Emporia State University is building a new path forward focused on investing in programs that best serve today’s students and the Kansas workforce. The ESU Foundation has committed $3 million in support of the university’s new direction.
In January 2022, Emporia State initiated a campus-wide assessment to evaluate the current state of the institution and to define a strategic direction that would result in a viable and vibrant university. The first step was to prioritize and align activity to the university’s core mission of educating and graduating students. For the past 12 months the university has been announcing academic and student-life focused program initiatives and strategic investments to create a best-in-class experience.
“We had to evaluate everything we do at ESU and create a new path forward. The way we were operating is not sustainable for the long-term,” said Ken Hush, ESU president. “Higher education is facing extreme pressure to adapt to the current environment. Emporia State is ahead of the curve and is now positioned to deliver an elevated student experience for future generations of students.”
In support of the ESU Model and the university’s path forward the ESU Foundation committed an additional investment of $3 million over three years of unrestricted funds for the university to direct where needed. This infusion will provide the university the flexibility to align these resources with its go-forward initiatives.
“The ESU Foundation exists to serve the university and to advance its strategic initiatives,” said Shane Shivley, ESU vice president for advancement and CEO of the ESU Foundation. “ESU has an exciting vision for the future, and we are going to do everything we can to help enable the success of our great university.”
Alumni and friends who give generously to Emporia State University enable ESU to pursue new construction, projects, programs and initiatives. This $3 million investment will support ongoing programs and initiatives including, but not limited to, construction of the new nursing + student wellness building, student success initiatives, summer BRIDGE programs, scholarships, a variety of recruitment and retention initiatives and more.
“As a Foundation Board trustee, I have seen the momentum on campus. There is a renewed sense of urgency as the university is simultaneously launching new initiatives, while laying the groundwork for a total transformation,” said Diane Beatty, chair of the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Emporia State University Foundation was founded in 1952 as a 501(c)(3) corporation and exists solely to support Emporia State University. The Foundation raises, receives, manages, invests, distributes and stewards private resources in support of the university’s mission in the areas of teaching, research, public service and scholarship. The Foundation works closely with individuals, corporations and foundations who support and advocate for the university’s goals and initiatives through charitable gifts that improve, enhance and expand the vitality of Emporia State University. In fiscal year 2022, the Foundation delivered $6.8 million in total resources to enhance the university’s mission. This is more than twice the $3.1 million provided a decade ago.
Visit emporia.edu/future to learn more about ESU’s path forward.