Bold claim: Emporia State’s future hinges on unifying the campus and community around a shared vision. If you’re curious how leadership changes shape a university’s trajectory, you’ll want to read this. But here’s where it gets controversial: the new president’s approach to data-driven decisions and bold leadership could redefine how ESU navigates growth, funding, and stakeholder expectations.
Emporia State University has welcomed a new president with a track record rooted in regional public universities and a familiarity with ESU itself. In a special on-campus meeting, the Kansas Board of Regents unanimously approved Dr. Matthew Baker as the university’s next leader.
Baker steps into the role after Ken Hush, who has steered ESU since 2021. Baker says his interest in ESU stems not only from the school’s size and sense of community but also from the strong work ethic and passion he observed on campus.
His career spans significant leadership roles at Northwest Missouri State University, where he progressed from director of residential life to dean of students, and then to his current position as vice president of student affairs, a role he has held for nearly 15 years. Baker holds degrees from Kansas State, Arkansas, and the University of Missouri–Columbia. He notes that his experience across large and smaller institutions will help him guide ESU and his family as they settle in.
Baker emphasizes that there is substantial work ahead as he acclimates to the new position, with a focus on using data to guide decisions and strategy.
His priorities include building on ESU’s recent gains in enrollment and retention, while also strengthening the campus–community relationship and charting the university’s long‑term future.
The Board of Regents acknowledged Baker’s background in organizational restructuring as a key asset and expressed confidence that he is well positioned to continue the momentum generated under Ken Hush’s leadership.
Commenting on the broader field of candidates, the President Search Committee Chair noted that the pool was strong, with about 100 initial applicants. He thanked the Regents’ external consulting firm CBIZ for support and praised the committee for its diligent, respectful work behind the scenes.
As Hush enters his final days as ESU president, he reflects on the university’s momentum and the need for bold leadership to sustain it.
On a local radio segment, ESU administrators highlighted several campus achievements over the past four years, including higher enrollment, increased donations and scholarship funds, stable tuition and fees, and the construction of the Nursing + Student Wellness Center.
Jerald Spotswood, the Vice Provost of the Graduate School, shared optimism about ESU’s foundations for the future.
Baker plans to relocate to Emporia by March or April and will spend his first two months on campus listening to students, faculty, and staff while evaluating multiple data sources. He will remain connected with ESU’s leadership team and engage with community partners such as local business and healthcare leaders, Flint Hills Technical College, and school districts. College President Caron Daugherty notes the importance of aligning educational efforts across institutions serving different student populations and career paths.
State Representative Mark Schreiber has voiced positive impressions of Baker’s leadership style, noting ESU’s recent reversal of fortune after earlier concerns about its financial stability. Lawmakers at the Legislature have supported ESU with approximately $40 million in funding over three years, and Schreiber emphasized that legislators have been pleased with ESU’s recent performance.
For further updates, KVOE provides video coverage of today’s Board of Regents meeting and Baker’s announcement on its YouTube channel.
Bottom line: Emporia State has named its 19th president, Matthew Baker, who takes over from Ken Hush, and the university is positioned to build on its momentum as it moves forward.
