F Gene Ernst Retires in 1992

As an alumnus, professor, and emeritus faculty member, F. Gene Ernst serves as a unique ambassador for the programs in the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning, and Design.

Ernst received the Bachelor of Architecture from K-State in 1953, then engaged in private practice until he joined the K-State architecture faculty in 1967.  During his tenure on the K-State faculty, Ernst served as assistant dean of what was then the College of Architecture and Design and also as head of the Department of Architecture.  He retired from full-time teaching in 1992 and continues to be a valued and generous member of the emeritus faculty.

During his 25 years with the College, the development of the architectural internship program was, without doubt, his most important contribution.  Not only was Ernst instrumental in its founding, but as coordinator he took the internship program from infancy to national prominence.  Through his efforts and activities, the architectural internship program served as a model for many others across the nation.

Within the College community, Ernst performed the extraordinary role of mentor, confidant, and Asage voice@ to many deans, department heads, faculty and, most importantly, to numerous students who matriculated during his quarter century at K-State.  Ernst continues to make himself available to the College for critiquing student projects, teaching in short-term situations, and providing counsel about everything from internship to fund raising.  To all in the College, he is a much-loved and trusted friend.

As the College=s Aartist in residence@ for many years, gifts of Ernst=s magnificent paintings grace the offices and homes of many distinguished friends of the College, and others have become part of K-State=s permanent art collection.  Since his retirement, Ernst has become very active in the local art community.  He is one of the founders of the Columbian Artists and a member of the Board of Directors for the Manhattan Arts Center.  His artwork is exhibited in numerous venues around town.  Ernst is also a newly appointed Advisory Director for the Board of the Friends of the KSU Library.

Ernst also maintains a strong professional presence, having served for many years on the Housing Board for the City of Manhattan.  He practiced and still consults with local architecture firms and has been involved in many residential, church, business, and community projects before and since his retirement.  A past officer and active member of the Flint Hills Chapter, American Institute of Architects, Ernst sets an example of cooperation between the architecture profession and academia.

While his artistic presence in the region grows, Ernst remains clearly associated with the College and K-State.  His energy, goodwill, and reputation as an architect who connects the efforts of many in the visual arts community in Manhattan help everyone in the community sense the value of architecture in our daily lives.

As a gifted teacher, an award-winning architect, a talented artist, and a dedicated supporter of Kansas State University, F. Gene Ernst exemplifies the excellence that makes this a great institution.  We proudly and gratefully extend appreciation to him for his accomplishments and for his service to the profession of architecture, to Kansas State University, and to the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design.