* Leslie Hannah, assistant dean of academics at K-State at Salina, has been appointed to the Sequoyah Commission, a scholarly think tank that serves as an advisory group for Chadwick Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. Hannah was appointed to a three-year term on the commission, where he will work to encourage the preservation of scholarly research relevant to the Cherokee Nation. Hannah also is an assistant professor of arts, sciences and business at K-State at Salina and primarily teaches English and American Indian studies at K-State at Salina. A Cherokee, he is originally from Tahlequah, Okla., home of the Cherokee Nation's headquarters. July 2008
* Nick Green, a May 2008 K-State at Salina bachelor's graduate in professional pilot, Lawrence, has received the SimuFlite Citation type rating scholarship from CAE SimuFlite, a Dallas-based aviation training corporation. The scholarship, worth around $15,000, can be used to earn a 500 series Citation type rating. CAE SimuFlite awards scholarships to current students or recent graduates of member institutions of the University Aviation Association. Its scholarship program was created to promote business aviation as a career to young aviators. June 2008
* Nathan Schuler, junior in aviation maintenance at K-State at Salina, has been selected as the Duncan Aviation Scholarship recipient by the Aircraft Electronics Association. The $1,000 scholarship is available to high school seniors and/or college students who plan to or who are attending an accredited school in an avionics or aircraft repair program. As part of the competition, Schuler, Ellis, had to write an essay. Along with receiving the scholarship, he will be profiled in the August issue of Avionics News magazine. Schuler, who also is pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, has already earned his aircraft airframe and powerplant certificates. He plans on working in the aviation field after finishing his degrees. May 2008
* Nathan Gorrell, senior in professional pilot and aviation maintenance, Centerville, represented K-State in the All Kansas Air Tour, April 2-7. Gorrell flew a Cessna 172 from the K-State fleet. His participation was made possible with help from a scholarship from the Kansas Department of Transportation's Aviation Division. As part of the scholarship, Gorrell gave presentations at several schools in communities on the tour. He taught students about Kansas aviation history and shared his experiences. April 2008
* Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation at K-State at Salina, is working to help women in the aviation maintenance industry succeed. Alexander has created Jet Ahead, a mentoring program for female airframe and powerplant students around the nation. The program helps connect students with an experienced mentor who can answer questions and help alleviate concerns. It also can be used for networking. February 2008
* Les Hannah, assistant professor of arts, sciences and business at K-State at Salina, was among the presenters at the first World Universities Forum, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, in Davos, Switzerland. Hannah, who primarily teaches English and American Indian studies, will discuss the importance of general education in his presentation, "Cultivating Common Ground: The Value of a University Education to a Diverse World." It's the second major international presentation for Hannah in the seven months. In July 2007, he was invited to participate in an Oxford University Round Table on American Indians and their role in literature. January 2008
* Eric Shappee, flight and ground instructor and associate professor of aviation at K-State at Salina, has earned renewed Master Certificated Flight Instructor accreditation from the National Association of Flight Instructors. Shappee has held the professional accreditation continuously since 2001. He is one of only 15 Kansas aviation educators with the prestigious designation. According to the National Association of Flight Instructors, the title is awarded only to the top instructors in the nation. In all, K-State at Salina has five faculty members who have earned this top designation -- the most of any college or university in the nation, according to the National Association of Flight Instructors. Along with Shappee, they are Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation; Bill Gross, professor of aviation and chief pilot; Bernard King, associate professor of aviation; and Troy Brockway, associate professor of aviation. January 2008