With spring commencement activities taking place this weekend, Emporia State University is touting the support from lawmakers for its ongoing reinvestment plan — as evidenced by fundraising and budgetary infusions.
Emporia State says it has received almost $11 million in the state budget in addition to allocations to Board of Regents schools, including:
*$9 million for the ESU investment model
*$1.1 million for academic programs in the new Cybersecurity Center
*Over $500,000 for the SMaRT Kansas 21: Science and Math Recruitment of Teachers in Kansas initiative
*Bonding authority to build a new nursing and wellness center facility
The ESU Foundation also recently announced plans to invest an additional $3 million in unrestricted funds over a three-year period for ESU to utilize as needed. That money has been part of the Foundation’s “rainy-day fund.”
ESU Executive Director for Government Affairs Greg Schneider tells KVOE News Emporia State is ahead of the curve when it comes to how higher education serves students and the state.
17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia says the budget allocation “is a demonstration of the support the Legislature has for the leadership and direction of ESU. We are excited to see the results that will enhance student learning and workforce development.” 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia concurs.
Schneider says Emporia State has been told to detail where the $9 million allocation went by January 2025, along with tentative results, but Schneider believes a report could be in lawmaker hands by January 2024.
The reinvestment plan has not met with universal favor. Over 30 staff, mostly tenured faculty, were dismissed. American Association of University Professors called the Framework for Workforce Management, the basis for Emporia State’s plan going forward, a “direct assault on tenure and academic freedom” following a recent inquiry. AAUP is planning a vote on potentially censuring Emporia State, perhaps as soon as next week.
