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Ken Hush, Emporia State University president and CEO, honored with Lifetime Achievement award

Emporia, KS (11/07/2025) — Emporia State University proudly honored President Ken Hush with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Black & Gold Gala last Friday evening, recognizing his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to STUDENTS.

Since his appointment as president, Hush has led Emporia State through a period of bold transformation centered on one unshakable priority - STUDENTS. Under his leadership, Emporia State has expanded scholarship opportunities, reinstated 300 student jobs and 50 graduate assistantships that previously were eliminated, increased student wages by $2.50 an hour, modernized facilities, and renewed its focus on career readiness and student experience.

Before presenting the award, former Kansas Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer, an Emporia State alum and one of two emcees for the Gala, reminded the audience of what has happened behind the scenes at ESU since 2022 and who motivated it.

"Who put the team together?" Sherrer asked. "Who created the vision for what ESU could be? Who developed this culture of students first and a culture that said we're interested in outcomes not outputs? Who made historic, positive changes and did it with humility, always giving credit to everybody but themselves? Who did it with the caring that was genuine? And the students felt it as he moved among them, talked to them, was concerned about them. Who did all of that?

"We know," Sherrer concluded, "and Hornet Nation says, 'Thank You.'"

Hush's forward-thinking approach and unwavering focus on outcomes have positioned the university as a leader in innovation within Kansas higher education. Some key accomplishments include:

  • $19 million budget deficit eliminated (approximately half of ESU's state general fund in 2022).
  • $11 million reinvested in student activities, majors, recruiting and employees.
  • 0% Tuition Increase: For the 2025-26 academic year, ESU held tuition flat for all students for the second consecutive year, commitment to affordability and access while strengthening the institution's financial position.
  • 6% Enrollment Increase: ESU's Fall 2025 enrollment showed a 6% increase from Fall 2024, the highest percent increase of all Kansas Regent state universities.
  • Improved Credit Outlook: Moody's, a global risk assessment firm that provides credit ratings, recently revised ESU's credit outlook from negative to stable, recognizing the progress made in addressing structural challenges and improving financial standing.
  • Increased Support: In addition to increases in state appropriations and scholarship funds, Emporia State has secured additional funding for the new Nursing and Student Wellness Building through targeted state investments and strong support from the ESU Foundation and private donors. These partnerships reflect broad confidence in the university's direction and the impact of its academic programs.

"Our top priority at Emporia State University is STUDENTS - STUDENTS - STUDENTS, with Hornets at the center of everything we do," said Hush in accepting the award.

"You're the reason we are here," he added, speaking directly to students who attended the Gala. "Carry this forward when you can."

The investments continue to prove their worth, with increased engagement in activities from all areas of campus. During Homecoming 2025 last weekend, Emporia State saw record turnout for events, including:

  • Six near capacity performances for "The Rocky Horror Show" Homecoming musical, including a sold-out midnight showing on Halloween.
  • 600 students and over 100 community members attended the Wednesday night bonfire, which was moved this year to a larger location.
  • More than 300 students and employees competed in the team competition among the academic schools.
  • Record attendance at the Black and Gold Gala.
  • Attendance for the 2025 football season is up 46% from 2024, thanks in large part to free general admission for home football games.

Hush's award comes at the end of his incredibly successful tenure at ESU, as he will retire from his position on Dec. 17. A figurehead in Emporia State University's history, Hush's legacy will continue to carry ESU into a successful future.

In accepting the Presidential Award for Advocate for State Change, Dan Hawkins, ESU alum and Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, expanded on Hush's legacy.

"Kanas higher education and specifically Emporia State University is better by having Ken Hush's vision and leadership for the past four years.His impact will be felt for years to come," Hawkins told the capacity crowd. "I wish we had six more Ken Hushes in higher education today. He built a culture at ESU that has been transformative.

"Thank you, Ken, for your gift of time, talent and vision," he concluded. "You will be missed."

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

Ken Hush, president and CEO of Emporia State University, accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at the conclusion of the Black & Gold Gala, an annual celebration during Homecoming events.

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