Senior Profile: Daniel Bechle

Daniel is from Denver, Colorado and is earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Daniel was previously selected as the 2025 Newman Civic Fellow and is the recipient of this year's Torch Award! 

Outside of his academic studies Daniel has been involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Model UN, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and is competing as a student-athlete on the FHSU cross country and track team. 

When asked about who contributed to his success at Fort Hays, Daniel mentioned Dr. Jay Steinmetz, Dr. Christopher Olds, and Dr. Ziwei Qui. They were all exceptional mentors to him and he said that they were an important part of his personal and academic journey.

Following graduation, Daniel will be headed to law school at either the University of Florida, Vanderbilt, or Washington University. No matter where he decides to go, we know that he will be successful and continue to achieve great things!

We are proud of your accomplishments here at Fort Hays State, and we wish you all the best as you enter this new chapter!

Senior Profile: Micah Burk

From the heart of Hays, Kansas, comes Micah Burk. He will be graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. 

In his time at Fort Hays, Micah has received the ACS Outstanding Sophomore Award (2024), Sigma Chi Academic Excellence Award, and has been accepted into Scholars in Rural Health Program. Additionally, he is serving as this year's president for the FHSU Premedical Club!

Outside of the classroom, Micah enjoys playing tennis (if the Kansas weather cooperates), being involved with the Sigma Chi fraternity, and spending time with all of the wonderful people at the Tiger Fitness Center.

Following graduation, Micah will be headed to Salina, Kansas to continue his studies. He has been accepted into the highly competitive KU School of Medicine, which only admits eight students per year. Micah plans to complete their four-year M.D. program and return to the area to practice Family Medicine so he can give back to the community that has always been his home. 

From Micah: "My family has been my biggest support, guiding me through college and supporting me every time challenges and uncertainties arise. I would also like to thank Dr. Balthazor, Dr. Braasch-Turi, Dr. McClure, and Dr. Gillock for their large support, as well as many other faculty in the Chemistry and Biology departments. With amazing classes that inspired my learning and prepared me for medical school, these professors have supported me with their time and suggestions for improvement."

We are so proud of all Micah's accomplishments and wish him all the best on his journey to become a rural physician! 

Senior Profile: Kintzli Wagner

Kintzli is from Hays and will earn her degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance. Following graduation she will be studying and earning her CPA so she can return to her hometown, Kansas City, Missouri, and work as an auditor for Ernst & Young. 

In her time at FHSU, Kintzli has proved her excellence in the classroom and field. She was recognized as the 2023 CSC Academic All-District MIAA Scholar-Athlete and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Additionally, she served as the RCOBE Ambassador and FHSU VIP Ambassador for the 2025-2026 school year. 

From Kintzli: "The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship has incredibly enriched my college experience. Being involved in various organizations and clubs offered in the college has not only created lasting friendships but also really amazing relationships with professors and faculty. Earning the role of RCOBE Ambassador has opened many doors for me and challenged me in different regards. I am especially grateful for Dr. Cole Engel, an incredible professor to whom I attribute much of my success in accounting. His classes were difficult but pushed me, and I felt I was always able to learn and get something from his lectures. I am also grateful for Dr. Tony Gabel and Dr. Christianna Pruden, who have both been not only great professors but have also provided unconditional support and offered a safe and welcoming environment for me in and out of the classroom. Finally, to my friends Jordan, Sully, Jersey, Ki, and Chandler. They have given me constant support in every aspect of my life. I wouldn't be the person I am with them, and I am forever grateful that Fort Hays State brought me such amazing friends."

We are very proud of her achievements and hard work! Congratulations, Kintzli! 🎓