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FHSU Alumni Office

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Once a Tiger. Always a Tiger.

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One visit with the @fhsurodeo team set Shelby Ney on an unexpected path.

What began as a chance opportunity evolved into a passion for rodeo, leadership, and service, and it ultimately led the Russell native to earn the title of Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027. This fall, she will complete her bachelor's degree in biology while serving as an ambassador for the Kansas rodeo community.

At FHSU, Shelby found ways to combine her passions for science, agriculture, and rodeo. Through academics, research, and involvement with the university's rodeo team, she developed skills and confidence that prepared her for a future in wildlife biology and rodeo leadership.

Rodeo wasn't always part of her plan. After a college friend encouraged her to visit the FHSU Rodeo team, she quickly found her place in the sport. Today, she competes in breakaway roping and barrel racing and occasionally team roping.

Through rodeo, Ney discovered a community rooted in hard work and stewardship. Those values inspired her pursuit of rodeo royalty. As the 2026 Miss Rodeo FHSU, she promoted the university's rodeo program and her teammates' accomplishments. As Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027, she hopes to highlight the impact of rodeo through appearances at events, schools, and nursing homes across the state.

Shelby is no stranger to hard work. Growing up on a cattle ranch outside Russell, she learned how to pull calves and repair fence posts alongside her family.

Although naturally quiet in her youth, Shelby says leadership roles as Miss Rodeo Ellis County, Miss Rodeo FHSU, and now Miss Rodeo Kansas have strengthened her confidence and shown her what she's capable of achieving.

After traveling this next year for engagements as Miss Rodeo Kansas, Shelby hopes to work as a wildlife biologist in the Kansas state park system.

“I’m a firm believer that each and every one of us was put on this earth to be a steward of God’s creation,” she said. “It has always been my goal to understand the world around me as best I can so I can leave my mark on this world by leaving it better than I found it.” by @fhsualumni

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2 days ago

There aren't many people you can talk to who have "T-Rex bone" on their Tuesday to-do list. But most people don't work inside the Dane G. Hansen Paleontology Research Center at @sternbergmuseum.

Thanks to Ian Trevethan, Paleontology Operations Manager at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, for giving us a peek at what his day-to-day work looks like! by @fhsualumni

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3 days ago

We’re excited to welcome Brooklynn Raacke to our team as a student Alumni Office Assistant!

Brooklynn jumped right into her role during Homecoming week, so hopefully you had a chance to talk with her at one of our events!

She is studying psychology and expects to earn her bachelor's degree in May. After graduation, she plans to either pursue a master’s degree at FHSU or an accelerated doctoral program.

Outside the classroom, Brooklynn is active in undergraduate research, a member of the student NAMI chapter, and currently serves as president of the Psychology Club, among other activities.

Welcome to the Robbins Center, Brooklynn! by @fhsualumni

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3 days ago

You never know who you will find in the quad during Homecoming week.

Dr. John Dorsch was enjoying campus views Friday morning before attending the Half Century Club social and luncheon to celebrate his 50th FHSU class reunion.

John has earned just about every award a Fort Hays State student and graduate can receive:

- Torch Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior – 1976
- Young Alumni Award – 1986
- Alumni Achievement Award – 2012

After graduating from FHSU in 1976, John went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree and worked in private practice before returning to medical school as an educator for future doctors. His expertise and commitment to teaching led him to earn a long list of awards in the medical field, and in 2010, he was also inducted into the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership.

Homecoming is a highlight of our year, and getting to run into Fort Hays State alumni like John is a big part of what makes it so special. by @fhsualumni

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8 days ago

Nothing sweeter than a Homecoming victory. by @fhsualumni

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12 days ago

A perfect Saturday for another FHSU Homecoming parade by @fhsualumni

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13 days ago

You have three chances to cheer on Tiger Volleyball this week!

Tuesday, September 29 at 6 PM – FHSU vs Kansas Wesleyan
Friday, October 2 at 6 PM – FHSU vs Arkansas-Fort Smith
Saturday, October 3 at 2 PM – FHSU vs Northeastern State

Come out to Gross Memorial Coliseum and rally the Tigers to a week of victories! by @fhsualumni

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17 days ago

You never know where your path will lead. Just ask Joe Erdman.

When Joe graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in industrial education in 1985, he started working as a draftsman in Littleton, CO. He didn't necessarily have his sights set on the stars, but today, he is at the forefront of space exploration.

Through his work for Lockheed Martin, a key NASA partner, Joe helps launch missions “to the moon and beyond.”

Joe is the Lead Responsible Systems Engineer and System Architect on the Orion spacecraft flying the Artemis missions. In short, before Orion is turned over to NASA and cleared for its journey to the moon, Joe helps make sure it's a “Go!”

Last April, he played an important role in the 10-day Artemis II mission that sent four astronauts on a record-setting journey around the moon. That mission laid the groundwork for long-term research on the lunar surface and deep space exploration.

The magnitude of Artemis II was not lost on Joe. “For ten days, people across the globe followed and celebrated the mission, sent well wishes, and hoped for a positive outcome. It is humbling to think that my work contributed to something people viewed worldwide,” he said. “Every day is a new challenge. I am constantly learning something new and given assignments where I have an opportunity to excel,” he said.

Based in Colorado with his wife, Kelly Wallace, Joe continues to keep his feet on the ground while ensuring his team reaches for the stars. He is now helping NASA prepare for the Artemis III mission launch planned for 2027. by @fhsualumni

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23 days ago

Fort defended.

FHSU 42 Pitt State 17 by @fhsualumni

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a month ago

Homecoming is the best weekend of the year at Fort Hays State, and you don’t want to miss a moment.

Reunions, a bonfire, luncheons and banquets, a parade, tailgating, and more are all happening October 1 - 3! Some events require advance registration by Sunday, September 20, so don’t wait.

If you are a 2025 or 2026 graduate, enjoy FREE admission to most Homecoming events, including a Tiger Tailgate with a buffet dinner before the football game!

Find a schedule of events through the link in our bio.

We can’t wait to see you back on campus! by @fhsualumni

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a month ago

All former FHSU library staff, including student workers, are invited back for a special Homecoming reunion!

Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 - 11 AM in the renovated Tebo Library for a reunion gathering and breakfast buffet. A group photo will be taken at 10 AM.

Even better, this reunion breakfast is FREE for all former library employees and student workers, thanks to the generosity of Deb Ludwig and Lynn Haggard! You can register for the event through the link in our bio.

Not a former library employee, but would still like an opportunity to tour the newly renovated spaces? Tebo Library is hosting a public open house that same Saturday afternoon from 1 – 3 PM for anyone who would like to stop by and see the stunning transformation.

We look forward to seeing you back on campus during Homecoming! by @fhsualumni

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a month ago

Tug-of-war once carried serious consequences for FHSU freshmen. First-year students had to wear school-colored beanies, and the annual freshmen-versus-sophomore tug-of-war over Big Creek determined when they could take the beanie off. Win, and they came off immediately. Lose, and those hats stayed on until Thanksgiving.

By the late 1960s, tug-of-war was still going strong as a Homecoming rivalry, but the beanies had retired. In the mid-1970s, it became part of Spring Swing, a day packed with friendly competition. Then in the mid-1980s, tug-of-war moved to Greek Week.

Today, the tradition is alive and well, with tug-of-war serving as a muddy, high-energy competition in the spring Intramural Mud Fest. by @fhsualumni

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a month ago