New Emporia State President Ken Hush has been busy since he was appointed as the university’s interim leader. He hasn’t slowed down at all since being appointed as president last week.
Hush was initially reluctant to be considered for the permanent president, but he submitted his name shortly before the deadline this year.
Hush says student goals have changed, focusing more on careers instead of obtaining degrees and also concentrating on the overall student experience more so than in years past. Education has changed as well, with more students coming to campus with at least a year of credits under their belts and fewer staying on campus — causing a ripple effect to businesses across Emporia. Having said that, Hush says ESU will continue its mission of preparing students for the work world using a data-driven approach.
Hush begins officially leading Emporia State at a time when enrollment is declining, but that trend is underway across the Regents system — not just at Emporia State. He says the Regents and ESU are taking a collaborative approach to turning things around, stepping up meeting schedules as part of that effort.
Hush says work is underway to fill several key leadership positions, with the athletic director announcement possibly this week and steps underway to fill the provost position.
