Listen to 14 KVOE and KVOE.com every
other Thursday at 8:15 am.
President Shonrock will join the Morning
Show to discuss
a variety of
issues and initiatives at
You can listen to past shows and read news stories
below:
‘WALKABOUT’ HIGHLIGHTS CITY-UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS,
INITIATIVES
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Jan. 24, 2013
It was part of a walkabout designed as a small way to bring campus and
community together. On Thursday’s ESU Buzz with President Dr. Michael Shonrock,
Dr. Shonrock said it was important for the university to thank the business
community for welcoming students and its ongoing relationship with ESU.
“This is a wonderful community, and the
relationship between is so important. We know the entire community and
certainly the downtown is very visible to campus, and we just want to say
‘thank you’ and find ways we can continue to build those relationships,”
Shonrock said.
This also comes on the heels of discussion
at the City Commission meeting Wednesday to form a Black and Gold district
downtown and results released -- also Wednesday -- from a student research
project detailing student expectations for goods, services and entertainment
options downtown. Mayor Bobbi Mlynar said the new district would be
student-focused, and it only enhances the partnership between city and
university.
“We do realize
Shonrock said the student survey indicates
some positives right off the bat. Students say merchant friendliness is high,
and they also give high marks to the quality of products available and customer
service.
“That relationship is so important because,
as you know, any business, when you smile, you’re coming in, that makes a
difference and turns you to coming back,” he said.
However, students say limited business and
transportation hours and perceived high prices need improvement, and they say
networking between merchants and students can improve significantly.
Mlynar says the student input is invaluable
as the city looks to grow.
“We have thousands of people in that
community. If we don’t have something to hold them here in the evenings and
weekends, and if they go out of town, our businesses lose. But we also lose
that opportunity to make that link between the community and the campus,” she
said.
“We do appreciate having the students and
staff and professors on campus, and we want them to become involved in our
community. I think we will all be enriched by that,” Mlynar added.
‘NOW AND FOREVER’ CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ALL ASPECTS OF
ESU EXPERIENCE
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Dec. 27, 2012
Expect to hear a lot more about a massive
fundraising campaign underway now at Emporia State University.
The "Now and Forever" campaign is
trying to raise $45 million in private funds. That would be three times the
previous high for any fundraiser on campus. On the ESU Buzz, President Dr.
Michael Shonrock said it's a comprehensive deal. The money will fund
scholarships, fellowships and endowed professorships. It could also fund
capital improvements and may even help with the athletic department.
A year ago, Shonrock came to Emporia after
years at Texas Tech. When he came on board, he said ESU had to reverse an
enrollment slide the past few years. So far, so good, with projected increases
for incoming freshmen, transfers and graduate students.
Shonrock also took a look ahead to the 2013
legislative session with funding concerns developing across the board after
lawmakers enacted hefty income tax cuts.
STUDENTS EXCITED BY SPLIT COMMENCEMENT
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Dec. 13, 2012
Close to 700 Emporia State students will
receive their degrees at winter commencement Saturday.
This year marks the start of a new
tradition: separating the ceremonies, with undergraduates receiving
their diplomas starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at White Auditorium
and graduate degrees to be conferred starting at 2 p.m. at Albert
Taylor Hall. On the ESU Buzz with President Dr. Michael
Shonrock, Registrar Elaine Henrie said the undergraduates are pumped for the
activities. The graduate students are also looking forward to receiving their
hoods as part of their commencement, according to Dean of the Graduate School
Dr. Kathy Ermler.
Shonrock said the university administration
listened after the fear of bad weather prompted a split commencement earlier
this spring.
Almost 225 graduate students and nearly
350 undergrads will receive degrees. More information is available at www.emporia.edu/commencement.
SHARED GOVERNANCE COMMITMENT EXPANDS
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Nov. 10, 2012
Emporia State University is expanding its
commitment to shared governance on campus.
Already with a Faculty Senate, Classified
Assembly and Associated Student Government, ESU is establishing an Unclassified
Commission. On our ESU Buzz recently, registrar Elaine Henrie said the board
will help represent what can best be described as the university's
private-sector employees.
Unclassified employees are different from
classified workers in that unclassified staff share similarities with the
"at will" employment nature of private sector jobs while classified
staffers are civil servants like state employees. President Dr. Michael
Shonrock says it's unique to ESU.
A charter celebration has been scheduled for
Nov. 27 in the KSTC Ballroom.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP GEARED TO HELPING HISPANIC STUDENTS
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Sept. 29, 2012
A special workshop is coming to Emporia
State University on Oct. 27 to encourage Hispanic middle school students
to think about math and science as part of their careers.
Translated into English as "Yes You Can
Do Science and Mathematics," the workshop will feature demonstrations on
physics, engineering, math, pharmaceuticals, veterinary sciences and fossils.
ESU HALO students will also attend to provide mentorship for the younger
students.
On the ESU Buzz with President Dr. Michael
Shonrock recently, Physics Department Chair Dr. Jorge Ballester said math is
vital for success in science. Ballester said he found early on he could do
math, and he had some help at home.
Registrations are needed by Oct. 5. Cost is
$10 for adults and students. Call 341-5281 for more information.
ATHLETICS SPURS CAMPUS LIFE, SHONROCK SAYS
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Sept. 13, 2012
A positive atmosphere on the Emporia State
campus is only amplified by what's taking place with the university's athletic
department.
President Dr. Michael Shonrock joined the
ESU Buzz, saying having successful athletics can have more of an impact on
a university than you may think.
One of the pregame activities getting a lot
more attention these days is the Hornet Walk, where the football team goes from
its pregame meal to the locker room. This year, there's a special emphasis on
getting the community to line that route and wish the players well. Coach Garin
Higgins is impressed.
HYPE SONG ‘RIGHT NOW’ HIGHLIGHTS BUZZ
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Aug. 23, 2012
Enrollment and excitement punctuated the ESU
Buzz on 14 KVOE.
On the enrollment side, there are no firm
numbers yet, but President Dr. Michael Shonrock says things look good so far.
On the entertainment side, the writers and
performers of the hype song "Right Now" joined the program. El Dorado
students Gabe Andrews and Benny Bowden say they wanted to write something
special, and Bowden was pleasantly surprised by the reaction the song has
received.
Both Andrews and Bowden have discussed the
possibilities of starting a recording company of some sort after their time at
ESU is done.
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS
By
Scott Hayes/KVOE News
Posted Aug. 9, 2012
Emporia State University is
"buzzing" in preparation for a new semester, with students returning
to campus and new students set to move into dorms Saturday. ESU President
Dr. Michael Shonrock appeared on the ESU Buzz and says they are excited
about the enrollment numbers, especially the number of new students.
Shonrock says the increased numbers at
orientations, the request for additional housing, and the need to add blocks of
general education seminars are all positives.
Also appearing on the ESU Buzz was ESU
Athletic Band Director Dr. Nathan Gay, who says he's expecting to field one of
the largest marching bands at ESU in recent memory.
Gay says the additional numbers, up around
15 from last year, is a nice problem to have.
Band Camp began Wednesday for percussion and
guard, with the full band arriving Friday.
STUDENT LEADERS CARRY STRONG VOICE AT ESU
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted July 26, 2012
Universities need more than strong enrollment
numbers to thrive. They also need a vibrant student voice, and that was the
focus of the ESU Buzz with President Michael Shonrock on Thursday.
New Associated Student Government President
Brooke Schmidt and Vice President Stewart Sneath appeared with Shonrock.
Schmidt says the main focus is building relationships across the campus. Sneath
was drawn to a student leadership role after seeing Hornets in action helping
others.
Shonrock says student leaders are involved
in all facets of campus life, including planning the 150th anniversary
celebration next year, as well as work on budgets, orientation and
Homecoming.
Shonrock says student leaders serve as an
on-campus focus group as they interact with different groups and get feedback
almost constantly. As such, their input is invaluable for helping to create a
rewarding experience for students now and down the road.
BASEBALL PROGRAM TAKES CENTER STAGE
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted July 12, 2012
Athletics was the focus of Thursday’s ESU
Buzz on 14 KVOE.
Baseball coach Bob Fornelli dicussed the
signing of 22 players for next year's squad. Besides the players, who hope to
get the Hornets back into the NCAA Tournament after the team missed out earlier
this year, Fornelli is excited about starting the 2013 season at
There has been a push at the Division I
level to start the season later, giving northern tier schools a more level
playing field with southern schools on the scheduling front. Fornelli doesn't
expect that to happen at the D-II level, and he's just fine with that.
University President Dr. Michael Shonrock
says he's glad the baseball team has done as well as it has, both athletically
and academically. He also says it's important to support athletics because of
the experience it gives students, and efforts are underway to increase
available scholarship money for the team.
CADAVER LAB NEW FOR ESU STUDENTS
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted June 28, 2012
Biological Sciences chair Dr. Brent Thomas
was a guest on the ESU Buzz and said he's excited by what this means for
biology students. So is university president Dr. Michael Shonrock, who says
residents need to know what kind of research is taking place.
Thomas says ESU students have had access to
three-dimensional human models as well as animals, but having this program is
special because not many universities have this option available.
The course will be team-taught by Drs.
Lynnette Sievert, Dwight Moore and Melissa Bailey. Thomas says ESU will get
cadavers from the KU Willed Bodies Program.
NTHF ENJOYS GOOD TIMES
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted June 14, 2012
Leaders of the National Teachers Hall of
Fame are all smiles, and not just because the 21st induction class is in town.
On the ESU Buzz today, Hall of Fame board
president Lindy Whetzel said a partnership developed last year with the
National Education Association has paid dividends with fundraising and
recognition.
ESU President Michael Shonrock says the
inductions this week are certainly good for education, and they might have a
positive impact for ESU down the road.
The Hall of Fame has been at Emporia State
Visser Hall the past five years since moving over from its longtime home
in the 1300 block of C of E Drive.
ESU INVITING COMMUNITY TO WATCH VENUS TRANSIT ON CAMPUS
ESU Buzz
with President Michael Shonrock and physical sciences chair emeritus DeWayne
Backhus
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted May 24, 2012
Emporia State University is welcoming the
public to campus to witness a rare event next month.
The transit of Venus is taking place June 5,
where Venus passes directly between the earth and the sun. On KVOE’s ESU Buzz
on Thursday, physical sciences chair emeritus Dr. DeWayne Backhus said there
won't be another such event in our lifetimes. The next transit will be in 2117.
Put another way, there have been seven
transits since the telescope was invented in 1609.
Residents are encouraged to go to Cram
Science Hall's southwest entrance from 5 to 8:15 p.m. Viewing stations will be
set up on the ground and in the rooftop viewing area. Outdoor viewing will
depend on sky conditions, but there will be two PowerPoint presentations
regardless of whether it's cloudy.
CLASSIFIED WORKERS NOTED
ESU Buzz
with President Michael Shonrock, Classified Assembly chair Karla Rodgers and
chair-elect Kim Massoth
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted May 10, 2012
The behind-the-scenes work of Emporia
State's classified workers took center stage during our ESU Buzz.
Classified Assembly chair Karla Rodgers and
chair-elect Kim Massoth joined President Dr. Michael Shonrock on the program.
The assembly is obviously concerned about the status of pay raises, something
state employees haven't enjoyed recently, along with benefits. Shonrock says he
will keep working with lawmakers, and he says there is hope for the near
future.
Morale is up among classified workers, and
Massoth says Shonrock's willingness to support the employees is a big reason
why.
The classified department held its annual
scholarship auction and lunch for dependents and children of classified
workers. The auction raised $5,000. Totals aren't available for the lunch, but
attendance was up around 50 from last year. Last year's event helped to fund
five $400 scholarships.
ESU
04-26-12 - ESU
Buzz with President Michael Shonrock, Dr. Joseph Wen and professor
John Rich
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted
More than two weeks after the prestigious
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business renewed its accreditation
of the Emporia State School of Business, school professors and administrators
are still basking in the glow of that announcement.
Less than five percent of all business schools worldwide get this honor,
and associate professor of accounting and information systems John Rich -- a
guest on KVOE’s ESU Buzz on Thursday -- says it gives the business school here
instant credibility with students, professors and business owners.
The
School Dean Joseph Wen says faculty qualifications
are a big piece of the accreditation puzzle, but ESU also has to set learning
goals and benchmarks for tracking purposes.
ESU Buzz
with President Michael Shonrock – 04/12/12
03/22/12 – ESU Buzz
with President Michael Shonrock
03/08/12 - ESU BUZZ
with President Michael Shonrock
Both LaToya and Ryan are graduates
of high schools in the
Here are some links to stories
about LaToya and Ryan:
http://www.kcur.org/post/kcps-alumni-debate-districts-future
http://puttingthekindebate.com/tag/latoya-williams-green/
http://voices.kansascity.com/entries/no-debate-about-need-debate/
02/23/12 - ESU BUZZ
with President Michael Shonrock
02/09/12 - ESU BUZZ
with President Michael Shonrock
ESU BUZZ FOCUSES ON STUDENT RECRUITMENT, OUTLOOK
Click
here for audio - ESU Buzz with President Michael Shonrock – 1/26/12
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted
Student recruitment and student perspectives
were the main focus of our ESU Buzz with President Michael Shonrock on Thursday.
Shonrock brought student body president
Ashley Vogts and vice president Jennifer Cheray to the airwaves.
Several building blocks are in place now as
the university tries to increase enrollment. ESU has been highlighted several
times in recent articles by U.S. News and World Report. Late last year,
it also unveiled a major scholarship initiative to help new and transfer
students defray most of their tuition costs if they meet certain academic
requirements. Earlier this month, the Board of Regents increased the credit
transferability for students, making it easier and more seamless for transfer
students to choose ESU.
Shonrock is working with student leaders,
who have developed a recruitment task force at his request -- something not
tried before at ESU.
While that work continues, Vogts says
recruitment stands to benefit from the ongoing renovations at the Memorial
Union. She says the ongoing renovations at the Memorial Union have already paid
dividends for current students, who are spending much more time in the building
to eat, study and socialize.
Both Vogts and Cheray say they are impressed
with how Shonrock has engaged the students since coming on board early this month.
Besides organizing as many as five meetings over the past three weeks, he is
also visible on campus as well.
You can hear the ESU Buzz every other Tuesday on 14 KVOE and KVOE.com. Click here for the ESU Buzz page featuring past stories and audio.
SHONROCK: GREAT THINGS POSSIBLE AT ESU
Click
Here for Audio - ESU Buzz – President
Shonrock
By
Chuck Samples/KVOE News
Posted Jan. 5, 2012
The sky's the limit for
So says the new president, Dr. Michael
Shonrock, who debuted the twice-monthly program ESU Buzz on KVOE’s Morning Show
with Ron Thomas on Thursday. Shonrock says ESU has great people and great
potential for growth in several areas, and he's excited for what the future may
hold.
Shonrock says the
Shonrock is already working on his
priorities, which include fundraising, enrollment management and strategic
planning. He has been meeting with campus personnel constantly since even
before he officially started Tuesday. He has also been meeting with civic
leaders and with local lawmakers before the legislative session begins next
week.
