Brian McCornack: 2025 K-State Outstanding Department Head of the Year
Kansas State University President Richard Linton awards the Outstanding Department Head of the Year every spring based on applications submitted by the dean of each college. Only one outstanding department head is awarded each year, and this year, the honor was given to Dr. Brian McCornack, the department head for Entomology.
“I am incredibly humbled to have been chosen for this award,” McCornack says. “I have a phenomenal department, and to receive this award is a wonderful representation not only of myself but the people I work with.”
McCornack has served as the department head for entomology for six years and has dedicated those years to helping the students, faculty and department grow.
“I always want to instill curiosity in my students and fellow faculty members,” McCornack shares. “If I can encourage a sense of curiosity, especially about the environment, then I know I am going to help them take steps to become lifelong learners.”
McCornack has not restricted himself to just working in the office since becoming department head. He still teaches a few classes, spends time in the labs, attends meetings and get-togethers hosted by the Popenoe Entomology Club, and teaches some summer courses and microcredentials. He is also a director for the K-State Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics.
“I am not as involved in the classrooms and labs as I was when I first came to K-State almost 20 years ago, but I still keep a small lab and ensure I am still in the classrooms with students,” McCornack says. “I feel that keeping this direct, hands-on connection helps me become a better leader for my department when I can see firsthand some of the challenges they might be facing.”
To be named the university's Outstanding Department Head of the Year is a great honor, but what makes it an honor to McCornack isn't the recognition, money or balloons; it’s the people he gets to share it with. McCornack was presented with his award while he was out on the Agronomy North farm, teaching the “basic beekeeping” course with his co-instructor Gary LaGrange from Valor Honey.
“My son is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, and he’s interested in pollinators and honey, so he’s taking my beekeeping course,” McCornack shares. "Having the chance to share it with my son, as well as students and other members of my department and college, made the moment incredibly special.”
McCornack has never wavered in his commitment to helping the entomology department grow. He has been instrumental in co-creating courses and microcredentials for students and teachers across Kansas to learn more about entomology and its effects, and in bringing back a bachelor's degree in entomology after only offering graduate programs and a minor.
“I may be the department's leader in my role as department head, but receiving this award recognizes more than just me and my accomplishments. It recognizes all the great work the people in my department are doing, and I have the pleasure of leading and working with them.”