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New Emporia State University President Matt Baker sets tone and vision for the future

Campus connection, shared vision, partnerships, bold strategy

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (03/03/2026) — As Dr. Matt Baker embarked Monday, March 2, on his role as the 19th president of Emporia State University, his message was clear; progress happens when people move forward together.

"If you want to go fast, go alone," Baker said. "If you want to go far, go together."

As momentum and partnerships continue to take shape, a new chapter for Emporia State is underway: One rooted in connection, alignment and a bold vision for what lies ahead.

The spirit of partnership was evident during a luncheon with campus leaders and local Emporia community members, a first step in continuing the beneficial relationship between Emporia State University and the wider community.

Throughout his presidency, Baker said, looking forward and being innovative will be keys as the university builds momentum from recent success in enrollment and fiscal responsibility.

"We cannot use yesterday's solutions for tomorrow's challenges," Baker explained.

The early months of Baker's presidency will center on listening and learning. With an updated strategic plan due to the Kansas Board of Regents in November, he will spend the spring and summer gathering input from faculty, staff, students and key stakeholders to shape a shared roadmap for the university's future.

As his first official day as Emporia State president drew to a close, Baker reflected on the experience.

"It has absolutely been magnificent," he said. "The warm welcome my family and I have received from the administrators, students, faculty, staff and community members is unmatched."

A theme that Baker kept hearing throughout the day was about the culture of Emporia State.

"There is something special about Emporia State," he said. "People love this place, and I can see why. We need to share our story."

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and 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

Portrait of Dr. Matt Baker, 19th president of Emporia State University.

Emporia State's new president, Dr. Matt Baker, meets the women's basketball team and ESU athletic officials during a campus-wide meet-and-greet on Monday, March 2, 2026, on the Emporia campus. (Photography by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)

Emporia State's new president, Dr. Matt Baker, left, talks with Mark Brown, ESU physics instructor and director of Peterson Planetarium, during a campus-wide meet-and-greet on Monday, March 2, 2026, on the Emporia campus. (Photography by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)

A portrait of Emporia State's new president, Dr. Matt Baker, with his family on Monday, March 2, 2026. From left, Dr. Matt Baker, Jill Baker, Avery Baker, Patrick Baker and Ryan Baker. (Photography by Jordan Storrer/Emporia State University)

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