Energized by several different trends, ESU Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jason Drummond says the stage is set for future growth.
Drummond says “success breeds success, and we’re riding that wave right now.”
Drummond says the alumni base has been ignited by recent trends on campus, including increases in enrollment, retention, student engagement and scholarship opportunities, which has helped ESU reinvest $11 million into student activities, majors, recruiting and staff.
ESU has held tuition flat for all students for two straight years and is not raising room and board rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Foundation and donor gifts have also helped to fund the Nursing + Student Wellness Center, which is set to open to students next month. The Patterson Family Foundation added to that recently, with ESU announcing a $150,000 grant so the university can buy equipment for simulation labs. The Patterson grant will help to equip five simulation rooms with dedicated specialty areas like medical-surgical care, emergencies, labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum care and pediatrics. There will also be an 11-bed lab so students can practice a range of clinical skills.
Drummond’s interview with KVOE’s Morning Show team aired on Monday’s Newsmaker segment, shortly after winter commencement and the naming of Matt Baker as Emporia State’s next president — and shortly before current president Ken Hush officially retires on Wednesday. Drummond says ESU will do what it can to keep the momentum building under Baker.
This is the time of year when the Foundation begins reminding potential donors of ways to donate by year’s end. Residents can visit the ESU Foundation at the Sauder Alumni Center, 1500 Highland, during normal business hours or call the office at 620-341-5440 for special arrangements. Checks have to be postmarked by New Year’s Eve to count as a 2025 gift, while online credit card donations can be made at any time before midnight New Year’s Eve at emporia.edu/give. Additional information about the Foundation is available at emporia.edu/foundation.
