Tony Parker, INTRUST Bank Market President, Manhattan & Junction City
Tony Parker serves as the Market President for INTRUST Bank, overseeing operations in Manhattan and Junction City. Appointed in 2024, Tony has a strong background in commercial and agricultural lending. A native of Goodland and a Kansas State University alumnus, Tony took a unique path to his career. After marrying in 2002, he moved to Kansas City, where he worked as a tennis pro at indoor clubs and sold tennis lessons. He later transitioned into yellow page advertising sales, which eventually led him to discover an interest in banking through professional networking. That new path brought him back to Manhattan and ultimately to INTRUST Bank.
Tony is actively involved in the local community, serving as a trustee for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and on the Council of Education for Manhattan Catholic Schools. His leadership emphasizes long-term relationship building and communication. Tony’s dedication to community engagement and personalized financial solutions supports local individuals, families, and businesses. He’s been married for 23 years and is the proud father of a 13 year old son.
Dr. Yoonseong Park, University Distinguished Professor, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University
Dr. Yoonseong Park is a leading researcher in molecular entomology. His research focuses on the molecular physiology of arthropods, including honey bees and lice. One of his most recent projects, which explores the genetic sequencing of mites that threaten bee populations, is currently under patent review. Dr. Park has also been involved in efforts to determine the authenticity and purity of imported honey. “There are real challenges in ensuring what’s on the label matches what’s in the jar,” he explains.
In addition to his commitment to scientific discovery, Dr. Park has a strong passion for mentorship. He has guided dozens of PhD and master’s students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and public health.
Though his work could have led him into industry Dr. Park chose academia because of the freedom it offers to pursue complex, curiosity-driven research. “Industry has its strengths,” he acknowledges, “but science needs time and sometimes even failure. That’s not always compatible with commercial timelines.”
Dr. Park encourages students considering a career in science to be resilient. He advises them to take advantage of office hours, ask questions, and not be discouraged by slow progress. “Some breakthroughs take years,” he said. “But if you write down your questions and never give up on them, you’ll find your way.”
Outside of the lab, Dr. Park enjoys quiet time with his wife and daughters, describing himself as a “typical scientist” who’s always thinking, whether or not he’s working.
Curtis Yonke, Co-Founder & CEO, Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions
Curtis Yonke is the Co-Founder and CEO of Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions, a Manhattan-based mental health care provider. Born in Franklin, Tennessee, Curtis spent most of his early life in Lubbock, Texas, before moving to Overland Park, Kansas during high school. He graduated from Blue Valley West High School, before attending K-State, where he was a member of the golf team and earned a degree in business administration.
Before founding Freedom Behavioral Health, Curtis built a diverse resume. He worked as a benefits consultant at AssuredPartners and held roles in financial services, including with Principal Financial Group. Earlier in his career, he was a professional golfer competing on the PGA Tour Latin America.
His pivot into behavioral health stemmed from his desire to make a lasting impact. He has described the challenges of this venture as both demanding and deeply rewarding.
Founded in 2024, Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions offers cutting-edge treatments including deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), virtual and augmented reality therapy, medication management, and esketamine (Spravato) therapy. The clinic is dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to mental and emotional well-being.
Under Curtis's leadership, Freedom BHS has rapidly grown to serve communities in Kansas, Texas, and Alaska. Its mission centers on compassion, innovation, and service—especially to veterans and first responders. Curtis is the grandson of former K-State and PGA golf legend Jim Colbert. He is married to Lauren and is a proud father to daughters Kinley and Kamryn.
Dr. David Griffin, Former Assistant Dean and Director of the Center for Student Success and Professional Services, College of Education, Kansas State University
Dr. David Griffin’s career in education spans over four decades — and has even extended into his retirement. A self-described “military brat,” he spent his childhood moving between Italy, England, Germany, and France as his father served in the U.S. Air Force. Eventually settling in Kansas City, Dr. Griffin first felt called to education thanks to a high school counselor who became a trusted mentor.
After years of teaching at the secondary level, serving as a principal, and earning three advanced degrees, Dr. Griffin arrived at Kansas State University in 1990 with plans to complete his doctorate and become a superintendent. However, after encouragement from President Jon Wefald, he remained at K-State to train future educators.
One of his proudest achievements is helping launch the Call Me MISTER program at K-State, which supports men pursuing teaching degrees. The program provides its participants with scholarships, leadership training, and connections to school leaders across Kansas. “They get opportunities other students don’t — face time with superintendents, people who could eventually hire them,” he says.
Dr. Griffin describes teaching as a superpower, a profession that makes all others possible. He shares this superpower with his wife Jaime, who supports the Call Me MISTER program and Kansas Educational Leadership Institute (KELI). His own son, initially resistant to the profession, is now a teacher and coach in Kansas City.
Though Dr. Griffin retired in 2018, he continues to supervise student teachers. His mentorship style is shaped by one question: “What advice would I give my son?” He leads by example, bringing passion and energy to each interaction. “When [the students] see that you are fired up, no matter what the subject content might be, it becomes infectious,” he shares.
Taylor Braet, Director of Football Recruiting, Kansas State University
One of the most colorful figures associated with Kansas State football is the team’s Director of Recruiting, Taylor Braet. A Wichita native and 2003 graduate of Wichita Heights High School, Taylor began his football career at Butler Community College, where he worked under his father, Steve Braet, a coaching veteran with over 45 years of experience. At Butler, Taylor worked with linebackers and defensive ends, contributing to the team’s success in winning the 2003 National Championship.
Taylor arrived in Manhattan in 2006, joining the Kansas State football program as a student assistant coach. Now entering his 20th season with the Wildcats, his 13th as the Director of Recruiting, and working under his third head coach, he plays a vital role in shaping the team's recruiting strategy. His focus lies in attracting top-tier talent, with a particular emphasis on recruiting players from within the Sunflower State. His dedication off the field has been instrumental in building a consistently strong and competitive team.
Frequently spotted at events throughout the Little Apple, Taylor is almost always decked out in K-State’s signature purple and lavender. Whether it’s a purple Nike shirt and shoes, his purple Jeep Wrangler, or his trademark purple scooter, he proudly embodies the spirit of K-State, the Manhattan community, and Kansas pride.
When he’s not on the road recruiting, traveling with the team, or scouting high school talent, Taylor enjoys spending time at home with his family. A master of his purple Yoder smoker and a gracious host, he's known for welcoming neighbors with great food and warm hospitality. He and his wife, Leah, are proudly raising three children: Brittany, Delaney, and Briley.
Ty Mosier, co-owner and operator, Outpost Western Store
Ty Mosier is the co-owner and operator of Outpost Western Store, a family-run business. From 2001 to 2014, the store operated under the name R.B. Outpost. In 2017, after a three-year hiatus, Ty and his mother, Pam Laird, revived the business and rebranding it as Outpost Western Store.
Since then, Outpost has found its niche in custom cowboy boots, hats, and both western and store-branded apparel. It has grown into one of the nation’s largest independent retailers of Anderson Bean, Olathe Boot Co., and Fenoglio Boot Company boots. A key part of their success lies in their exclusively designed cowboy boots - each pair designed to match customer preferences and current trends, resulting in exclusive, one-of-a-kind products available only through Outpost.
The store's strong online presence has been major driver of the store’s growth. Recognizing the importance of e-commerce, Ty partnered with Twofold Media to develop a user-friendly Shopify 2.0 website. The upgraded platform has improved inventory management and the shopping experience for customers. Outpost’s merchandise has now reached all 50 states, several countries, and even a commissioned U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
The store also built a loyal following among high-profile customers, selling and designing exclusive boots to NFL players and country music artists like Colter Wall, Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours, and rising star Zach Top.
Through his leadership, Ty has blended traditional western values with modern business practices. Thanks to the the store’s website and consistent weekend foot traffic, Ty has turned this hidden gem—located just ten miles outside of Manhattan—into a thriving destination for western wear enthusiasts near and far. outpostboots.com