ESU opens metro center in Overland Park

On Wednesday Emporia State University celebrated its formal opening and ribbon cutting of the ESU Metro Learning Center in Overland Park.
"It is truly a great day in Kansas City and it is always a great day in Emporia ," said ESU President Kay Schallenkamp. "Since 1989, ESU has had a presence in Kansas City. We are bringing highly affordable, high-quality programs to the Greater Kansas City - Overland Park area."
About 100 well-wishers, alumni, faculty, staff, politicians, and students gathered at the new ESU facility to take part in the celebration.
Ed Eilert, former Mayor of Overland Park and ESU Alumnus, brought greetings.
"We are very proud of the impact that ESU has had in the state of Kansas," he said. "We are extremely happy about the visibility that ESU has in Johnson County."
ESU's School of Business offers three majors to students who are seeking a four-year degree. Those majors include: Accounting, Business Administration and Management. Students take two years of general education classes at Kansas City Kansas Community College or another institution and complete their bachelor's degrees at the center.
"With this new facility we are providing state-of-the-art classrooms for our students in the Johnson County/Kansas City area," said Brad Goebel, director of Lifelong Learning. "The Johnson County program offers area residents an affordable opportunity to improve existing skills and expand their knowledge in new fields."
The slogan, "Start here.Go anywhere," adorns the center's hallways; along with vivid, colorful photos that show ESU activities, students and alumni. The center features classrooms, conference rooms and offices for faculty and support staff. The building is wireless, and laptops are available for students to check out.
"It's a good step forward for Emporia State University and the School of Business , because it gives us a high-quality presence up there in Johnson County ," said Robert Hite, dean of the School of Business.
Classes at the center are taught by ESU faculty. The ESU School of Business is accredited by the premier accrediting agency, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). Only 25 percent of business programs in the United States hold this accreditation.
The classes are offered in late afternoons, evenings, on weekends and over the Internet. This allows the student to plan around daytime, family, and work schedules.
"We want to continue to address the needs of students who wish to continue their education, but are unable to participate in traditional on-campus courses and programs," Goebel said. "This new facility shows our commitment to helping students succeed."
The ESU Metro Learning Center is located at 8400 West 110th Street, Suite 150, Overland Park, KS.
ABOUT THE ESU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
•  The ESU School of Business is accredited by the premier accrediting agency, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
•  Only one quarter of all business schools have earned the mark of excellence borne by the highest echelon of business schools in the U.S. and worldwide.
•  Graduates of AACSB accredited schools have a distinct advantage.
•  Employers and graduate admission officers know those graduates have received a high quality business education.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>