John Rich Joins Emporia State University Foundation Board

Emporia, KS (12/14/2021) — A legendary retired accounting professor is a new trustee on the 49-member board for the Emporia State University Foundation.

Dr. John C. Rich of Emporia came to campus in 1968 to teach accounting after earning a bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1967 and a master of science in accounting in 1968, both from Oklahoma State University. He earned his Ph.D. in accounting from University of North Texas in 1985. At his retirement in 2020, Rich was the university's longest-serving faculty member.

During his tenure at ESU, Rich served 23 years as ESU's Faculty Athletics Champion including a term as president of the MIAA Conference. He co-chaired Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University, which launched in 2013. In 2017, former students came together to create the John C. Rich Distinguished Accounting Professorship in his honor.

"I have been involved with Emporia State University for a long time and have received significant benefit from both the university and the foundation," Rich said. "I appreciate the opportunity to continue to be involved with advancing the interests of the university and its students. I also look forward to working with many alumni and friends through ESU Foundation activities. It is an honor to be asked to serve, and I am excited about the opportunity to support the mission and activities of Emporia State University."

Rich is one of eight new trustees on the ESU Foundation board. Trustees serve as role models for potential donors by generously contributing of their own time and resources. They are actively involved in university events and programs and serve to raise philanthropic resources to advance the mission of Emporia State University.