Emporia State University

Presidential Search

The Kansas Board of Regents and Emporia State University are now accepting nominations and applications for the position of President of Emporia State University.

Located in the vibrant city of Emporia, ESU is a student-centered institution committed to academic excellence, innovative programs, and close partnerships that drive real-world impact. With a strong “Students First” philosophy, Emporia State empowers learners from all backgrounds through transformational experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers.

Emporia State University: Changing Lives Since 1863

History and Overview

The university was founded in March 1863 as Kansas State Normal School. The name has changed three times throughout history, becoming Kansas State Teachers College in 1923, Emporia Kansas State College in 1974 and finally Emporia State University in 1977.

First accredited in 1898, Emporia State currently holds institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, in addition to several program-level accreditations. In all, individual programs are accredited by 17 different specialized accrediting agencies.

Total enrollment at Emporia State University is nearly 5,000. The university is staffed by 654 talented faculty, staff and administrators and delivers both residential and online undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of subjects including education, applied health programs, nursing, business and technology programs, cybersecurity, library science and more.

The academic programs at ESU are divided into seven schools and colleges: the School of Applied Health Sciences, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Library and Information Management, the School of Science and Mathematics, The Teachers College and the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Home of the Hornets, student-athletes compete on 15 NCAA Division II teams, and are part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Emporia State University also hosts a successful cheer squad, dance team, color guard, athletic bands, disc golf team and esports team.

Students at ESU have opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning experiences both on and off campus through state-of-the-art campus facilities, university-maintained natural areas and connections with organizations and alumni across the nation. Located on 239 acres, the Emporia campus boasts a brand-new Nursing and Student Wellness Center opening spring 2026, a new Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center, Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, new or newly renovated campus residence halls and a new tennis facility. Investing in student spaces and resources is a top priority for Emporia State and helps facilitate our mission to provide excellent academic instruction to prepare students for their future careers through resume-building learning experiences.

In addition to investing in student spaces, Emporia State University offers generous stackable scholarships. Backed by immense support from the Emporia State University Foundation team and our generous donors, 70% of Emporia State students receive one or more scholarships. These funds, in addition to the on-campus student services available at no additional cost to Hornets, allow the students in our communities greater access and support to reach their higher education goals.

Emporia State University has made numerous operational changes over the last four years to address budget deficits, deferred maintenance and space optimizations. The work done in recent years has allowed ESU to increase student and staff salaries, freeze tuition increases for two years in a row, improved our Moody’s rating and begin the fall 2025 academic year with a balanced budget. The university is in a solid financial position to begin a new era.

Position Profile

The Kansas Board of Regents and Emporia State invite nominations and applications for the position of President of Emporia State University (ESU). Located in the vibrant city of Emporia, Kansas, ESU is a student-centered institution committed to academic excellence, innovative programs, and close partnerships that drive real world impact. With a strong “Students First” philosophy, Emporia State empowers learners from all backgrounds through transformational experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers.

About Emporia State University

A comprehensive regional university, Emporia State offers outstanding facilities, academic programs with high-impact experiences that keep connection to career in mind, and an intensely personal campus environment where student success is the priority. From nationally recognized teacher education, nursing and health, business and library science programs to championship-level athletics and dynamic performing arts, ESU is a hub of opportunity for the region and the state. The ESU campus, online, and hybrid-served student population of over 4,500 students is guided by a vibrant living and learning environment that invites students statewide, nationally, and globally to be a part of the campus community and its close-knit university-city relationship.

Role of the President

The next President of Emporia State University will be a visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, will have a data-driven and results-oriented mindset, and will be able to unite the campus community toward a bright future. The President of Emporia State University will begin their tenure at a critical inflection point for the institution. Emboldened by a stronger financial position and a year-to-date increase in overall enrollment, Emporia State University is well-positioned to serve the current and next generation of students, faculty, staff, and the Emporia community. Emporia State University seeks a visible, engaged, innovative, strategic, and collaborative leader with an authentic commitment to the mission of the university and its four core values: excellence, respect, responsibility, and service. The President will have a clear vision for academic and co-curricular excellence in the context of a public regional institution in close proximity to rural communities.

The next President of Emporia State University must be a steadfast advocate for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader Emporia community. The President must fully embrace an inclusive strategic planning framework and inspire confidence by building trust with all community members. An inspirational leader with a conviction for the common good and improving the lives of others, the President will serve as the face of Emporia State University and the Emporia region. The President will build consensus and community partnerships with local organizations and collaborate for the well-being of the university, the state of Kansas, and its residents.

Professional Characteristics and Attributes

Active listener, skilled and proactive communicator with an empathic and transparent communication style.
Effective change management leadership orientation leaning heavily on assessment, innovation, and decisive execution of strategy.
Embraces the unique opportunity to be an engaged, visible leader, actively present with students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, fans, and the community.
Understands and supports the value-added role of shared governance in higher education.
Student-centered leader with an awareness of the challenges college aged students experience, and how to support first-generation, rural, and other under resourced college student populations.
Understands the value of alumni, donors, and the Emporia State Foundation in enhancing fundraising and long-term financial health and stability.
Deep commitment and support of the public university’s access and affordability mission.
A commitment to and appreciation for lifelong learning.
Authentic and genuine relationship builder across all stakeholder groups.
Ability to take strategic and calculated risks through innovation and take decisive action when faced with difficult decisions.
Deep understanding of regional public university enrollment challenges.
A commitment to promote, advocate for and champion all student organizations.
Champion an intercollegiate athletics program that is both comprehensive and competitive.
Exceedingly strong strategic and financial acumen.
A high level of integrity and purpose to serve all Emporia State stakeholders.
Engaged development of financial resources via fundraising through current sources and identification of new funding sources.
An effective facilitator of relationships with a broad range of constituencies, including the state legislature, K-12, Community Colleges, Technical Colleges, the city of Emporia, and industry.

Professional and Educational Experiences

Previous senior leadership experience leading a division or an entire organization/institution (required).
Previous experience working with, for, or collaboration with a college/university, nonprofit or government setting (preferred but not required).
Previous experience as a faculty member at an accredited institution of higher education (preferred but not required).
Have an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education (preferred but not required).

How to Apply

CBIZ Higher Education Practice has been selected to partner with Emporia State University in leading the search for its next President.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to:
Pelema Ellis, Ph.D.,
EVP & Head, Higher Education Practice
pelema.ellis@cbiz.com

Applications should include a 1) current CV or resume and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described in the position profile.

Consideration will be given to materials received by the submission deadline of Saturday, November 8th, 2025; To ensure we can attract a quality applicant pool, the entire search is confidential until the Kansas Board of Regents announces the next President.

Search Committee

Jim Kessler, Search Committee Chair
Neelima Parasker, Regent
Blake Flanders, KBOR President and CEO

Faculty and Staff

Aaron Clark, IT Support Specialist
Rajarshi Dey, Associate Professor in the School of Science and Mathematics
Steve Rodecap, Director of Athletics
Rochelle Rowley, Professor in the School of Humanities + Social Sciences
Sara Schwerdtfeger, Dean of The Teachers College
Jerald Spotswood, Professor of English and Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Tabatha Tafoya, Director of Human Resources

Students

Joel Franz, Senior, Majoring in Accounting and Finance
Harris Kossover, Graduate Student, in Business Administration and ESU Director of Athletic Digital Content
Madison Vermetten, Senior, Majoring in Biology and Health & Human Performance

Alumni and Community Leaders

Greg Ek, First Vice President, Wealth Management, Alternative Investments Director at Morgan Stanley
Jason Fanning, Associate Vice President at Black & Veatch
Erren Harter, Mayor of Emporia
Greg Kossover, Executive Officer and Director of Equity Bancshares
Jonathan Krueger, Vice President of Security at Reserv
Denise Larrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Lyon County State Bank
Mike Law, Owner and Operator Law Communications and Litte Apple Broadcasting
Jeff Longbine, Owner Longbine Auto Plaza
Brody Peak, Owner and Operator Emporia Livestock Sales
Doug Peck, Lyon County Commissioner
Cathy Pimple, Chief Executive Officer of Newman Regional Health
Patricia Saenz-Reyes, USD 253 Migrant Education Student & Family Resource Specialist

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