By: Ryan Duey

Photo Courtesy Jenneen LeMay

The Morrison Family Center for Student Well-Being at Kansas State University has a new four-legged employee, therapy dog Oakley. As a certified therapy dog, Oakley provides comfort, affection, and support to students and faculty members when needed.

Jenneen LeMay, Assistant Director at Morrison Family Center and Oakley’s handler, said Oakley, who completed his certification in May, has already made a big impact in his short time at KSU.

“We’ve just been really so overwhelmingly excited to have him in our office, and it’s been such a positive experience.”

“Oakley’s main mission is to bring comfort and affectionate support to K-State students, faculty, and staff.”

“Since classes have started, we’ve already had students come by our office, and they’ll come in and they’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes hanging out with Oakley. So, we’ve already had that experience with students just in the first couple of weeks of classes.”

On top of being open for visits, Oakley spreads his comfort and joy around the campus during special events. LeMay said students and faculty will soon be able to request to have Oakley and her at events, with availability depending on their schedule.

LeMay said she is excited to see the positive impact the program has already had at the university.

“We’re just very excited about the response that we’ve had so far, and really the impact that seeing an animal connect with not only students but faculty and staff.”

“I think we all know that animals make a difference in our lives, and we know that they can be a powerful connector and also very therapeutic in nature.”

“When you really get to see that in the scope of a campus community, it’s very exciting, and we’re just so appreciative that we’ve had this opportunity.”

Oakley and LeMay are available for visits on the second floor of the Student Union at the Morrison Family Center. LeMay said they have a lot of ideas planned for Oakley in the future, as the program grows.