News

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 3, when early-rising skywatchers in Emporia will be treated to a celestial spectacle as the Worm Moon turns red during a total lunar eclipse before dawn.

Emporia State University's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC) is partnering with the Kansas Water Office to launch a Water Ambassadors Program, enabling high school students to become leaders in water conservation and natural resources. The program consists of four summer on-campus half-day sessions, where participants will receive hands-on experiences with tours and educational community outreach. Topics will be focused on water, aquatic habitats, local water utilities and interaction with state leaders who promote water resource sustainability. The PAROC outreach team will select 20 students to participate in the program. The application process can be completed online and must be submitted by May 1, 2026.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, ESU invites the community to Signals from Space, a Science Saturday event that uncovers how amateur radio makes long‑distance communication possible.

Emporia State University Theatre presents “Major Barbara” by George Bernard Shaw. Performances are scheduled for March 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. All performances will be held in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall. Tickets went on sale Feb. 6.

How crime scene investigation has evolved is the topic of the next installment of ESU’s Master of Science in Forensic Science 2025-26 seminar series. Cody Goforth of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation will present “From Prints to Pixels: The Transformation of Crime Scene Investigation” at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in Science Hall 72 on the Emporia State University campus.

Emporia State University’s Peterson Planetarium gives attendees an awe-inspiring look at the cosmos in the latest presentation “Unveiling the Invisible Universe,” showing throughout February.

Due to extreme cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions, Emporia State University will be closed on Monday, January 26 and all classes, events and activities are cancelled.

Emporia State University is honoring the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger on the 40th anniversary of the explosion that claimed the lives of all aboard. A week of activities beginning Monday, Jan. 26 is led by the McNair Scholars Program in collaboration with the Peterson Planetarium and other ESU departments. The McNair Scholars Program, a federal initiative created in 1989 by Congress to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies, is named after Challenger mission specialist Dr. Ronald McNair. Christa McAuliffe, a teacher, was also an astronaut aboard the ill-fated shuttle.

Celebrate the 165th birthday of the State of Kansas in January when Emporia State’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center teams up with the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia for a fun and educational Science Saturday all about the Sunflower State! The event will be Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at the David Traylor Zoo Education Center.

The Kansas Board of Regents appointed Dr. Matt Baker as Emporia State University’s 19th president Thursday.