Jackie Hartman-Borck, Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations, Kansas State University (retired)
Jackie Hartman-Borck, a prominent Manhattan figure, has made significant contributions to Kansas State University and the local community. The daughter of legendary Kansas State University basketball coach Jack Hartman, she moved to Manhattan in 1970. A graduate of Manhattan High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s in consumer economics from Kansas State University. After teaching in Austin, Texas, she joined Colorado State University, where she taught for 23 years and served as department chair in the College of Business. In 2010, she returned to Manhattan and became Kansas State’s first director of community relations, later serving as chief of staff. In these roles, she strengthened the university’s ties to the community.
Together with her husband Lee Borck, she has supported university programs like the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, McCain Auditorium, and Kansas State Libraries. In 2022, Jackie and Lee received the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence for their contributions. Jackie also serves on the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s Board and The Trust Company’s Board, leaving a lasting impact on both Kansas State and the Manhattan community.
Dr. Traci Brimhall, Kansas Poet Laureate
Dr. Traci Brimhall is used to being on the move. “My family moved every 3 to 4 years. I was used to keeping my boxes,” she shares. Now, even after eleven years in Kansas, Dr. Brimhall is often on the road as the Kansas Poet Laureate, as she brings poetry to libraries, museums, and county fairs across the state.
In 2024, Dr. Brimhall was named an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow. In partnership with Kansas-based Meadowlark Press, chefs, and poets, she's working on a poetry cookbook—set for publication this summer—inspired by how cooking during the pandemic helped her reconnect with the present moment. “Cooking just became a place where I just felt deeply in the present tense. I wasn't [thinking] about my to-do list. It didn't feel like anything other than like what I was doing was beautiful and rich in the senses” she shares.
In addition to her roles as an acclaimed poet and Kansas State University Professor of creative writing and poetry, Dr. Brimhall was named the Guggenheim Museum Poet-in-Residence in April. In her new role, she will create a project of poetic experiences to deepen community engagement and spark dynamic conversations at the Guggenheim, the iconic contemporary art museum in New York City.
Despite the many demands on her time, including a packed travel calendar, Dr. Brimhall seeks to remain grounded. “You have to find a way to rest inside the moment.” She makes space for reflection through weekly writing sessions with a friend at the Museum of Art and Light and by reading with her son every evening. “We read together from 8 to 9, every night,” she shares. “It’s my favorite hour of the day.”
Dr. Socorro Herrera, Executive Director of Kansas State University Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy
For over 30 years, Dr. Socorro Herrera has been a leader in literacy education, teacher preparation, and culturally responsive education. Born in New Mexico and once a second-language learner herself, she now serves as a professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University and the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy. The author of a dozen books, Dr. Herrera loves helping children discover the joy of reading. She credits her success to the guidance of mentors, including former College of Education Dean Michael Holen and current Dean Debbie Mercer.
Sarah Cunnick, Co-Owner of Sisters of Sound
In 2004, Sarah Cunnick opened Sisters of Sound, an indie record store, with her sister Leah. One of eight siblings, Sarah grew up in McPherson, Kansas, where her early exposure to vinyl instilled her lifelong love for the medium.
As a student at Kansas State University, Sarah DJed at the Student Union. After graduation, in 1992, Sarah scored a job at Streetside Records, a regional music store chain. Upon its closure, Sarah inherited not only the store’s racks but also its ethos: music for everyone. Over the years, she’s seen many iconic artists, including Prince, Springsteen, and Cher. Today, she champions local artists like Nirvana Hope and Aliyah Stephens.
With Leah now caring full-time for their 96-year-old mother, Sarah holds down the fort at the store. She encourages newcomers to vinyl to not be intimidated. “Don’t be afraid of physical media,” she says. “If we could figure it out as kids, so can you.”
Dr. Stephanie Wick, LCMFT, LCAC, owner, Andrews & Associates Counseling
Dr. Stephanie Wick, LCMFT, LCAC, is the owner and president of Andrews & Associates Counseling. Raised on a small farm in Osborne, Kansas, she moved to Manhattan and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in marriage and family therapy from Kansas State University in 2005 and 2010. In 2016, she became the owner of Andrews & Associates. She is also the co-founder and owner of Unbound Recovery, an eating disorder clinic in Manhattan and Topeka. Dr. Wick specializes in addiction, grief, and relationship issues. A woman of deep faith, she is deeply committed to supporting others on their healing journey.
Heather Hnizdil, Owner of Flight Crew Coffee
Just a few years ago, Heather Hnizdil was teaching English abroad and dreaming of designing for an airline. Today, she owns Flight Crew Coffee, an aviation-themed café in downtown Manhattan. “I want it to feel like an experience,” Heather says. From the curated décor to the warm hospitality, every detail is intentional.
Flight blends Heather’s small-town roots, love of travel, and strong design aesthetic. Raised in St. Francis, she values face-to-face connection, so Flight doesn't offer delivery or mobile ordering. At 18, she studied printmaking and photography at Kansas State University and spent semesters abroad in the Czech Republic and Denmark. Later, she taught English in Sicily and Taiwan, using her art skills to connect with students.
Since opening in 2021, Heather has become a community connector. Flight hosts live music, swing dance nights, and a silent book club. She also serves on the Flint Hills Breadbasket Board and as the Art Coordinator for Downtown Manhattan.
Linda Uthoff, Former Drama Teacher, Manhattan High School
For over two decades, Linda Uthoff taught drama at Manhattan High School, where she inspired students to discover their creativity and confidence.
A Wamego native, Linda grew up on her family’s farm and began her academic journey at the University of Kansas, where she originally studied journalism. However, she soon found herself drawn to education and the arts. After earning a bachelor's degree in social studies education, she performed professionally with Music Theatre Wichita and at Worlds of Fun.
Linda came to Manhattan to earn her master’s degree in theater and speech from Kansas State University. In 1994, she opened the iconic Columbian Theatre in her hometown as its first artistic director. After teaching for both Kansas State University and Manhattan Parks and Recreation Children's Theater, she joined Manhattan High School, where she taught for 21 years. In addition to directing numerous productions, she worked to make theater accessible to students of all backgrounds and personality types, imparting important life lessons. “I realized that teaching theater was less about theater as much as it was about teamwork and resilience—critical thinking and problem solving. And how you can take a bad day and make it a good day.”
Since retiring in 2018, Linda has remained active in the community. She volunteers with young children at First Christian Church, serves on the leadership team for the League of Women Voters, and continues to perform locally.
When asked what advice she would give to young women, Linda shares: “Don’t let your fears or other people’s expectations hold you back. Keep your eyes open for the next opportunity. And trust your gut—it knows what lights you up.”
Dr. Jessica Campbell, owner of The Healing House
Dr. Jessica Campbell graduated from Kansas State University in 2003 with a degree in wildlife biology. She began her career in the records department at the Riley County Police Department. After marrying and having two children, she led a daycare. At 32, she pursued her passion for health and enrolled at Cleveland Chiropractic College, becoming a licensed chiropractor. Returning to Manhattan, she founded Flint Hills Chiropractic, which rebranded as The Healing House in 2024. Now leading a team of trusted providers, Dr. Campbell’s mission is to listen, ask, guide, and empower individuals through holistic, patient-centered health and wellness care.
Danielle Prockish-Huston, Manhattan's Hometown Realtor
A proud graduate of Manhattan High School and Kansas State University, Danielle Prockish-Huston has deep roots in the Manhattan community. She holds a degree in economics and began her career in banking, later spending a decade in mortgage lending. Eventually, she transitioned to real estate and now serves clients in the Manhattan, Junction City, and Lincoln, Nebraska markets. Nothing is more rewarding to her than helping someone buy a home they never thought possible. With strong expertise in both mortgage lending and real estate sales, Danielle offers a unique advantage to her clients. She truly is Manhattan’s trusted hometown realtor.