Distinguished Alumni Shirley Antes

Shirley Antes (BS 69, Speech and Theatre; MS 74, Speech and Theatre; BSE 81, Business Education; MS 88, Business Education; MS 00, Educational Administration)

A Life of Service: Reconnecting Hornets and Building Kansas Communities

Shirley Antes has led classrooms, colleges and charitable foundations — all while staying deeply connected to Emporia State. Though she holds five degrees from ESU and has served in statewide leadership roles, she was surprised to be selected as a 2025 Distinguished Alumni honoree.

“I never considered myself distinguished,” she said.

From Teaching to Transforming Communities

Born in Iola and raised in Carlisle, Kansas, Antes began her career as a high school speech and theatre teacher. Her drive to grow as an educator led her into administrative leadership. She served as president of Northeast Kansas Technical College, vice president at Wichita Area Technical College, and associate director of technical programs and curriculum for the Kansas Board of Regents.

After retiring from education, Antes became executive director of the Emporia Community Foundation. Under her leadership, it became one of the region’s most respected charitable institutions. She has also served in leadership roles with the Emporia Rotary Club, Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and GT P.E.O.

A Champion for Hornets Everywhere

Antes is a founding member of the Emporia Area Alumni Chapter and recently completed her term as president of the ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors. She has served on numerous university committees and helped launch the Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship, which supports Hornets in resuming their studies and earning their degrees.

Education, Multiplied — and Paid Forward

Antes is both a champion for education and a sterling example of a lifelong learner. e degrees from Emporia State — and jokes she might trade three for a doctorate.

Speaking of her five degrees from Emporia State, her trademark humility and humor are on display. “I’d trade three of them in for a doctorate,” she laughed.

Together with her husband Carl, she established several scholarships to support students at ESU and beyond, including the Carl and Shirley Antes Scholarship for student teachers completing their field placements.

“It’s been my opportunity to give back,” she said. “I love the people at Emporia State. They show appreciation for you as an individual and what you do.”