Kansas Board of Regents Names Dr. Matt Baker as 19th ESU President
Emporia, KS (12/11/2025) — The Kansas Board of Regents appointed Dr. Matt Baker as Emporia State University's 19th president Thursday.
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Baker comes to ESU after previously serving as the vice president of student affairs at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.
"We are proud to welcome President Baker, a proven, dynamic leader committed to understanding ESU's current position to build upon our recent momentum and success," said Kelly Heine, executive vice president of operations at ESU. "Under his leadership, ESU is exceptionally well-positioned to execute our strategic vision and achieve new levels of success."
Under President Baker, ESU is set to achieve continued enrollment growth, deliver program enhancements and remain committed to fiscal responsibility, while prioritizing students and the total curricular and co-curricular student experience.
"A university thrives when its faculty and staff feel valued, its students feel seen and its leaders listen with intention," said President Baker. "I will work every day to cultivate a culture of belonging, visibility and trust."
Dr. Baker's first day on campus will be March 2, 2026.
Outgoing ESU President Ken Hush will retire Dec. 17.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Media Attachments
Dr. Matt Baker addresses the standing-room-only crowd at Emporia State University after being named the institution's 19th president on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)
Dr. Matt Baker, ESU's 19th president, meets staff in the Emporia State Admissions Office during a reception following the official announcement of his hire by the Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)
Dr. Matt Baker meets with media outlets after the Kansas Board of Regents named him the 19th president of Emporia State during a special meeting on the university's campus Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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