Emporia State University
Emporia, KS
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University: A historic Kansas institution fostering academic excellence since 1863.
Emporia State University (ESU) stands as a beacon of public education in Kansas, holding the distinction of being the state's third-oldest public university. Established in March 1863 as the Kansas State Normal School, ESU has a rich and evolving history dedicated to shaping lives and contributing to the common good. As one of six public universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, students at ESU join a vibrant community committed to academic rigor and practical learning.
From its humble beginnings, ESU has grown into a comprehensive university, adapting its name over the decades from Kansas State Teachers College to Emporia Kansas State College, and finally to Emporia State University in 1977. This journey reflects a continuous commitment to expanding educational opportunities beyond teacher training. The university's foundational ethos of service and innovation remains strong, evident in its diverse academic offerings and its pioneering spirit in specialized fields.
Academically, Emporia State is structured to provide a wide array of programs through seven schools, one college, and one institute. Notably, the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) is the oldest of its kind in the western United States, offering the only American Library Association-accredited program and the university's sole PhD in Kansas. This, combined with robust programs across humanities, sciences, visual and performing arts, and applied health sciences, ensures that students have access to high-quality education designed to meet the demands of a dynamic world. With a focus on impactful learning and a close-knit campus environment, ESU prepares its 4,557 students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established on March 7, 1863, making it the third-oldest public university in Kansas.
- ✦Home to the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM), the oldest school of library and information studies in the western US.
- ✦SLIM offers the only American Library Association (ALA) accredited program and the only PhD in Library and Information Management in Kansas.
- ✦Serves 4,557 students as of Fall 2024.
- ✦Governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, ensuring state-level oversight and quality education.
- ✦Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and recognized as a Space-grant institution.
- ✦Operates with an endowment of $100.7 million (2021).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Emporia State University
School of Library and Information Management and Archives
Founded in 1902, SLIM is the oldest school of library and information studies in the western US, offering Kansas's only ALA-accredited program and the university's sole PhD in Library and Information Management. It also includes instructional design & technology, University Libraries, and Archives.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Created in 2023 from a university-wide restructure, this school includes departments such as English and modern languages, communication, social sciences, sociology and criminology, and the Intensive English Program.
School of Science and Mathematics
Formed in 2023, this school encompasses biological sciences, mathematics, physics, Earth science, chemistry, and forensic science.
School of Visual and Performing Arts
Established in 2023 as part of the university restructure, it includes programs in music, theatre, and art.
School of Applied Health Sciences
Created in 2023, this school comprises departments of psychology, counseling, nursing, and health, physical education, and recreation.
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