Kansas State University’s proposal for an Associate of Applied Science in food and feed manufacturing was tabled by the Board of Regents’ Academic and Student Affairs Committee on a motion to delay action until September while the university pursues collaboration with community colleges.

The committee’s decision came after Dan Mosier, associate dean in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State, told the committee the program responds to industry requests and leverages “feed milling and flour milling equipment, infrastructure” unique to the university. Mosier said K‑State has “close to 20 faculty, with training in all aspects of feed and food manufacturing,” and that industry stakeholders asked for an associate’s degree to meet workforce needs.

The committee’s chair, Regent Mendoza, framed the discussion around policy concerns and stakeholder input. Regent Alicia Johnston said she appreciated K‑State’s expertise but urged the university to pursue formal collaboration with community colleges, including stackable credentials or a 1+1 pathway. “I would encourage K‑State to reach directly to CALI and not just take a look at the catalog,” Johnston said, urging direct engagement to evaluate course equivalency.

K‑State representatives said they were open to exploring equivalencies and potential 1+1 arrangements, and noted some community college certificates may match modular course units in the proposed AAS. Dr. Mosier said industry partners have indicated readiness to enroll students as soon as this fall but that the university would follow the committee’s guidance.

Regents voted to table the proposal with these conditions: K‑State should develop a plan to collaborate with the community college sector, return with an update at the June 11 BASC meeting, and bring a revised proposal in September. Regent Alicia Johnston moved to table and Regent Perasker seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The committee also discussed whether KBOR should clarify policy that discourages new associate degrees at its institutions, asking academic affairs to review current guidance so future proposals would have clearer front‑end expectations.

K‑State’s proposal and the committee’s request for community college collaboration will be revisited per the motion’s timeline.