Richard B. Hayter, associate dean of engineering for external affairs at Kansas State University, has been awarded the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The award was presented in January at the organization’s winter meeting in Atlantic City, N.J. The award is presented annually to one engineer for outstanding public service in his or her community.

Hayter is a former Manhattan mayor and has served on seven city and county boards including the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and the Manhattan Regional Airport Board. He is a board member for several community organizations including the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scout Coronado Area Council.