About the Program

In 1989, a group of twenty individuals from across Kansas agriculture met to discuss the need for an extensive educational program designed to build a leadership base for rural Kansas.​
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The first board meeting for the KARL program was held October 3, 1989, and in 1990 KARL, Inc. was formed.​
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Since 1991, over 400 participants have honed their leadership skills and developed invaluable connections for the betterment of rural communities and Kansas agriculture.

When it comes to helping Kansas agriculture and rural communities thrive, the challenges are great, and the stakes are high. It doesn’t just take great ideas, but bold citizens committed to creating change for the better.​

That’s why KARL identifies, prepares, and connects aspiring leaders to spark action and positively impact Kansas agriculture and rural communities through a two-year leadership program—and a lifetime of opportunities.​

For decades, we’ve challenged changemakers to think differently, while connecting them to the people and resources that can help them transform organizations, communities, our state, and our world.


KARL Associates explore the issues and opportunities within Kansas through multi-day seminars facilitated across the state. In addition, KARL Associates travel to Washington, DC and Gettysburg, PA, participate in an out-of-state Blue Chip visit, and experience an intense two-week international study tour.​
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Upon completion of the two-year program, KARL Associates earn a position in the esteemed group of KARL Fellows, where they continue to network, learn, and mentor for a lifetime through the KARL organization.

KARL Class XVI

MEET THE STAFF

Jill Zimmerman

President

jazimmer@ksu.edu

Gretchin Staples

Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator

gretchin@ksu.edu

Janice Lierz

Office Specialist

jlierz@ksu.edu

Click below to learn more about our program!

KARL *

KARL *

  • a bridge built in 1939, the Rock Island Railroad bridge is located North of Arkalon. It is known as the “Sampson of the Cimarron.” It is the longest known railroad bridge and spans more than 1200 feet across the Cimarron River. It towers approximately 114 feet above the river.

  • The top agricultural products are:

    • Cattle & Calves

    • Wheat

    • Corn

    • Sorghum

    • Soybeans

    • Sunflowers

    • Dairy

    • Hugoton Gas field is 8500 square miles. That is 5 times the size of Rhode Island. It is the largest natural gas field in the country.

    • Standing in a particular spot in the Missouri River Valley you will be able to see 4 states: Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri

    • the Icee drink was born in the 1960’s

    • Helium was discovered coming from a well in 1900

    • the center of the United States is in Barton County Kansas

    • the first Pizza Hut was opened in 1958

    • in 1921 White Castle burger was open

    • Amelia Earhart is from Kansas

    • Built in 1961, the longest grain elevator was built reaching 2600 feet in length

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