Among last week’s business for the Kansas Board of Regents was a conversation with Emporia State University administrators about economic development — and the topic of a potential data center came up.
Assistant Vice President of Government Relations and Economic Development Greg Schneider says the data center could bring up to 500 full-time jobs to Emporia — and unlock a lot of tech-based opportunities for ESU graduates.
Schneider says the data center conversation comes as local leaders continue their work to bring other opportunities to the area.
Schneider told Regents ESU is focused on helping the city of Emporia meet current and future demand.
Schneider says ESU currently doesn’t produce graduates that help Emporia’s employment opportunities in manufacturing and industry, but he says the university is working to correct that issue. President Matt Baker agrees, saying three is work in a range of fronts to have students ready for the work to come.
Schneider also mentioned Emporia’s current economic upheaval, including over 1,000 job losses over the last 18 months with the shutdown of businesses like Tyson, Thermal Ceramics and Hopkins coupled with job cuts at places like Michelin. Schneider says Emporia, in general terms, has had to adjust its thinking when it comes to economic drivers.
Meanwhile, Schneider says ESU continues its work with the city of Emporia to determine how the university can help meet the city’s current and future employment needs. It also continues its presence on Emporia’s major economic development groups, including Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Main Street and Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas. Main Street and ESU partnered last year on the FORGE grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce to enhance entrepreneurial activities, and Main Street may serve as a de facto Small Business Development Center after ESU’s office was closed. Schneider says ESU’s cyber program is moving forward after being improved by the Regents last year, while the nursing program’s new facility has students well-positioned to step into professional settings as soon as they graduate.
