ESU Alum to Share How to Learn, Lead and Help Others at Annual Hayes Lecture
Emporia, KS (10/21/2025) — Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh's approach to leadership is a simple approach: listen carefully, study the details and guide others toward clarity. During Homecoming week, he will share how insights from neurology can help build a meaningful life with Emporia State students and the community as he delivers the 2025 Sam and Jeannene Hayes Lecture.
Nashatizadeh's career began at Emporia State, where he earned a BS in biology in 1998 before moving to the University of Kansas to earn his medical degree. Today, he is a neurologist, neurohospitalist, movement disorder specialist and clinical associate professor with the University of Kansas Health System and School of Medicine.
He will share his presentation, "From Neurons to Networks: Learning, Leading and Helping Others," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Webb Hall on the second floor of ESU's Memorial Union. ESU students who attend the lecture are eligible to apply for one of 10 scholarships of $1,000 each.
Nashatizadeh believes strongly in mentorship and credits Emporia State faculty for modeling what he strives to provide today. Professors in biology, chemistry, philosophy, economics and beyond made time for conversations that went beyond coursework.
"They were open and approachable. Some of those casual talks became important moments of guidance," he said. "You never know the impact of one conversation," Nashatizadeh said. "You can jumpstart a person's ability to believe in themselves. Even meeting someone once, you can plant a seed."
Dr. Sam Hayes (BS 1962) and his wife, Jeannene, established the lecture series in 2011 as a way to engage Emporia State's alumni in highlighting their successes. Individuals whose leadership qualities, skills and accomplishments have led to distinction are featured in each annual lecture.
The Sam and Jeannene Hayes Lecture is sponsored by ESU's Blue Key Honor Society, which also organizes the scholarship award process.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
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Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh, a 1998 graduate of Emporia State University, will deliver the 2025 Sam and Jeannene Hayes Lecture on Oct. 30. Nashatizadeh went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Kansas and is now a neurologist, neurohospitalist, movement disorder specialist and clinical associate professor with the University of Kansas Health System and School of Medicine.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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