The visionary editors of KANSAS! helped generations see their home in a new light, inspiring Kansans for years to come
For eight decades, KANSAS! Magazine has been guided by editors who believed Kansas was a story worth telling. Visionaries like Don Richards, Frances Smith, and Andrea Glenn shaped not only the pages of the magazine, but the way Kansans see their home.
Their influence—spanning photography, journalism, community connection, and a deep love for the state—continues to define the magazine’s legacy today.
KANSAS! has always been more than words on a page—it reflects who we are as Kansans. Behind its enduring spirit are the editors who shaped its vision, guided its storytelling, and championed the beauty of this place. Over the last 80 years, 13 editors-in-chief have led the magazine. Three editors in particular helped move it forward. Their lasting legacies continue to define KANSAS! today.
Don Richards / 1953-1964
When Don Richards first joined KANSAS! in 1951, camera in his hand and curiosity in his heart, he saw Kansas through a storyteller’s lens. A Kansas State University graduate in industrial journalism, Richards brought fresh visual energy to the magazine when he became editor in 1953. His photography and thoughtful narratives helped readers rediscover their state, revealing a living story within the landscape.
Frances Smith / 1966-1977
In 1953, Frances Smith was promoted from an administrative role to assistant editor of KANSAS! A University of Kansas graduate, Smith made history in 1966 as the magazine’s first female editor. Her steady and insightful leadership expanded the magazine’s voice and reach, earning her the title of Kansas Woman Journalist of the Year in 1970. Her leadership built bridges between Kansas communities, showing readers that every horizon holds a story close to home.
Andrea Glenn / 1978-2001
Andrea Glenn took the helm in 1978, guiding KANSAS! into a new era. A Kansas State graduate—and the magazine’s longest-serving editor—Glenn celebrated daily life in Kansas through lifestyle storytelling and photography. Her vision transformed the magazine into more
than just a publication; it became a beloved tradition. In addition to publishing the magazine, Glenn spearheaded the release of two photography books: Kansas in Color (1983) and The Four Seasons of Kansas (1988). She also launched the annual wall calendar and the first children’s magazine.
As KANSAS! marks its 80th year, the moment calls for gratitude—both to the editors who shaped its pages and to the readers who have shared in its story. Richards, Smith and Glenn helped Kansans see our state’s extraordinary landscapes and people. Through their passion and purpose, generations have discovered a new sense of pride and endless inspiration in the place they call home.
