With Flint Hills Technical College having a new leader and Emporia State University in transition towards a new president, what’s next for higher education in Emporia?
According to FHTC President Caron Daugherty, more conversations on how best to meet education needs in the area. Daugherty says she and outgoing ESU President Allison Garrett have had several discussions on current and potential future agreements since Daugherty officially started her new position in July.
Daugherty is pleased with the articulation agreements in place that let students move smoothly between the college and university, notably in the business department, and there have been recent conversations on expanding those arrangements.
Garrett says the relationships between ESU, Flint Hills Technical College and USD 253 Emporia are important to maintain and develop. Looking ahead for ESU, she sees some challenges — and opportunities — ahead.
Garrett is departing Oct. 15 to become the chancellor and chief executive officer of Oklahoma’s State System of Higher Education. She says ESU is on a great trajectory with retention, graduation rates, student debt amounts, career outcomes and new on-campus construction because of the work of faculty and staff. She’s hoping to see some enrollment growth once new numbers are released soon by the Kansas Board of Regents.
