Matt Baker has a few months to process his new job duties as Emporia State University’s 19th president, but he has a lot of people willing to work with him as he gets started.
Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking wants to see the city’s ongoing relationship with ESU continue to grow and evolve.
Lyon County Commissioner Doug Peck, a member of the President Search Committee, says the Baker hire sets up ESU for continued success.
Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods is looking forward to developing more partnerships, following ongoing conversations and the announcement of the Forging Opportunities for Research, Growth and Entrepreneurship, or FORGE, grant program supported by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Main Street got $375,000 through the grant and another $375,000 match through ESU for increasing technology access, developing local and regional partnerships and developing skill sets through ESU’s involvement.
Baker comes to Emporia after spending the last 15 years as Northwest Missouri’s vice president of student affairs, building on prior duties at Northwest including dean of students and director of residential life. Baker’s current role at Northwest Missouri has included student engagement and involvement, residential life including housing and dining, recreation and wellness services, helping Northwest increase enrollment and retention during his time in university leadership.
*Click here for KVOE News’ initial coverage on Baker’s hire.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short from Thursday’s announcement.
