Collaborate

CollaborateEmporia Public Schools + Emporia State University + Flint Hills Technical College

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Emporia High School Graduates Benefit from Tuition Voucher

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ContentsCover StoryCommunity Values Tuition Program .................................................................................................. 4

Collaborative Programs Among Institutions ESU Teacher Education Program Gives Emporia Students an Advantage ......................................... 7Dual-Credit Enrollment ...................................................................................................................... 8University Grant Enhances Math Instruction in Emporia Schools ..................................................... 11Inspiring Student Writers ................................................................................................................. 12Education to Start a Business ......................................................................................................... 14

Collaborations with Community/BusinessSharing Space ................................................................................................................................ 15FHTC’s Downtown Campus ........................................................................................................... 16GTM Sportswear Partnership ......................................................................................................... 17

AccomplishmentsFather, Son Share Career Paths ...................................................................................................... 18FHTC Awarded a $2.5 Million TRAC-7 Grant .................................................................................. 21Champions ..................................................................................................................................... 22Celebrating 50 Years ...................................................................................................................... 25Celebrating 150 Years .................................................................................................................... 26Higher Education Re-Accreditation ................................................................................................. 28

College & Career ReadinessThe Road to College Readiness ...................................................................................................... 30AVID Graduate Stories .................................................................................................................... 30Student Has a Clear Vision for his Future ........................................................................................ 34

FundraisingRaising the Bar with Big Ideas ........................................................................................................ 3650 Years Commemorated Through Fundraising Efforts .................................................................. 37

InnovationESU Students Benefit From Technology Projects ............................................................................ 38Joint Construction Project Benefits the Community and Students ................................................... 40Memorial Union Extreme Makeover ................................................................................................ 42

Institutional StatisticsEmporia Public Schools .................................................................................................................. 44Emporia State University ................................................................................................................. 46Flint Hills Technical College ............................................................................................................. 47

Emporia Public Schools.

Emporia State University.

Flint Hills Technical College.

Three organizations with unique missions that share a common belief — we provide the education our students need to achieve their life goals.

With more than 350 years of experience among us, our service to students begins in preschool and extends to graduate school. During the fall 2013 semester alone, we will touch more than 11,500 students as they pursue education to meet their goals.

Individually, Emporia Public Schools, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College focus on developing the programs and resources our students need to succeed.

At the same time, our institutions seek out projects where combining our strengths will result in stronger programs that benefit even more students.

We also take very seriously our role as members of the Emporia community. As businesses, we employ a combined workforce of more than 1,600. As community partners, our faculty expertise, buildings and meeting spaces are in high demand.

This report highlights some of the people, programs and achievements of our institutions individually and collectively.

M. Theresa Davidson Dr. Michael D. Shonrock Dr. Dean Hollenbeck

Fiscal Year 12-13 + 3

Collaborate +

Letter from the COE’s

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Emporian Jeff Longbine, now a Kansas senator, was a member of the Jones Foundation board when the Jones Tuition Voucher program was announced five years ago.

“We were really looking at a way we could not only encourage more high school students to pursue postsecondary education,” Longbine recalled, “but also how do we strengthen the communities we’re in. … If students from Osage, Lyon or Coffey counties go to Emporia State or Flint Hills Technical College, they are more likely to stay in the geographic area than they would be if they moved.”

The program is simple:Step 1: Graduate from a high school in Coffey, Lyon

or Osage counties.Step 2: Enroll as a full-time (12 credit hours), degree-

seeking student at Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College.

Step 3: Maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Students fulfilling the requirements receive $1,000 per year for four years, payable as $500 per semester.

There is no paperwork to complete. Both Emporia State and Flint Hills Tech connect with their students who qualify, then bill the Jones Foundation, which has administered the Jones Trust since 1974.

The trust came from the estates of Walter S. and Evan C. Jones, brothers reared on Coffey County farm who later ran Jones and Jones, a farming and cattle operation that included Walter’s wife, Olive.

The Joneses wanted their assets used to help with medical expenses for children under age 21 who lived in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties. In 1961, educational

benefits were added for residents of the same counties.

Those educational grants, which are need-based, continue. The tuition vouchers, however, are not based on need. Students who graduated high school in May 2008 were the first class eligible for the program.

“About as soon as we made the first payment in 2008, we added a transfer option,” said Sharon Tidwell, executive director of the Jones Foundation.

Students who didn’t qualify for the program because they attended another institution could receive the grants if they transferred to Emporia State or Flint Hills Tech and met the other qualifications.

These students, Longbine explained, join their high school classes when determining the four years of eligibility.

In the five years since the program began, the Jones Foundation has paid $1,687,000 in vouchers, according to Tidwell. Of that, $1,345,500 has been paid to Emporia State University, and $341,500 to Flint Hills Technical College.

A total of 1,776 students from the three counties have benefited from the program. Of those, 957 are graduates of Emporia High School — 823 enrolled at Emporia State, 134 at Flint Hills Technical College.

The end result, Longbine said, is deeper roots in their hometown.

“If these students go to KU, K-State or somewhere out of the area,” he said, “they don’t come back. We want to keep young people in the area.”

A decision by the board of an Emporia-based foundation in 2008 made postsecondary education more attainable for local students and helped grow enrollment at Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College.

Cover Story Community Values tuition program

Collaborative Programs Among Institutions

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Danielle Weatherred graduated from Emporia High School in May of 2010 and attended both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College to ultimately receive her degree in dental hygiene. She completed general education courses at ESU and then went on to FHTC to complete a technical certifi cate in dental assisting in May 2012 and her associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene in May, 2013. Weatherred received the Jones Tuition Voucher throughout her tenure at ESU and FHTC.

“I lived at home for the fi rst year of college and with all of the other scholarships I had received, the Jones Tuition Voucher made it possible to attend Emporia State University for less than $1,000. The second year I attended Flint Hills Technical College and the $1,000 helped pay for my books and program fees,” said Weatherred.

“Knowing I had available to me $1,000, just for choosing to attend a higher education institution in my hometown made my decision easier to make. Without the additional fi nancial aid coming from the Jones Tuition Voucher, I may have been more inclined to choose a different university or technical college. I was able to complete my degree in only three years, thus getting out into the workforce a whole year earlier than the traditional four-year program,” she said.

Weatherred is currently working in a dental offi ce located in Clay Center, Kan., as a dental hygienist.

By the time Juan Rios was a junior at Emporia High School, he knew he wanted to head to college after graduation. That was in 2009, just a year after the Jones Tuition Voucher program began.

College affordability played a large role in Rios’ future plans. The youngest of three children, Rios knew he didn’t want to pay the higher tuition of KU and Kansas State.

“When I heard about the Jones Tuition Voucher, I decided on Emporia State,” he said.

With the voucher, Rios was eligible for $1,000 per year for four years to attend Emporia State University. Rios also received a scholarship from a local organization Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow as well as an educational grant from the Jones Foundation. With fi nancing in place, Rios just needed to decide on a career path.

“When I was a senior in high school, I worked with the debate team,” he said. “I worked with younger students and tutored them in English. I really liked that.”

Once at Emporia State, an on-campus job helped solidify his path.

“My freshman year in college, I got a job with the Upward Bound program to tutor high school students,” Rios said. “I thought, ‘I might as well do it.’”

Now in his junior year at Emporia State, Rios is working toward a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education.

Danielle Weatherred Juan Rios

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In 2006, Arthur Levine, former president of Teachers College, Columbia University, and president

of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, authored Educating School Teachers, a

national study of America’s education schools. He cited four “exemplary” programs in the nation:

Emporia State University, Alverno College, Stanford University, and University of Virginia. ESU

is included for its curriculum, student teaching, partnerships (e.g., Professional Development

Schools), and the commitment of the ESU faculty to raise the quality of the entire state education

system. “ESU is the Camelot for teacher education,” Levine said during a visit to the campus.


Emporia State University graduates approximately 250 elementary and secondary teachers each year, many whose training places them in elementary and secondary classrooms in Emporia. As a result, many are hired to begin their teaching career in the Emporia Public Schools.

The partnership is a win-win for current and future teachers as well as the students.

The Emporia State University Professional Development School Model is a collaborative, 100 --percent, field-based, year-long, clinical school experience for seniors from ESU’s Teachers College. Emporia and Olathe public schools were two of the first districts in Kansas to join the PDS model. Now in its 20th year, the PDS program provides ESU’s novice teachers the opportunity to study their profession in a school setting where university and school faculty collaborate and the administrative structure encourages professional development and empowerment of all participants. In an average year, 30 or more teacher interns are working alongside Emporia Public School teachers.

From the ClassroomAt Walnut Elementary School, fifth grade teacher Trevor Mathews is comfortable teaching in the same school where he spent a semester as a PDS internship his senior year at ESU. The 2006 ESU graduate began his seventh year of teaching in Emporia this fall.

“E-State grads are absolutely better prepared. A new teacher is almost like a second year teacher,”

Mathews said. “I was nervous in my first year but I did not feel like I was not prepared.”

Mathews was a mentor and supervising teacher for Corey Bacon during the spring 2013 semester at Walnut. Bacon spent the fall semester student teaching kindergarten at Timmerman Elementary. He was hired by the district to teach third grade at Village this fall.

“The extra semester of experience is awesome,” Bacon said. “I’ve had the opportunity to see different grade levels - both kindergarten and fifth grade. Now I’m confident with all ages.”

Bacon especially appreciated that Mathews trusted him to test ideas and increase his own learning as a teacher. “A lot of people are scared to let their intern fail. He trusted me enough to let me learn from my mistakes.”

Mathews believes it is important for student teachers to experience

what works well and what does not work well in the classroom. “If everything goes perfect in here, next year is going to be a nightmare,” he said.

Bacon is excited to teach in the district where he attended school and where his mother, Katie Bacon, a physical education teacher at Emporia High School, also teaches. He had opportunities to teach in other districts, but he chose to stay in Emporia.

“Emporia is so far advanced over other districts with the Common Core (state standards), Literacy First and technology,” he said.

Emporia children enjoy an educational advantage by living in the home of one of the nation’s top teacher preparation schools.

eSu teacher education program Gives emporia Students an Advantage

“E-State grads are a b s o l u t e l y b e t t e r pre p are d . A n e w teacher is almost like a second year teacher.”

-Trevor Mathews

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“There is no difference in the workload for students; it’s just a regular class. These students will take the ESU final, which is different from what my other students will take.”

-Jana Marstall

During the 2012-13 school year, 25 Emporia High juniors and seniors took advantage of opportunities to get a start on their college credits. These students enrolled in a total of 168 college hours through Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College or Allen County Community College.

At the same time, many EHS students also spend part of their day attending FHTC classes across the street from the high school. During the spring 2013 semester, 42 students were enrolled in FHTC classes while still attending high school, and five graduated from technical programs in May.

FHTC and ESU continue to increase the number and variety of courses available to EHS students both online or on campus. For the first time, two ESU business courses were added to the offerings in 2012-13.

EHS business teachers Jana Marstall and Amber Pankratz taught Computer Applications, classes also offered for college credit through ESU as Introduction to Micro Computers. Although only a small number of students enrolled in the course for both high school and college credit, Marstall said the class is the same for both groups of students.

EHS students also can take Consumer Education as a Personal Finance college business credit through ESU. This fall, a College Accounting class became another high school option. Marstall said students who pass the end-of-course qualifying exam in the new course will earn college credit through Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Sterling College or ESU.

“There is no difference in the workload for students; it’s just a regular class,” Marstall said. “These students will take the ESU final, which is different from what my other students will take.

Students must pay the college tuition to earn the post-secondary credit, but scholarship funds through the ESU Foundation discount the cost to $100 per credit hour. In most cases, classes are taken during the regular school day at the high school. “We provide the text and the student saves money and

saves time,” she said. “It puts our students at a huge advantage when they start college.”

Marstall said she meets with ESU faculty before teaching a dual-credit course to make sure she is “covering all of the competencies” required for the college credit.

Emporia students have many opportunities to graduate from high school with college credits already on their transcript. Over the past five years, options for dual-credit enrollment have increased significantly for juniors and seniors at Emporia High School.

Dual-Credit enrollment


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The Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program is intended to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers. Partnerships between high-need school districts and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) faculty in institutions of higher education are at the core of these improvement efforts.

New math curriculum standards adopted in Kansas in 2011 have raised the learning expectations for students in the area of math starting at the kindergarten level. The standards — known as College and Career Readiness or Common Core State Standards — require teachers to be more knowledgeable about teaching math. The change has been especially challenging for elementary teachers, whose knowledge of math instruction is often more general than secondary level teachers.

To help teachers make the transition, the Emporia Public Schools are participating in a federal Math and Science Partnership Grant designed to teach the academic content of the new standards to elementary teachers so they are more competent to teach the kids, according to Dr. George Abel, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the Emporia school district.

“The grant is geared toward elementary teachers who have more general math background,” he said.

Dr. Connie Schrock, ESU professor of mathematics, computer science and economics, said the grant is in the second of three years and 75 teachers in

kindergarten through fifth grades have attended summer workshops. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the maximum of $100,000 for each of the project’s three years.

“We are trying to improve learning for students and we are doing that by giving teachers the skills and knowledge they need to provide good instruction,” she said.

During the summer 2012, 35 teachers in grades kindergarten through second attended eight days of summer training and two follow-up workshops during the school year. This past June, another 40 teachers in grades third through fifth, attended the workshop. They also will be part of two follow-up workshops during the upcoming school year.

Abel and Schrock said teachers are already seeing academic growth as a result of the grant. “We’ve had amazing results and the teachers (in the K-2 group) have seen great gains in math assessments,” Schrock said.

Abel agreed the elementary teachers found the training to be valuable. “It did exactly what we wanted it to do. They feel they are much better prepared to teach math.”

The Emporia Public Schools and Emporia State University are working together to improve math education for students.

university Grant enhances Math Instruction in emporia Schools

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Turning Point Academy students are now published authors due to a collaborative writing project between the Emporia charter school and Emporia State University.

Inspiring Student Writers

In April, “The Sketch Diaries” was published by Melissa D. Reed, an assistant professor of literacy education at ESU; Karen Kroge, language arts teacher at TPA and an ESU graduate; and Candace Brandenburg, an ESU art therapy graduate student who received her degree in May. The bound book contains stories written by nine seventh and eighth grade TPA students and illustrations created by Brandenburg and the students.

“The book is a compilation of the students’ stories, Ms. Brandenburg’s art, and the students’ artist response,” Reed said.

Beginning in September 2012, Kroge and Reed worked together to teach the descriptive writing process to students. Each student was asked to develop a character and write an adventure for the character. “The only requirement was the character had to have two legs,” Kroge said.

They guided the students through the writing process, held individual student conferences and led peer-editing using Google Docs. Final drafts of the stories were then sent to a copy editor to allow the young authors to have the same experiences as a professional author. In addition, an author’s luncheon was held at the school.

Guest speakers included Beverley Olson Buller, a professional author from Newton, Kan., and Ashley Todd-Diaz, ESU curator of Special Collections and Archives. They spoke

to the students about the writing process from draft to published copy, as well as the illustrator’s role in the process, Reed said.

Once the writing process was completed in January, the stories were given to Brandenburg, who agreed to draw the characters based solely on the students’ written descriptions. Later in the semester she met with each individual student to reveal her artistic interpretation of the character.

“She separated herself to make it true to writing a book,” Kroge said. “Then the students created an environment or setting for the characters to interact in. Any medium was allowed to create the environment.” Brandenburg digitally inserted each character to create a completed scene for the book’s illustrations.

Kroge said the project fulfilled her goal for students to have “an authentic experience of being an author.” The project also tied in well with Common Core English language arts standards for the middle school level.

While the writing and editing process was “frustrating” for the students, Kroge said “the highlight was getting to see their characters (as drawn by Brandenburg). And when they received their books you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces.”

Read more about the project and a preview of the book at tinyurl.com/sketchdiaries.

Scott Honea

Ruth Puckett

Ariel McKee

Christopher Garcia

Cheyenne Perry-Parks

Tacinda Logsdon

Josef Matson

Keyghan Reed

Colton Wellnitz


The project was funded through The Kathrine K. White Faculty Incentive Grant Program. “The financial

support of the project provided by the committee made the purchase of a published book possible

for each student author. Each student now owns a memento of the experience that they will treasure

for a very long time,” Reed said.

Turning Point Academy is a K-12 charter school that is part of the Emporia Public Schools. TPA

strives to be innovative and non-traditional and to offer educational choices and flexibility that

customizes education for every student. The school’s philosophy is “learning can occur at any time

and place and quality learning happens in both an individual and social context.”

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Becker and his wife, Amy, opened Mulready’s Pub on May 15, 2012 in Emporia. “Mulready’s is a mature and comfortable, Irish-style pub that specializes in serving craft beers & spirits,” said Rick. “Once we started investigating we realized that very few craft beers were being served in the community and that there was a population of people that really wanted some other options,” he said.

Rick and Amy Becker both took the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) class through Flint Hills Technical College. FHTC partnered with Emporia Main Street and the Emporia State University Small Business Development Center to offer a comprehensive training program for potential and current small business owners who bring talent and opportunity to the local business community.

Participants completing the SYOB class have a better understanding of the resources available when opening a new business. Participants research their business options, property selection, insurance options, accounting issues and marketing and get started on a path to opening their own business.

“The class pointed us towards resources from here in the community-real business owners offering real, practical experience,” said Amy. “We gained a lot of knowledge about the start-up process and feel that kept us realistic about things during the planning process,” she said.

Rick said that the most difficult part of owning a business is managing the inventory. “We have a large inventory of products including 20 different beers on tap, so it took us a bit to work out how to manage it,” he said. “We didn’t’ want to keep too much or too little on hand so I work pretty closely with our five distributors. We have also concentrated on managing staff and we feel we’ve built a great team,” he said.

“There is satisfaction that comes from working for yourself and the flexible schedule is convenient along with the ability to makes changes, as necessary”, said Rick. Their advice to any potential new business owners-don’t rush into anything. Talk to as many people as you can and use local resources like the Small Business Development Center and Emporia Main. Do your research, do it again, and be patient.

When Rick Becker decided to change his career track he gravitated toward something he knew well. As an avid beer connoisseur, instructor for Flint Hills Technical College’s Community Connections “Know Thy Beer” class and one of the founding members for the Bier Institute of Emporia, turning his passion into a business was a natural transition.

education to Start a Business

Collaborations with Community/Business

15Collaborations with Community/Business +

“We can join forces,” explained Kent Weiser, Emporia State athletic director. “We can make one facility really nice rather than have several not so adequate.”

Francis G. Welch Stadium on the Emporia State campus, which opened in 1937, is home to Jones Field and Zola Witten Track. During football and track seasons, both the Emporia State Hornets and Emporia High Spartans call Welch home.

During tennis season, however, it’s the college athletes who head to the high school, which has 12 lighted courts.

“When we use all the high school facilities,” Weiser said, “we get the tennis tournaments done quicker.”Trusler Sports Complex, built in 1992, includes three fields used by Emporia State’s baseball and softball teams. Although the Emporia High varsity baseball program has a city-owned stadium for its home games, the EHS softball program — both junior varsity and varsity — call Trusler home. During

the summer, the Emporia Recreation Commission uses the complex for some of its teams.

“The kids at Emporia High really enjoy Trusler,” said Weiser. “And Welch Stadium is a such a wonderful setting for football and track.”

But the cooperative relationships aren’t just between education systems. The city of Emporia’s Civic Building is home to William Lindsay White Auditorium, home court for Emporia State’s women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball programs. The court is branded for the university and in early 2013, the Emporia City Commission named the court for Ron Slaymaker, whose career as a student, player and coach spanned four decades at Emporia State University.

“This arrangement serves everybody,” concludes Weiser. “Building separate venues for the high school and university programs is expensive. Together, we can make our venues as good as we can and use them year-round.”

When it comes to athletics, Emporia State University, Emporia Public Schools and the city of Emporia have committed to work together and share resources.

Sharing Space

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The FHTC Downtown Campus was opened for the start of the fall 2012 semester and the first classes were held on August 16, 2012. The Downtown Campus facility houses the business administrative technology, interactive multimedia design and power plant technology programs on the third floor, along with faculty offices and TRAC-7 Grant offices. A first-floor office area is also utilized by the TRAC-7 grant staff and Student Services staff.

A state energy training center, The Kansas Energy Training Center (KETC), is hosted by Flint Hills

Technical College and is also housed at the Downtown Campus. KETC is home to the Kansas Power Plant Technology Program. Established in 2012, KETC is funded through a 2011 grant from the Department of Labor in partnership with six other community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas. KETC is advised and sponsored by the Kansas Energy Workforce Consortium (KEWC) and governed by industry partners Kansas City Power and Light, Westar Energy, Wolf Creek Nuclear Operations Center, Sunflower Energy, Midwest Energy, and the Kansas Municipal Utilities Association.

The opening of the newest Flint Hills Technical College campus in 2012 was a much needed addition. FHTC’s enrollment has doubled in the last seven years requiring creativity and flexibility when scheduling courses, classroom and lab space. Moving three programs to the Humanitarian Center, located at 215 West 6th Avenue, in Emporia freed up space on the main campus and allowed for expansion for many programs.

F H t C ’s D o w n t o w n C a m p u s

17Collaboration with Community/Businesses +

“The distance from Emporia and the cost of travel back and forth to Manhattan was not realistic for our students,” said Bryan Crouch, graphic arts technology instructor. “Our idea was to have a GTM Sportswear satellite location on the FHTC campus,” said Crouch.

After discussions between FHTC and GTM an agreement was reached that benefi ted everyone involved. The fi rst internships started in May, 2012. FHTC provide the offi ce/classroom space, internet and phone. GTM provided hardware and software. The interns received two weeks of training in Manhattan and then relocated back to Emporia.

The interns, called screen print artists, complete their internship from approximately May 20 through August 15 of each year, are paid and receive college credit in the graphic arts technology program. After completing the internship, GTM has the option to continue the intern’s employment until the following May at the FHTC location. After one year of employment the student has the option to

relocate to Manhattan for continued employment with GTM Sportswear.

Currently, GTM Sportswear has fi ve interns housed on the FHTC campus and has the potential to hire fi ve full-time employees annually. In August of 2013, GTM relocated one of their employees to Emporia to supervise the satellite location.

“It is a great opportunity for our students and incentive for them to do well in their classes and internship,” said Crouch.

GTM Sportswear is a national provider of custom-embellished uniforms, warm-ups and practice apparel for college, school and club sports teams. Headquartered in Manhattan, Kan., GTM employs nearly 900 team members, including a nationwide sales team, inside support team and an in-house production facility. Known for exceptional customer service, great quality apparel and fast turnaround, GTM has outfi tted over 1.1 million teams since 1989.

Internship opportunities through Flint Hills Technical College is one of the hands-on experiences that students enjoy the most, but securing one can be challenging — especially paid internships. In an attempt to keep more internship opportunities local for students, the instructors in the graphic arts technology program worked closely with GTM Sportswear, out of Manhattan, Kan.

G t M S p o r t s w e a r p a r t n e r s h i p

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Kim Kirk, principal at Timmerman Elementary, grew up in Emporia, attended Emporia Public Schools and graduated from Emporia State University. After college graduation in 1975, his first job offer came from Olathe. Only a few hours before his deadline to accept the job, a principal offered him a job as a fourth grade teacher at William Allen White Elementary in Emporia.

“It was down to just a few hours. I was that close to going down a completely different path,” he said.

Kim and his wife, Jule, also an Emporia native, have remained in Emporia and raised three boys, Tyrel, Daniel and Tell. The boys also attended William Allen White where their father was a teacher until 1994, when he became the principal at Mary Herbert Elementary.

All three boys are Emporia High graduates and they are also on successful career paths — Tyrel a master electrician in Kansas City, Daniel a high school band director recently accepted into the master’s program at Northwestern University, and Tell also a principal in the Emporia Public Schools.

“It’s unique and enjoyable having Tell as a professional colleague,” Kim said. “I have gotten to know him as a professional and it’s been a good experience. I did not encourage him one way or another to go into administration. If I had any influence, it was not because of guidance or advice from me.”

Tell says his father definitely had an influence on his decision to pursue a career in education and now administration. However, he did have a passion for working with youth as a young man starting college.

The Emporia schools and community have had a major influence on the Kirk family. As a result, the family is leaving its mark on Emporia and its schools.

Father, SonShare Career paths

“My father was a role model,” he said. “I was intrigued more by the stories Mom told about the impact my dad had on kids. That was probably the root — the impact he had on kids, especially young males.”

After graduating from ESU, Tell taught for two years in the DeSoto school district. In 2004, he and his wife, Jessica, returned to Emporia where he took a sixth grade teaching position at Lowther North Intermediate School.

“We came back to Emporia because this was home for us. I missed the gravel roads, the alleys and the diversity of education that my son (Talon, now age 5) would get in a smaller community,” he said.

Accomplishments

19Accomplishments +

In DeSoto, he recalls a father and son who were principals, “and I remember thinking how cool it would be to work as a peer with my dad. I knew I wanted to aspire to a leadership role in education. My dad has really given me a lot to aspire to be like.”

Two years ago, Tell accepted a position as principal at Turning Point Academy, the district’s K-12 charter school located at the Kansas Avenue school on South Market Street. It is the same building where a great uncle was a teacher before moving to Olathe, where he was a principal for many years.

Tell also is the principal at Flint Hills Learning Center, a credit recovery and high school diploma program for adults located in the Flinthills Mall.

Kim and his son do find themselves talking about work a lot when they are away from school, yet Kim prefers to keep those discussions on a peer-to-peer level. “I am very guarded to not father him in his professional life,” Kim said.

Both men also learn a lot from each other. “He has a lot of good ideas that he shares with me and runs by me,” Kim said. “He is a person that people listen to.”

Tell agrees that he often turns to his father on work-related issues and challenges. “Ninety percent of the time, my dad is the first phone call I make when I need another perspective on something related to the job,” he said.

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21Accomplishments +

The $2,522,000 grant to the college provided FHTC the opportunity to acquire new classroom, lab and office space at the Humanitarian Center in Emporia. Classes in the power plant technology program were offered at the new location in the fall of 2012. The program is utilizing the grant dollars to expand and train entry-level operators in the field of power plant generation using industry-recognized credentials and industry-driven competencies. Partnerships have been developed with Westar Energy, Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corp. and Kansas City Power and Light to offer a variety of internship, job shadowing and training opportunities including face-to-face blended learning, modular curriculum and technology enabled learning to produce stackable credentials.

“We were very excited about the opportunity to bring one of FHTC’s signature programs, power plant technology, to the partnership of the seven institutions. Our expertise in this area will allow the consortium to provide this training throughout the state and nation. The end result is more jobs and employable students for the industry”, said Dr. Dean Hollenbeck, president of FHTC.

Flint Hills Technical College also began offering the power plant technology program in Topeka in the fall 2013 semester and is investigating the need for other locations throughout the state. The uniqueness and flexibility of the grant allows each consortium member to offer a signature program that would not otherwise be readily available to

students across the state. The training programs are student-, worker- and employer-centered, rather than centered with the institution. The core courses are taken at the home campus of the student, while training-specific programs are delivered through multiple formats, including online, on-site and experiential. The grant dollars also provide a range of stackable credentials to meet the needs of new workers and workers needing retraining and create a state-wide network of learning alternatives to eligible students.

Employment opportunities for men and women in the power plant technology program include combined cycle or cogeneration power plants, fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power plants or alternative energy generation.

Washburn Institute of Technology serves as the consortium leader for the grant. Other members in the TRAC-7 consortium include Cloud County Community College, Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College, Highland Community College, and Salina Area Technical College.

Workforce development has strong roots in Kansas. The Kansas Board of Regents works closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce through the Regents Kansas Postsecondary Technical Education Authority to ensure the education and training efforts of the state support individuals, businesses and communities in achieving economic prosperity.

Flint Hills Technical College was one of seven consortium partners to be awarded a portion of a $20 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant (TRAC-7) from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2011. The grant was designed to support the collaborative efforts of community and technical colleges in Kansas.

FHtC Awarded a $2.5 Million tRAC-7 Grant

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It was a fitting conclusion to a history-making season.

In a whirlwind 10-day swing through the western United States, Smith and Wash (Emporia SW as they are listed on debate brackets) accomplished what no other duo ever has — they captured first place at both the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) national tournament and the National Debate Tournament (NDT).

One other team came close to the feat. In 2005, University of California-Berkeley won CEDA, but took second at NDT.

The 2013 win also broke other barriers. Smith, a junior political science major from Newark, N.J., and Wash, who is from Kansas City, Mo., and graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in communications, were the first team of black debaters to win the NDT. And both came from urban debate programs, a movement that began in the mid-1980s with the goal of bringing debate into inner-city public schools.

“The support, the messages, the hugs, just being there with the black students from the college debate world ... they rallied around us,” said Wash, describing the final round at NDT. “There were 300 people in

With the Emporia State fight song blasting through the public-address system and Corky in the lead, debaters Ryan Wash and Elijah Smith and their coaches Sam Maurer and Christopher Loghry paraded through the Memorial Union on April 3 to cheers and applause from faculty, staff, fellow students, members of the Emporia community, family and friends.

Champions

the room and they were excited. They stood up and were clapping. For the black debate community, it’s an experience we share with all the others still searching to find a home in debate.”

Added Smith: “I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to go back and see what Martin Luther King Jr. did, to walk with Rosa. It’s not much of a macro change, but a little bit of black history occurred, and I’m proud we were part of it.”

The CEDA tournament was held March 22-26 at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Immediately after

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ACC

oM

plISHM

entS

that win, the team headed to Weber State University in Ogden for NDT, which ran from March 28-April 1. The final round of NDT took two hours, then the team had to wait for the judges’ ballots, which came around 12:30 a.m. April 2.

“You have 15-hour days,” said Maurer, explaining the atmosphere. “It’s arduous. After the third or fourth day, it’s difficult to stay awake and aware enough to make decisions at 400 words per minute.”

For Smith and Wash, the win served as an acknowledgment of their unique style honed in the

world of urban debate, in which debaters often use personal stories, poetry and rap to make their points.

During the final debate, Wash smacked his fist into his palm, ripped at his shirt and pounded the table — a far cry from the formal style of traditional debate. For both Smith and Wash, the key to their success, both in the debate world and personally, is being true to their roots.

“One thing Ryan taught me,” said Smith, “is that debate is not worth it if you’re not saying what you truly want to say.”

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Although the office setting has not changed considerably in the last 50 years, technology at FHTC has advanced dramatically. Students in the Office Professional program classroom setting in the 1960s used manual typewriters with no direct access to phones. Today, students in the business administrative technology program use networked, high-speed Internet access desktop computers, with a voice over IP phone system.

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“We have helped develop the workforce for the community and the region over the last 50 years, which has made us a key player in higher education,” said Dr. Dean Hollenbeck, president of Flint Hills Technical College. “The college has matured into a fully accredited technical college ranked among top colleges in the nation. We are excited to be playing that role and serving our community.”

FHTC was founded under the governance of the Emporia Board of Education (USD 253) in 1963. In 1964, the 38,000 square foot main building on the campus was constructed.

The original contractors included Markowitz Builders, Inc., Emporia Plumbing and Heating Co., and Yeo and Trubey Electric Co. and cost per square foot was $12.24. The grand total construction cost, including general and mechanical construction, electrical wiring, site work, sewer and water mains, driving and parking areas and outside lighting was $535,000, while $372,000 was spent on equipment for the school. The project was funded by the Emporia City School District Bond Issue of $600,000.

The first classes were offered in 1965 with 11 programs of study available to students including; auto mechanics, dental assisting, distributive education, electricity, machine tool, practical nursing, printing, technical secretary, trades and industry, vocational agriculture and welding. Although programs names and curriculum may have changed, eight of the 11 original programs of study are still being offered today at the college.

The college has grown in the number of students, and buildings throughout its 50-year history. A second building, which currently houses the construction technology program, was added to the main campus in 1978 and 32,000 feet of space was added to the main building in 1980. Over the years the college has also added locations at the Sauder extension, the Workforce Training Center at 620 Constitution, the Technology Building on the main campus, Eaglecrest Drive, and most recently the Downtown Campus in the Humanitarian Center.

Flint Hills Area Vocational-Technical School became Flint Hills Technical College in 1995 through Kansas Senate Bill 258 which permitted the institution to offer college credit and award the associate of applied science degree. FHTC became autonomous from the school district in 2004 after Senate Bill 7 was passed, allowing the separation. The autonomy allowed FHTC to receive its first national higher education accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education. FHTC then received an initial five-year accreditation for the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges and School. The college was re-accredited for 10 years in 2012.

FHTC was ranked as one of the Top 120 Community/Technical Colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute in 2012 and was selected by GI Jobs as a military friendly school in 2011 and 2012, which was awarded to the top 20 percent of all schools nationwide.

The college currently offers 20 programs of study and has steadily increased fall enrollment headcount each year with 702 students enrolled in the fall 2012 semester.

Over the last 50 years Flint Hills Technical College has evolved from the first area vocational-technical school in the state of Kansas to a regionally accredited, nationally ranked technical college.

Celebrating 50 Years

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Kickoff day included the annual Founders’ Day luncheon, recognition of donors for whom rooms in the renovated Memorial Union were named and a gala celebration that night that helped kick off Now and Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University.

Events planned throughout the year involve the entire campus community plus alumni and supporters around the globe. To celebrate the university’s beginning in 1863 as Kansas State Normal School — the state’s premier institution to educate teachers — educators and their students decorated their classrooms across the state to honor Emporia State University.

Students came together on April 26 to plant 150 perennials around campus to observe Arbor Day.

The entire year is branded with a special 150 logo that can be seen on new banners and flags around campus and in the Emporia community.

Upcoming events include academic open houses and activities for Family Day on Sept. 28, special activities during Homecoming in October and a community celebration during the city of Emporia’s annual Christmas Parade.

Alumni are asked to share their memories of Emporia State University on a special sesquicentennial website, www.emporia.edu/150.

The celebration wraps up at the Founders’ Day luncheon in February 2014.

The buzz in Hornet Nation built quietly, but by Feb. 15, 2013, the Emporia State University community was ready to kick off a yearlong celebration of the institution’s 150th anniversary.

Celebrating 150 Years

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eADInG

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Accreditation is also mandatory for higher education institutions that are coordinated or governed through the Kansas Board of Regents. All public universities, community colleges and technical colleges in the state of Kansas are accredited through HLC.

FHTC received a fi ve-year initial accreditation in 2007. The 2012 re-accreditation process began approximately two years after the college developed the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan and all FHTC employees became involved in the self-study process. The self-study process involved addressing fi ve criteria for accreditation and providing evidence that the institution met the criteria. The fi ve criteria included:

• Mission and Integrity• Preparing for the Future• Student Learning and Effective Teaching• Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge• Engagement and Service

FHTC received formal notifi cation of the re-accreditation on July 16, 2012. “The self-study process provided the staff, faculty and board the opportunity to look inward and outward to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the institution and most importantly give us a sense of what we are all about and our importance to the region and the

community,” said Dr. Dean Hollenbeck, president of FHTC. “Flint Hills Technical College will meet the

challenges now and in the future and will continue to provide the best opportunities and quality education we can to our students,” he said. As part of the 10-year accreditation cycle institutions are evaluated at Year 4 and again at Year 10. The College

will host a visiting team in 2015-2016 as part of the Year 4 evaluation. Both quality assurance and quality improvement are integrated into these comprehensive evaluations. Assessment of student learning will be a main focus during the 2015-2016 visit. HLC was founded in 1895 and is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. Currently, more than 1,000 institutions are affi liated with the Commission.

For more information, go to www.fhtc.edu/fhtc/accreditation.

Flint Hills Technical College received higher education’s stamp of approval when it was granted a 10-year re-accreditation after a comprehensive visit and review in April 2012 from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Higher education accreditation is critical to post-secondary institutions in order to maintain federal financial aid eligibility for students and transferability of courses from one higher education institution to another.

Higher education Re-Accreditation

As part of the 10-year

Assessment/Accreditation

The self-study process provided the staff, faculty and board the opportunity to look inward and outward to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the institution and most importantly give us a sense of what we are all about and our importance to the region and the community. Flint Hills Technical College will meet the challenges now and in the future and will continue to provide the best opportunities and quality education we can to our students.”

-Dr. Dean Hollenbeck, President of FHTC

“

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Four years ago, Emporia Public Schools added AVID as an elective option for high school students. This past May, the first class of 17 students graduated with exciting plans for college and careers. The students give high praise to the elective classes they have taken the past four years. They credit AVID for providing discipline and support that is preparing them for college.

the Road to College Readiness

AVID Graduate Stories

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college readiness elective that focuses on students in the “academic middle” whose grades are generally in the Bs and Cs. In many cases, AVID students are the first in their families to attend college. The AVID website describes the program this way: “The formula is simple — raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge.”

Now beginning its fifth year in Emporia, 178 students are enrolled this fall in AVID in Grades 7-12. Students must apply for the elective program. AVID strategies and philosophies also can be used on a school-wide basis so that all students benefit.

Six of the 17 graduates talked about their experience in AVID a few weeks before graduation in May. All

of these students were planning to start college at Emporia State University, a campus they were familiar with after attending summer AVID institutes.

Several aspects of AVID have stood out for this group, but the ones mentioned most often are Cornell notes and tutorials taught them how to study better and how to solve problems. Each student also talked about the benefits of AVID classes as they were thinking about college, visiting campuses, filling out scholarships and preparing for the ACT.

In all six cases, the students here are the first generation in their families to go to college. They expect they will stay in touch with their other AVID classmates as they begin college and careers. “AVID has made us into a family. Mrs. Korsak (teacher Deanne Korsak), she’s almost like a mother to us.”

College & Career Readiness

31College & Career Readiness +

Ana Rodriguez Ana Rodriguez had a challenging and active high school life. She completed college prep English and two dual credit college courses. Outside of the classroom, she played softball, was a member of dance team for two years, an officer in Spartan Club, sang in Chorale and was a member of Future Educators of America. She also served with her mother on the school’s AVID site council, an organization required for AVID schools to maintain the program.

For Rodriguez and many of her AVID peers, her favorite high school class was college prep English, taught by Phil Thornton. “I was told it was a really hard course. I feel like it has helped me become a better writer and a better student in general. It’s challenged me but I think it’s for the better.”

She will have already completed nine college hours when she starts at ESU this fall, majoring in elementary education. “I’m excited to be a Hornet. I am going to try to get involved a little bit on campus since I’ll be living at home. I think I will consider some clubs and maybe cheering.”

She credits AVID with helping her manage a challenging class load and a lot of homework. “AVID has helped with note taking and being organized,” she said.

“I want to teach elementary education — early childhood. I’ve done a lot of community service — reading at the elementary schools and bicycle helmet distribution our AVID class has done for kindergartners. That has really opened my eyes.

“I chose ESU because of the lower financial costs and it will be more convenient to stay here. It also has a good teaching program.”

Sandra Flores-Hernandez Sandra Flores-Hernandez credits AVID with her ability to successfully complete more challenging classes in high school. She has excelled in math and took math classes all four years, finishing with trigonometry.

She also has a clear and deliberate path for higher education and a career as a dental hygienist. This fall, she plans to attend ESU for a year before enrolling at Flint Hills Technical College in the dental assisting program.

“I think I will spend a year getting my general education credits and then go into the dental assisting program,” Hernandez said. “Then I can work as a dental assistant while I complete the dental hygienist classes and get my associate degree.”

AVID teacher Deanne Korsak, suggested the education path for her. “I thought that’s a good idea. I can work and go to school at the same time,” she said. “First I wanted to be a doctor but I think going 10 years (to college) is too much.”

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Erica Peres-HernandezAVID has been an avenue for Erica Peres-Hernandez to prepare for college and become more involved in school activities.

She is captain of the soccer team, serves on the school’s AVID site council and plays violin in the orchestra. “I think I’ve gotten more out there; I enrolled for college this week (at ESU) and I have found a couple of clubs I’m interested in,” Hernandez said. “We got to see the clubs and organizations available on campus and I talked to a few of them. I want to join a sorority and a community service organization.”

Hernandez plans to major in psychology and she also will play in the university orchestra. Her goal is a career in social work. “I want to do art therapy or something along the lines in social work. I know I want to work with kids,” she said.

She also considered attending Kansas State University, “but I figured if I stay here, I can live at home and get my feet planted on the ground and the feel of college. After a couple of years, if it feels right, I will go to K-State.”

Monique MasonMonique Mason made it a priority to take challenging classes while in high school. She enrolled in honors courses all four years and earned several college hours by graduation last May. She believes that AVID pushed her to those achievements.

“I’ve also gotten more involved; I’ve been involved in Spartan Club, Stuco, yearbook staff and I was a student mentor for the freshman,” Mason said. “And I also have a job, so I’ve had to learn to manage my time well.”

Mason’s brother took AVID classes at Emporia Middle School and will continue in AVID at Emporia High. “I advised him to do it. It helps with his grades, and he’s in sports, so it will help with time management.”

She considered both K-State and ESU before enrolling in Emporia. “I’m not ready to leave home yet and there were many scholarships.”

She said she has been interested in a career in social work since seventh grade. She will major in social work or crime and delinquency studies, “because I like working with kids that need help. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in somebody’s life.”

Samantha (Sam) Garcia Samantha “Sam” Garcia plans to attend ESU this fall, majoring in elementary education. She chose ESU “because it’s home and I’m going into elementary education and it’s a teachers’ school.”

“I like to work with younger kids,” she said. “I also do tutoring at the middle school for the sixth graders. It pushes me and helps me in my career in teaching.”

She credits AVID with helping her

become better organized and a better note-taker, using Cornell notes. AVID study skills were especially helpful for math and science classes, her most challenging subjects. She was able to accomplish this while playing on the EHS soccer team and being involved in her younger brother’s Boy Scout troop.

“AVID has played a really, really good role in my life,” she said. “I didn’t think I could get the grades that I have if I was not in AVID.”


Jose AyalaJose Ayala will begin college this fall at ESU, majoring in business and accounting. His career goal is to become a certified public accountant.

He was inspired by a certified fraud examiner who spoke to a class at Emporia High his senior year. “It really intrigued me with what they do and I’m good with numbers,” he said.

The EHS graduate took advantage of a dual credit accounting course through ESU last spring. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I plan to major in accounting and go a fifth year to get my master’s degree,” he

said. “I hope to be a CPA, and with that I could help businesses and advise them on ways they can save money.”

Ayala hopes his knowledge of three languages will help in his studies and career plans. In addition to Spanish and English, he has learned French.

As a freshman at EHS, he was recommended for AVID by a teacher. He is happy he took advantage of the opportunity because he did not enter high school with plans to attend college. He is staying in Emporia to attend college because ESU has a strong business program and he can save money by living at home.

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The 2013 Emporia High School graduate began college this fall at Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he is studying music education. When he left EHS last spring, he intended to enroll at Emporia State University. He could start his college experience close to home and take advantage of the school’s smaller campus and accommodations for students with disabilities.

In the end, he decided to go forward with his long-term plan to attend K-State, another state university with high marks for supporting students with disabilities. He is enrolled in a full class schedule and he was accepted into the marching band as a saxophone musician.

Charlie believes his challenges as a college freshman “are just like any of the challenges that face my peers. The only one to hold you accountable is yourself.”

“I would like to live in student housing,” he said in an interview last May. “It’s a way to branch out and become involved in college.”

Charlie’s goal is take his musical interest and talents back to the classroom. “I want to be a secondary school music director.”

He played in the band and orchestra and sang in the choir at Emporia High. He plays sax and jazz and classical guitar; he also performs at local venues when he has the chance. “Predominantly I’m a jazz musician.”

Charlie gives a lot of credit to family and teacher support for his success as a student and aspiring music teacher.

“Obviously my family has played a big role in giving me the drive and courage to do what I’ve done,” he said. “And I have had great teachers. None of them made exceptions for me. More recently, my faith has given me a lot of courage and drive.”

Four teachers at EHS stand out in Charlie’s high school experience.

“My band director, Mr. (Bob) Haselhuhn. He’s one of those teachers who has gone above and beyond to help me be successful.”

In the summer of 2012, Charlie attended a camp to learn to read Braille music. “Mr. Haselhuhn flew out with me and learned how to translate music to Braille music. He takes my music and translates it to Braille. It’s been huge in improving my musical abilities. He’s offered to continue doing that for me through college.”

Phillip Thornton in the language arts department also has made a long-lasting impression on Charlie. Thornton taught one of Charlie’s favorite academic classes, AP College Prep, one of a few courses he took for college credit while in high school. “He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He made you want to learn and experience it fully. He never ever made an exception for me, and that’s huge because I don’t want lower expectations.”

The math department faculty also found ways to teach in a way that Charlie could understand. “Math is not an easy subject for me. Mr. (Scott) Marshall taught me geometry, which is a very visual subject.”

Finally, coach Randy Wells as well as Mr. Thornton as a coach “have pushed me to my limit in everything physical.” During high school, Charlie played football, wrestled and competed in track, throwing shot put.”Everything is about helping me improve my physical abilities and they have taught me so many life lessons.”

Charlie had bittersweet feelings about leaving Emporia High. “It’s going to be hard. It’s been a great place.”

Charlie Wilks does not want anyone to expect less of him in school, activities or life in general. The fact that he is blind does not deter him from excelling in all that he does.

Student Has a Clear Vision for his Future


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The ambiance complemented the reason for the celebration — launching both Emporia State University’s sesquicentennial celebration and its Foundation’s “Now and Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University.”

The fi ve-year fundraising campaign is ambitious. With a working goal of $45.3 million and a vision goal of $63 million, it’s the largest, most comprehensive campaign in Emporia State’s history.

Through Now and Forever, those making gifts are investing in Emporia State University’s goals for the future. These goals are broken into 18 Big Ideas that fall in four main categories:

• Sustaining and building annual support for existing scholarships and academic department needs;

• Recruiting and retaining scholars, which includes increased scholarships, endowed professorships and graduate fellowships;

• Capitalizing on our strengths, which includes creating

a doctoral program for The Teachers College, creating a STEM center and expanding graduate opportunities in the School of Business; and

• Creating champions with baseline support for student-athlete scholarships, creating summer school of athletes and other program needs.

“By design, each Now and Forever campaign priority advances the Kansas Board of Regents’ Foresight 2020 strategic agenda and has a straight-line impact to increased enrollment, retention, graduation and employment rates,” said DenaSue Potestio, president of the Emporia State University Foundation and vice president for advancement.

“The Emporia State University Foundation is grateful for every dollar gifted to the university for the benefi t of our students and faculty,” Potestio said, “and, ultimately, for the benefi t of our society and communities.”

For more information, go to www.nowandforever.org.

It was a scene that reminded some in the crowd of a chic New York nightclub — subdued lighting, guests in formal wear enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres, trendy furniture in conversation-inducing arrangements, live music and theater.

Raising the Bar with Big Ideas

Fund-raising

37Fundraising +

The need for fi nancial support to assist students is greater than ever at FHTC. “Thanks to the scholarships I received I was able to focus more on my studies and being a good student,” said Jorge Cazares, a recent graduate of the hospitality/culinary arts program. “Also, thanks to the generosity of donors I could afford to take some weekends off of work and to accept internships set up by the culinary department, allowing me to get more hands-on experience in restaurants,” Cazares said.

The Annual Flint Hills Technical College Foundation Auction held on April 19, 2013, was also a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the College and the theme centered on the 50 year history of the institution. Sixty-three sponsors helped support the auction and ticket sales for the event increased by almost 20 percent from the previous year, with 411 FHTC supporters in attendance. The auction raised $37,684. Funds raised from the annual auction also help support student scholarships.

For more information, go to foundation.fhtc.edu.

When Mike Crouch, executive director of advancement at FHTC, and the Foundation Offi ce embarked on an aggressive scholarship campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the College they were overwhelmed by the support of the community and generous donors. In an eff ort to build funds for future students, FHTC’s goal is to create 50 new scholarships during its 50 year anniversary. When FHTC meets its challenge a local business will anonymously donate $50,000 to the general scholarship fund. Th e Foundation Offi ce had received 37 scholarships as of September, 2013.

50 Years Commemorated Through Fundraising Eff orts

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Coming on the heels of upgrading the wireless system for access throughout the campus, the Information Technology department staff has worked hard to develop Sky, web-based services that provide students, faculty and staff access to software, documents and other IT solutions from anywhere across multiple devices.

The two newest programs are SkyLab and SkyPrint.

Thanks to SkyLab, students don’t have to purchase various software packages for their own computers. Instead, they enter SkyLab, a virtual desktop available to 100 users at any one time. Software available on the desktop includes Office 2010 with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Access, InfoPath and Publisher), the ESU shared network drives, SPSS, SAS, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader and OnBase Web and Banner for faculty and staff use.

SkyPrint provides all students the ability to print across campus. Students send their print jobs to SkyPrint, which holds the job in a cyber queue. Then, students log on to a release station kiosk to print the job. Kiosks are available in William Allen White Library and the Memorial Union with plans to expand to the ESU-Newman Division of Nursing off campus and the new Richel Learning Space in the School of Business.

Other Sky services include:• SkySites, team workspaces for official ESU project

teams, workgroups, department and committees;• SkyBox, folders for storing and distributing files,

especially useful on collaborative projects; and• SkyFiles, which uses SharePoint to allow

Windows and Mac users to access ESU networks drives remotely.

Another project keeping the IT department busy is converting yesterday’s computer labs to new learning spaces. The first new space to open is Richel Learning Space in Cremer Hall. The project took a computer lab filled with tables and computer stations and created three distinct, technology-rich spaces.

The Learning Commons includes saturated wireless, a SkyPrint station, SkyStation lab computers, multiple charging stations to charge mobile devices and comfortable seating for individual and group studying.

Four Group Study rooms are available for work on group projects or practicing presentations. Furnished with conference-style furniture, they also have view stations with large digital displays, mobile projectors for use by personal devices, floor-to-ceiling whiteboard wall and saturated wireless.

A classroom completes the area and includes upgraded computers; an interactive project; a podium with BluRay, document camera and computer; whiteboard walls and software to management classroom computers and project content from iOS devices on the projection screen.

Employees of Emporia State’s facilities department did the work for the physical changes to the space.

Mobile app

While planning for Sky, the IT department staff also was hard at work building ESU Mobile, an application for smartphones and web-enabled devices that run the Apple or Android operating systems. With ESU Mobile, students, faculty, staff and anyone interested in Emporia State University have access to news and events, campus maps, faculty and staff

The Sky’s the limit when it comes to technology enhancements that benefit students, faculty and staff at Emporia State University — and save the institution money.

ESU Students Benefit From technology projects

Technology and Innovation

39Innovation +

directories, and the ability to provide feedback for future enhancements.

Students can also use a secure login within the app to search course offerings, view their class schedule, check on their student account balances, access their email account, even view their grades.

Augmented reality

Emporia State’s Marketing department also jumped into technology with the new student recruitment campaign. Called “I’m A Hornet,” the campaign uses faces of students to tell the university’s story.

Current students, the “Faces of ESU,” were photographed and fi led videos to bring the campaign

to life. Prospective students receive postcards and other mailings that feature a student’s close-up photo on the front. Layar, an application for Apple- and Android-based devices, pairs the video with the still photo to make the card “come to life.”

The campaign also includes Internet microsites for the Admissions offi ce that were designed and built by the University web-development team.

The best news? By creating Sky in-house, converting the Richel computer laboratory with current ESU facilities workers and creating and operating the recruitment campaign without hiring a consulting fi rm, the university realized signifi cant cost savings while providing today’s tech-savvy students the kind of resources to which they’ve grown accustomed.

A postcard from the recruitment campaign tells why students chose Emporia State University. To make the photo come to life, download the free Layar app for iPhone or Android onto your smartphone or tablet. Open the Layar app, hold your device above the photo and tap your screen to scan it.

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A $200,000 matching grant from the W.S. & E.C. Jones Trust was secured by the FHTC Foundation to help start the project and additional monetary and in-kind donations were solicited over the two-year period in order to bring the project to fruition. The approximately $1,000,000, energy-effi cient, 7,000 square foot building was a one of a kind project in the state of Kansas. “It was an exciting project and we were very pleased to be able to partner with USD 253 and Kansas State University,” said Dean Hollenbeck, president of FHTC. “This was a great example of educational entities working together to make a project happen,” he said.

The project impacted, and continues to impact a large number of students in different stages in their academic journey. The Transitions students from USD 253 and surrounding communities have a permanent residence for their program in the upper fl oor of the house, using the home-like environment to learn occupational life skills. The construction technology

When the Jones Education Center (JEC) opened for classes in the fall 2012 semester, it was a momentous day in many facets. Th e JEC was a joint project, launched two years earlier by Flint Hills Technical College, Kansas State University and Emporia USD 253. Th e center was designed by KSU School of Architecture students, built by the FHTC construction technology students and is now utilized by FHTC and USD 253 students.

Joint Construction Project Benefi ts Community and Students

students at FHTC received hands-on experience in learning to build an energy-effi cient house from the ground up, meeting the needs of a variety of constituents. FHTC students have additional classroom space in the lower level of the house.

Facilities

41Innovation +

Additionally, the K-State School of Architecture students got real-world experience by designing a facility as part of the curriculum for their program.

The JEC’s lower level is currently utilized for general

education classes and sustainability studies program courses, along with offi ce space. A meeting/conference area is also available for FHTC on the fi rst fl oor. The center is also showcased during campus tours and recruitment events at the campus.

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When Emporia State University’s 90-year-old Memorial Union was rededicated on Oct. 15, 2012, students, faculty, staff, alumni and Emporia community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the two-year, $23 million renovation.The results are breathtaking.

With only one addition — 5,400 square feet was added as a two-story entrance on the east side — and without moving mechanical areas and kitchen space, the entire interior space was re-imagined.

When once it was obvious where the original 1922 building joined the 1958, 1963 and 1972 additions, now the flow is seamless. As Memorial Union Director Dave Hendricks says, it is now possible to enter the new main entrance on the east, walk upstairs, travel through the second floor to the west side and back to the east staircase without backtracking steps.

Gone on the second floor are carved-out meeting rooms and offices with tiny or no windows. Instead, there is a perimeter hallway that wraps around the KSTC Ballroom (formerly called the Colonial Ballroom) with large exterior windows letting in natural light. New meeting rooms have been built between the hallway and the ballroom, perfect for conferences that need a large gathering space for meals and keynote sessions along with smaller spaces for breakout sessions.

Gathering spaces have been added — Webb Lobby is on the east and overlooks the first floor; Alumni Lounge is between Webb and the ballroom and Skyline lobby is between the ballroom and Skyline dining.

On the first floor, the former Lakeview Cafeteria has been transformed into the Hornets Nest resident dining with different food stations spread throughout the space — salad bar and deli, wood-fired pizza and pasta, a hamburger grill and daily specials.

Students and visitors have described the space as having a food court feel, when the east side of the first floor was opened with a new entrance to the MU Bookstore and Hornet Express, a fast-food eatery.

Others have described the second-floor as looking like a conference center. The floor includes the ballroom and Webb Hall as large meeting spaces, smaller meeting rooms as well as Skyline Dining restaurant. With full audio-visual components in every meeting room, the Memorial Union is an ideal site for conferences and meetings by groups unconnected with the university.

In its first year since the renovation was completed, Memorial Union has been the site of the annual meeting of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia High School’s prom, the Team Kansas/Kansas Cavalry awards banquet sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce as well as a multitude of weddings and active shooter training by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The renovation also allowed organizational changes on campus. The Office of Admissions moved into the east end of the Union. This change is an ideal showcase for the union and also convenient for students and parents, who can begin and end campus visits in the east lobby as well as attend

Eight months of students eating in a temporary dining room. A pedestrian tunnel connecting the east and west sides of the building. Seven months when only two meeting rooms were available as function spaces.

Memorial union extreme Makeover

43Innovation +

academic fairs and meals in the Union during Black and Gold visits as well as Hornet Connections for newly admitted students.

On the lower level, under the Hornets Nest, the offices of International Education and Career Services moved into new suites making them more accessible to students.

Plans for the renovation began in 2008 with focus groups and architect renderings. The project required approval of the student body in 2009, which voted overwhelmingly to increase their student fees by $125 over five years to pay the bond debt.

The renovation began in late May 2010 and was completed in Fall 2012.

44 + Annual Report

MissionWe build futures by preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Core Principles• We will strive for excellence and success for all

stakeholders.• We will lead by example through serving others.• We are committed to unity in relationships, vision,

and implementation.• We will lead with integrity.

VisionEmporia Public Schools will build a culture that guarantees success for all.

Board Goals1 Maintain a plan that consistently moves every

student to read on or above grade level by end of third grade, and monitor and support a plan of action that will maintain or improve that level of excellence at subsequent grade levels while effectively supporting students not reading at grade level.

2 Improve and assure an effective culture for

learning with all students, parents, staff, and community members.

• Reduced teacher turnover • Elevated school status in the community • Lower drop-out rate • Significant reduction in discipline referrals • Discretionary effort by all • Positive parental rapport • Metacognitive discussions • High teacher morale • Accelerated student achievement • Elevated teacher/student rapport • Motivated students3 Rank consistently in the top quartile of Kansas

and national school districts within the next five years for students prepared to be college and career ready.

4 Maintain a technology infrastructure and protocols to facilitate the classroom integration of electronic tools for students and staff.

5 Maintain and enhance strategic planning to effectively use fiscal, human, and community resources.

Emporia Public Schools

Institutional Statistics

Institutional Statistics

45 Institutional Statistics +

Professional Achievements• EHS Principal Scott Sheldon 2013 Kansas Principal

of the Year.

Academic Accomplishments• The EHS Debate Team was recognized in

May as one of the top five debate schools in the nation by the National Catholic Forensic League. Five debaters — seniors Barbara Haynes, Talia Smith and Brandon Schrader, and juniors Jhon Huachaca and Andy Renteria -- received the Eleanor E. Wright Award of Excellence in Debate. The sweepstakes trophy is presented to the top five debate schools in the nation based on points earned in Team Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate and Student Congress at the NCFL Grand National Tournament.

Athletic Achievements• EHS senior Oasis Hernandez won four gold

medals in triple jump, long jump, 200-meter dash and 100-meter dash at the 2013 Class 5A State Track Meet.

• EHS senior Jerel Morrow won the gold medal in long jump at the 2013 Class 5A State Track Meet. He also set the record with the longest jump in the nation by a high school athlete with a jump of 25’ 25”.

• EHS diver Gabi McNeilly won the 2013 Class 5-1A state Diving Championship, ending a perfect season after winning all 12 meets she entered.

• EHS wrestler won the 2013 Class 5A State Wrestling Championship in the 150-pound weight class

2012-13 Operations Accomplishments• Business Office processed 7,500 purchase orders for goods and services

• Business Office issued 5,575 vendor checks and 18,830 payroll checks

• Central Supply handled 1,490 supply requests• Food Service Department served 4,500 meals on average each day.

• Transportation Department transported 1,350 students to school on average each day.

• Maintenance Department completed more than 1,700 work orders for district buildings and grounds.

• Technology Department supported nearly 5,000 technology devices, completed more than 3,400 work orders, and responded to more than 3,200 requests for assistance through the help desk.

PersonnelTotal personnel - 787 FTE (FY 2012)

• Licensed personnel, 467• Non-licensed personnel, 320

EnrollmentAudited Headcount Fall 2012 - 4,664

Graduation RateGraduation Rate (FY 2011) ................................83%Dropout Rate (FY 2012) ....................................1.7%

Student DemographicsPercent of the total (Fall 2012)Hispanic/Other Cultures .....................................55%White .................................................................45%English Language Learners ................................36%Low Socioeconomic Status ...............................68%

46 + Annual Report

Mission StatementEmporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

VisionEmporia State University will be a premier comprehensive university focused on academic excellence, student success, leadership, and community and global engagement.

Institutional Accomplishments• With a total of $9.4 million raised, Emporia

State University Foundation posted the most fundraising in a single fiscal year since the organization was formed in 1952.

• Arne Duncan, U.S. education secretary, chose Emporia State’s Teachers College as a site for a town hall meeting during his 2012 Education Drives America bus tour. Attending with Duncan was Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association, and Cynthia Apalinski, a third-grade science teacher from New Jersey and a 2012 Teaching Ambassador Fellow.

• U.S. News and World Report ranked the university in the Top 100 of Midwest Regional Universities in the 2014 edition of “Best Colleges.”

• AffordableCollegeOnline.org recognized Emporia State as high for return on investment and affordability.

• The Princeton Review named ESU one of 155 institutions in the “Best of the Midwest” section of its “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region” feature.

• Best-selling author James Patterson chose The Teachers College at Emporia State University for his James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarship program. Patterson donated $48,000 to fund $6,000 scholarships for eight freshmen.

EnrollmentHeadcount - 6,033 (Fall 2013)

• Undergraduate Students ........................... 3,873• Graduate Students .................................... 1,854• Non-Degree Graduate Students ................... 306

Student DemographicsPercent of the total (Fall 2012)

• White ........................................................73.5%• Black ....................................................... 4.6%• Hispanic .................................................. 5.1%• Asian ....................................................... 0.8%• American Indian/Alaskan Native ............... 0.3%• Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ............................0.2%• Non-resident Alien ......................................8.4%• Two or more races ......................................3.5%• Unknown ................................................... 3.6%

PersonnelTotal Staff and Faculty, 711 (Fall 2012)

• Faculty .......................................................... 260• Full-time Administration/Staff ........................ 451

Graduation Rate • Graduation rate* ..........................................42%

*Six-year rate based on 2006 freshman cohort

Emporia State University

47Institutional Statistics +

Mission StatementThe mission of Flint Hills Technical College, as an associate degree granting institution, is to provide a diverse community of learners with lifelong educational opportunities for personal growth and preparation for professional and civic responsibilities that meet the needs of society.

VisionFlint Hills Technical College’s vision is to empower our graduates to compete successfully in the high-tech global workplace.

Institutional Accomplishments

• FHTC was ranked as one of the Top 120 Community/Technical Colleges in the nation

• FHTC was selected by GI Jobs as a military

friendly school, which was awarded to the top 20 percent of all schools nationwide

Student Accomplishments

• Jorge Cazares, hospitality/culinary arts student, placed first at the Kansas SkillsUSA culinary arts competition

EnrollmentHeadcount - 748 (Fall 2013)

• Full Time Equivalency Students* ................... 660

Headcount - 702 (Fall 2012)• Full-time equivalency* ................................... 600

*Headcount based on first day of classes

Unduplicated Headcount - 1062 (FY 2012-2013)

Student DemographicsPercent of the total (Fall 2012)

• White ...........................................................72%• Hispanic ......................................................18%• American Indian/Alaskan Native ................. 0.2%• Asian ......................................................... 1.5%• African American ....................................... 0.5%• Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ............................0.5%• Non-resident Alien ......................................0.5%• Unknown ................................................... 0.5%

PersonnelTotal Staff and Faculty, 161 (Fall 2012)

• Faculty (including adjuncts) ........................... 100• Staff (includes students/temps) ....................... 61

Placement & Graduation Rates• Placement Rate* ..........................................85%• Graduation Rate ..........................................67%

* Percentage of students employed or continuing their education

after graduation

CompletersStudents completing a certification, Technical Certificate or AAS Degree, 445 (FY 2012-2013)

Flint Hills Technical College

48 + Annual Report

Emporia Public Schools1700 West 7th - P.O. Box 1008Emporia, Kansas 66081620-341-2200 | usd253.org

Emporia State University1200 Commercial StreetEmporia, Kansas 66081877-468-6378 | emporia.edu

Flint Hills Technical College3301 West 18th AvenueEmporia, Kansas 66081800-711-6947 | fhtc.edu

Emporia Public Schools, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College do not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, handicap, race, color, age, religion, marital status, or national or ethnic origin in educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid or other college-administered programs. For questions or concerns regarding non-discrimination, contact one of the Human Resources Departments.

Contributing writers; Nancy Horst, director of community relations, Emporia Public Schools; Lisa Kirmer, vice president of student services, Flint Hills Technical College; Gwen Larson, assistant director of marketing & media relations, Emporia State University; Dave Sparks, communications director, Emporia State University Alumni Association. Design by Alicia Rangel, graphic designer, Flint Hills Technical College. Photos by Jason Brinkman, James R. Garvey and Dave Leiker.

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