Alumni Spotlight
Name: Casey Smithson
Current Title: Park Superintendent
Organization: City of Manhattan
Major: B.S. Park Resource Management '95
K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!
Why did you choose K-State and your major?
I had a strong connection to K-State. I spent about 11 years in 4-H while growing up in rural Kansas, so I had a connection through that. I also liked the ag agents we worked with and the programs that K-State Extension supported.
Out of high school, I wanted to be a game warden. At the time, a bachelor’s degree was required, so that was really my driving force to end up at K-State and to go through the program.
What role did student organizations play in your time at K-State?
We took several trips with the Park Management and Conservation Club. One was a trip to hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail. It sticks with me today. Not only the park development ideas that we were exposed to, but also just being able to do something that I have never done since then. If I didn’t go with the club, I don’t think I would’ve ever done it.
We were part of a consortium at Land Between the Lakes, where we met students from many other colleges. We met for three days and met other people from different cultures and areas of the United States. It was good exposure, and if I wasn’t at K-State and part of that group, I wouldn’t have had that experience.
As an alumni, how do you stay connected with K-State?
I’ve been back in Manhattan for 12 years, and we try to attend as many things as we can. We just went to the K-State Rodeo and saw the new facility. We also try to help out K-State programs. We bring students out to show them pools, sports fields and other areas. I’m trying to give back to students by going into classes and talking.
Most of my career, I’ve tried to hire K-State students for summer positions. We have a lot of summer internship availability, so I’ve come and recruited from K-State probably every year. We try to hire seasonal and then hire them into full-time roles. I’m always happy to hire K-State graduates; it’s the depth of the education and the exposure. They’re not just on campus. They’re getting real-world experience.
Tell us a little about your role as park superintendent.
I oversee a very broad range of work that we do in town. We have forestry, cemeteries, parks, facilities, water parks, athletic fields and horticulture. We take care of the beautification of our business districts. There aren’t many areas of the city of Manhattan that our city parks team doesn’t touch or hasn’t been in. Anything that has to do with a park area, my team is probably part of it. It’s very diverse.
What advice do you have for K-State students?
Students should take advantage of all the opportunities available to them at K-State. The community is broader than ever before. There are so many programs, leadership opportunities, mentoring, internships and access to industry partners that make the college experience meaningful and rewarding.
What advice would you give to K-State students entering the industry?
Parks and recreation is constantly changing, so stay active in local, regional and national organizations in order to advance innovation, monitor trends and stay relevant in the field. Build a network of contacts, both personally and professionally. You never know when you may need advice or a connection for your next position. Be a lifelong learner and volunteer for tasks, assignments and training opportunities.