Two weeks ago we discussed the departure of Michael Shonrock as President at Emporia State and the momentum he had created for the school and our community and how his ability as a “Pied Piper” had brought some really talented people to town.
This may shock you but three of the four people I mentioned plus Jim Williams, ESU Vice President over enrollment have been identified as taking actions that could cause them to leave ESU.
These news flashes were shocking, but given time to think they all make sense. None of the four can be tied to Shonrock’s departure. All can be tied to unique opportunities and were not associated with a problem with Emporia State.
Jim Williams has been a loyal ESU administrator for a number of years and with the recent success – six or seven straight semesters of enrollment growth – the time for Jim to move up is now. He had a great story to tell and Wayne State, Nebraska thought enough of it to make him one of three finalists for their top job. He interviewed on campus yesterday. We wish him well!
Kristie Ogilvie, Dean of the School of Business, applied for the same job at Wichita State. It would be a nice step up and put her even closer to family. She told us last week she was a finalist, but the position had been offered another candidate.
DenaSue Potestio shocked our ESU Foundation meeting last week with news that she was resigning to attend Union Theological Seminary in New York City. This is unfortunate during the Now and Forever campaign, but fund raising has been strong and appears to be in good hands.
The final news was Werner Golling, V.P. for Administration who had interest in a presidential opening in his home town in Minnesota. Not sure if he even interviewed, but I do know he bought a house in Emporia last Thursday and will be moving his family here this summer.
Provost David Cordle is the only person mentioned two weeks ago without a rumor unless we conclude he might be a strong candidate to replace Shonrock.
None of these stories are negative for Emporia State. Everyone’s application received attention and why not?
Things are good and getting better at ESU. These folks are all simply “riding the wave!”
Someone told me how enjoyable it was composing the Request for Proposal for finding the presidential search firm.
He said, “ESU can now be described in the most positive terms – enrollment growing, outstanding Master Plan, fully engaged faculty and a community that really supports the school.”
Changes are going to happen, but when you have a vision and a solid foundation you embrace change and just get stronger.
