The Emporia Gazette

May 27, 2012

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IN RECENT weeks, several individuals have raised questions regarding changes at Emporia State University and in the ESU Foundation. The simple answer is that staff changes are inevitable when the CEO changes. In the case of the university, I am moving slowly and deliberately as I evaluate the structures of the institution and the personnel. For example, as a result of the Stakeholders’ Survey and Conference, I determined the need for a centrally coordinated marketing effort. Yes, we really do have to market the university. I have appointed Brad Goebel to head all university marketing efforts. And as director of public relations, Marjorie Werly will be able to focus on expanding the visibility of ESU through the media and promotional activities.

We have also done some internal reorganizing which is not necessarily evident to the community. For example, we have realigned some of the responsibilities in the Student Affairs area.

ESU has welcomed two new administrators this fall. Gwen Alexander is the new dean of the School of Library and Information Management. Alexander, who comes to Emporia State from a position as associate dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

Steven Brown joined Emporia State as Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A choral music specialist by training, Brown earned his Ph.D. from North Texas State University.

I also want to express my appreciation to Robert Hite, Jones Distinguished Professor and dean of the School of Business. Bob will step down as dean in June, 2008, but will remain at Emporia State as Marketing Research Professor. He will be fulfilling a vital role as a mentor for faculty in the School of Business after he steps down as dean.

In the case of the Foundation, some of the changes have happened soon after the arrival of the new president of the foundation, Judy Heasley. Part of transition is an issue of timing. One of the most common times for development staff to move is after the completion of a campaign. As you are probably aware, ESU successfully completed the $15,000,000 Scholarship Campaign on June 30, 2007. Hence, it is a natural time for members of the development staff to seek other opportunities. I also want to assure you that each of the changes has been voluntary and for reasons of better career opportunity for the individual.

Let me take a moment to thank those three individuals:

- Sandy Kramer, who oversaw the entire Foundation during the interim period and led the staff to the successful conclusion of the scholarship campaign, has retired from ESU to pursue fundraising opportunities for SOS. She is also a development consultant for the state of Kansas.

- Marc Jasperson, who also assisted with the completion of the campaign and who administered the President’s Club, has returned to fundraising in the medical field.

- Andrew Dame, who oversaw the Annual Fund Drive, accepted a career-advancing position at the foundation of the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.

ESU owes each of these individuals a great debt of gratitude!

I want to assure you that things at the university and the ESU Foundation are going well. We are searching for new individuals to serve in the development positions in the Foundation. The simultaneous vacancies allow us opportunities to re-configure and redefine some of those positions to serve the Foundation and our donors better.

We continue to move forward in our planning and the university is strong and healthy. As we complete our strategic plan we will develop a fund raising plan to help the university meet the staffing and financial challenges of the 21st century.

Finally, allow me to thank each person or family who has contributed time, talent, or treasure to ESU. We are stronger because of your commitment. Thank you!