Recent News
From Forklifts to the Dean's Office: ESU Transformed Sean Bird's Career
Sean Bird's journey to leadership in higher education began with a single application to Emporia State's School of Library and Information Management. "I'd been there 10 years and it just didn't resonate with me," he said, reflecting on his days deliv...
Oct 13, 2025, 4:11pm EDT
A Lifelong Educator Who Never Stopped Believing in Her Students Joretta Duncan Named Emporia State University 2025 Distinguished Alumni
Joretta Duncan's teaching career spanned more than 60 years and touched countless lives - from Kansas farm towns to Oklahoma tribal communities and adult GED classrooms. Her legacy as a beloved and persistent educator is what earned her the 2025 Distin...
Oct 13, 2025, 3:47pm EDT
Five Hornets to Be Honored as Distinguished Alumni at Black & Gold Gala
Five outstanding Emporia State University graduates will be honored with the university's highest alumni recognition - the Distinguished Alumni Award - during the Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, part of ESU's Homecoming 2025 celebration. The award recogn...
Oct 13, 2025, 3:35pm EDT
DNA and Genealogy Focus of Oct. 13 Forensic Science Seminar
How the science of DNA and research of genealogy can help investigators identify bodies and solve cold cases is the topic of the first seminar presentation in the 2025-26 Forensic Science Seminar Series at Emporia State University. Chelsea Hanrahan wi...
Oct 10, 2025, 11:06am EDT
ESU Theatre Presents 6 Performances of 'The Rocky Horror Show' by Richard O'Brien
Emporia State University Theatre presents "The Rocky Horror Show," a musical by Richard O'Brien. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special midnight show on Oct. 31. All performances will be held ...
Oct 8, 2025, 4:40pm EDT
Little Hornets Day Combines Fun and Football Game Experience at Emporia State
Young Hornets and their families are invited to enjoy a FREE day of special activities on the Emporia State campus followed by tailgating and attending the ESU football game in Welch Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11. Little Hornets Day is designed for you...
Oct 7, 2025, 4:14pm EDT
Hornet Homecoming On Tap This Month
Hornets near and far can celebrate Emporia State University's Homecoming Oct. 22 through Nov. 2 on campus. Events during this Year of Celebration include the Homecoming musical, football game, parade, special group reunions and a Black & Gold Gala. Ad...
Oct 7, 2025, 8:00am EDT
ESU's October art exhibitions explore Flint Hills and found objects
Emporia State's School of Visual and Performing Arts is kicking off October with multiple events and exhibitions. On Friday, Oct. 3, from 4 to 5 p.m., speakers Lu Colby and Gregory Scott Cook will host Art Forum at the Lyon County History Center. Both...
Oct 3, 2025, 8:54am EDT
ESU planetarium to explore the hot and energetic universe in October
This October, Emporia State University and the Peterson Planetarium invite you on an adventure that will span the galaxy and take you to some of the hottest places in the universe in the latest full-dome presentation The Hot and Energetic Universe. At...
Oct 3, 2025, 8:50am EDT
Emporia State University's Transformation Plan Yields Substantial Enrollment Growth
ESU's Year of Celebration kicked off with sharp enrollment growth, as revealed in the Kansas Board of Regents' (KBOR) fall 2025 census, which reported 4,820 students enrolled, resulting in a 6% overall enrollment increase year-over-year for Emporia Sta...
Oct 1, 2025, 10:52am EDT