MARY KOHN
Executive Director
Phone: 785-532-0380

Dr. Kohn received her Master of Arts in English with a concentration in sociolinguistics in 2008 from North Carolina State University. She received her doctorate in linguistics in 2013 from UNC-Chapel Hill. Since that time, she has been an active member of the English department at Kansas State University.

Mary has many new and exciting things planned for the Center, and she is absolutely elated to be the new director. Growing up in Greenville, North Carolina, she has always had a passion for working out - particularly yoga and aerial yoga. She also loves to cook and try out new recipes.

KIM WESTCOTT
Office Specialist II
Phone: 785-532-0380

Our wonderful Kim is the face and brain of the Center. She is the new Human Capital Services liaison and accounting/records manager. Kim received her Bachelor's Degree in History in May of 2022. She is currently in grad school in the Adult Learning and Leadership Program. Her plan is to work in accessibility in higher education. Born and raised in Emporia, Kim enjoys reading and working on different art projects at home. This creative gal also loves to snuggle up with her two precious cats!

We're so happy to have her back at the Center.

LAURA PEREZ
Social Media Coordinator
Phone: 785-532-0380

Laura is the communications specialist for the Center and helps write content for the website and blog. She aides in event planning and project coordination. Experienced in digital marketing and advertising, Laura creates brand awareness for the Center's new mission.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, she graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Communications focused in Journalism. Laura's handsome boys keep her happy and BUSY. She joined our team in 2019 and continues to keep our voice alive.
 

BRADLEY GALKA
Assistant Editor
Online Journal of Rural Research and Policy (OJRRP)

Bradley is a PhD student in the History department, studying politics during the Great Depression era in the United States. He has worked as a Research Assistant for the Chapman Center since the summer of 2016.

Brad enjoys being the Assistant Editor of the Online Journal of Rural Research and Policy and has been rockin' this role since the Fall of 2016. In his spare time, he is passionate about jazz music and kickboxing.

NINA BEHRENS
Office Worker
Phone: 785-532-0380

Nina is one of the Center's office workers. She is originally from Arvada, Colorado but has been living in Kansas for almost 14 years. Nina helps us digitize materials for our collaborations with Pioneer Bluffs. She also assists with day-to-day operations around the Center.

Nina is a first-generation undergraduate student, majoring in History and minoring in American Ethnic Studies.

HOLLY HILL
Office Worker
Phone: 785-532-0380

Holly is a third year Master's student in the History department, researching Southeast Asian refugees after the Vietnam War. Originally from Wichita, she intends on pursuing a PhD.

In addition to helping out with the new websites, Holly also handles the every day activities in the office. For fun, she enjoys reading historical romance novels and spends a lot of time with her two cats.