Kent Steward
Director
Office of University Relations
Sheridan Hall
600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601-4099
office: (785) 628-4208
fax: (785) 628-4152
home: (785) 625-8493
email: ksteward@fhsu.edu
Kent Steward came to Fort Hays State University in the summer of 1997 as director designate of university relations and he assumed the position of director in the spring of 1998 upon the retirement of Bob Lowen. Previously, Kent was the manager of corporate communications for Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Hays. He also has experience as a media consultant, and he was a journalist for almost 20 years, the last 10 as managing editor of The Hays Daily News. Kent received a BA degree in English from Pittsburg State University in 1977 and completed his MLS degree at FHSU in 2002.
Kurt Beyers
Assistant Director
office: (785) 628-4480
email: kbeyers@fhsu.edu
Kurt Beyers joined the University Relations' staff as assistant director in June 1998. In his capacity as assistant director, he also serves as head of the news bureau. Previously, Kurt was a supervisor and telephone service technician at Sykes Enterprises of Hays. He was news editor of Hays Daily News for 11 years. Kurt received a BGS degree from Pittsburg State University in 1979.
Suzanne Klaus
University Webmaster
office: (785) 628-5520
email: sklaus@fhsu.edu
Suzanne Klaus has worked in the Office of University Relations since August 1983. In May 1999, she was promoted to the position of FHSU Web site manager and named University Webmaster in 2004. Previously, Suzanne was a para-professional for the special education department at Ogallala Junior High School in Nebraska, and was assistant to the purchasing agent at Central Kansas Power Company (now Midwest Energy). Suzanne earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree in 2002 and an MBA degree in 2008, both from FHSU.
Mary Ridgway
Creative Director
office: (785) 628-4521
email: mridgway@fhsu.edu
Mary Ridgway came to Fort Hays State University in August 1992 as graphic designer in the Office of University Relations. Prior to that, she worked at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, from 1980-1992, in several positions including medical graphic artist, instructional graphic artist and publications graphic designer. Mary also worked as a free-lance designer and illustrator for Baker and Associates Creative Marketing in Dayton. Mary received a BA degree from DePauw University, Green Castle, Ind., in 1980, received a Certificate in Professional Writing from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, in 1985, and completed her MFA degree at FHSU in 1999.
Marcia Tacha
Administrative Specialist
office: (785) 628-4206
email: mtacha@fhsu.edu
Marcia Tacha began her career as senior administrative assistant in the Office of University Relations in July 2005 and was promoted to administrative specialist in Dec. 2007. Marcia previously worked for the FHSU Endowment Association for 10 months and for the Kansas Court of Appeals in Topeka for 17 years. She is a native of Norton and a current student at FHSU.