Ken Hush’s time leading Emporia State University is coming to an end over the next two weeks, but his impact on ESU has already been far-reaching. And that reach is growing.
Emporia State announced Wednesday Hush is donating his entire salary and related compensation during his four-year tenure, a gift approaching $1.4 million, back to the university. Hush has issued a statement, saying: “Emporia State University has impacted thousands of students over its 163 years. This gift is in appreciation for the meaningful impact ESU has had on our community and on me, both as a student and in my role as president. It has been a great honor to serve my home state of Kansas, in my hometown of Emporia for the institution that has changed so many lives for the better.”
ESU Foundation CEO Jason Drummond says it’s an example of Hush and his leadership.
The contribution will be paid out as a three-year, non-endowed gift for scholarships, new student recruitment and campus operations. Drummond says it’s impactful beyond measure.
While many people will focus on the scholarship, Drummond says ESU is also looking at making sure students graduate.
Named as interim president in 2021 following the tenure of Allison Garrett and named as permanent president in 2022, Hush has overseen a stabilization of the university’s resources, as well as an increase in enrollment earlier this year, increases in donations and contributions and increases in available scholarship funds for students. Hush has also overseen the construction of the Nursing + Student Wellness Center, set to open to students next month, while the university has kept tuition and fees flat for two straight years and has announced plans to either hold room and board at current rates or trim them for next year, depending on the residence hall.
Hush made waves early in his tenure with the Framework for Workforce Management plan, which led to several programs getting cut and over 30 professors dismissed as part of a massive restructuring program that included eliminating $19 million in budget deficits, in part due to over $40 million in state support the last three years, and eliminating over $160 million in inefficiencies and waste.
Hush is set to retire this month. The Kansas Board of Regents is set to announce Hush’s replacement at any time.
