and sustain the vital work of serving first-generation students. I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Still, higher education needs help to solve systematic issues that hinder student success, so this opportunity is a dream come true!
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I received a journalism and track scholarship, and I knew I needed distance from my hometown of Abilene, Kansas. I was fortunate to land a position on the Reveille staff that came with funding, so when I decided I didn’t want to run track, it opened more doors to student involvement. Fort Hays State was the perfect match for my interests at the time.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
So many things… late nights in the yearbook office trying to meet deadlines, student government meetings, and a trip to DC where I got to know the student body President, and my future husband, Grant Bannister. My first year in the residence halls was when I met lifelong friends. I will cherish my time living in the AGD house. Those days were full of laughter, shared sadness, immense growth, and leadership opportunities.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Take advantage of opportunities to get involved outside the classroom and know that your advisors and faculty genuinely care about you and your success. The days go fast, so soak up every moment of your time on campus.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
I had an amazing academic advisor that found a way to line up a Spring semester internship with the Kansas legislature, Dorothy Knoll, in her role advising Panhellenic, and Viv Hammond, in my role as a VIP student ambassador, all saw things in me that at the time I didn’t know about myself. The first time I met my future mother-in-law, Marcia Bannister, was during an interview for the Torch Award. Although I didn’t win the award, she took time following the interview to encourage me without knowing how our lives would intersect.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
The quality of education and access to student involvement make FHSU a great place. At a time when higher education