Undergraduate Admissions Viewbook 2011

Emporia state U

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FITTING IN FACULTY THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMS ADMISSION FINANCES LIVING THINGS TO DO A RENEWED UNION EMPORIA STORIES LOCATION

ESU MEANS EMPOWERMENT

The deeper you investigate ESU and what the university has to offer, the more you’ll become convinced it’s the place for you.

EMPOWERED BY

SINCE 1863 TM

What does Empowered by Emporia State University mean to you?

If you’re looking for a university that offers you a caring, small campus environment, then Emporia State University is the place for you.

If you’re looking for a university that will prepare you for success after graduation, then Emporia State is for you.

If you’re looking for lots of choices in programs, ESU is for you.

If you want to attend a university where your professors become deeply involved in your education, ESU is for you.

If you want plenty of activities with more than 130 organizations and championship sports teams, ESU is definitely for you.

If you want to attend a place that has a lovely, vibrant campus, Emporia State is for you.

The deeper you investigate Emporia State and what the university has to offer you, the more you’ll become convinced it’s the place for you. You’ll understand how quickly you become Empowered by ESU to become successful.

The bottom line: Quality. The benefits of a large university in a small college environment. A friendly campus where you’ll feel confident and comfortable.

Classes with professors who know and care about you. The right mix of strong academic programs and traditional college activities. A degree you’ll be proud of. That’s the kind of empowerment ESU offers you.

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QUALITY

INSIDE ESU

Empowering Facts

You will make lasting friendships here. That’s partly because of the size of the place. But the main reason is the people.

How do you make friends at Emporia State? It happens immediately from having study buddies to becoming involved in the rich activities that take place here. “The professors do a good job of helping you make friends,too,” explains Lindsey Kiesling, a transfer student at ESU. “On my first day of class, they paired me with someone so that I made friends right away.”

Rachel LeFlore, a senior, adds: “Emporia State has changed me by being an open environment. I feel accepted here. Professors are very influential in encouraging all this personal growth.”

When students leave their home for the first time, these friends can help you make the transition to college life. And ESU fills the gap by providing all sorts of activities to help you get to know others. That begins with orientation where you have fun getting to know your fellow students.

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FITTING IN

EMPOWERING friendships

* Orientation at ESU is meant to help you fit in and ensure your success.

Fun activities help you get to know your fellow students and some faculty from your first day. * Get involved with more than 130 student organizations, and you’ll find your place at ESU.

The Student Recreation Center on campus helps keep ESU students fit.

Making friends is easy at Emporia State because of the many residence hall activities, lectures and musical events and because ESU students, faculty, staff and alumni care about you.

* Residence Hall life will get you involved right away, too. Floor parties and other events build camaraderie and add fun to your Emporia State experience. * Enrollment: 6,262 * Campus: 218 acres, 70 buildings * Alumni: 59,000 representing all 50 states and 70 countries.

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LINDSEY KIESLING Transfer Student

“On my first day of class, my professors paired me with someone so that I made friends right away.”

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EMPOWERING FACULTY

FACULTY

Empowering Facts * 18-to-1: Student to faculty ratio. * 253 full-time faculty. * 81 percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their fields.

Research is a hands-on experience in Dr. David Edds’ biology classes.

That brings up Emporia State’s faculty. Our professors may be world-renowned scholars, but they are also down to earth and personable. They illustrate the kind of caring learning community Emporia State provides. You will succeed here because of them.

Professors, such as Dr. Deb Gerish of medieval history, might contact you to find out how you’re doing in her class. That’s not unusual at ESU. She’s a Harry Potter fan so she’s ready to talk about Harry and the books. She’s even been known to give Harry Potter quizzes, asking students to match their own study habits to one of the characters.

You’ll also have the opportunity to help faculty on research projects. Two programs help you do that, and you might even get a stipend for doing this. It’s not unusual to present refereed research at conferences, but this is a rare experience for undergrads at most 6

other universities. Faculty will help you get other hands-on experiences as well. Many courses, like our world-class glassblowing program in art, require it.

Internships are a common experience here, where our students do real work in the real world.

Our professors are active in campus life, too. They support ESU students by attending many of the sports teams’ games. This caring attitude is what sets our professors apart. They look out for their students and want them to succeed, and they help them do this on many levels.

In fact, the National Survey of Student Engagement shows that ESU ranked higher in its peer group in student-faculty interaction inside and outside the classroom, according to ESU’s first-year students.

Eighty-one percent rated their relationships with faculty positively.

A national survey shows that 81 percent of ESU first-year students rated their relationships with faculty positively.

* You’ll find that at ESU you’ll have the opportunity to do research with faculty. These research experiences will deepen your knowledge of a topic and prepare you for life after ESU. Two programs help you do that: the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence and ESU’s Summer Undergraduate Program.

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Three Schools Empower You

The Teachers College Legacy of excellence. Exemplary programs. Trailblazing. ESU’s Teachers College has been named a top four Exemplary Model Teacher Education program by Arthur Levine, former president of Columbia University’s Teachers College, and has been identified as one of the top 10 schools in education in the United States by the George Lucas Foundation.

If you want to become a K-12 teacher, the best place to go is ESU. One of every six teachers in Kansas earned his or her degree at Emporia State University in a program called a national model by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He says ESU “creates great teachers.” The U.S. Department of Education recently created a video touting the many distinctive qualities of a Teachers College education at www. ed.gov/blog/2011/06/preparing-teachers-to-lead-andsucceed-emporia-state-universitys-teachers-college/ ESU’s Teachers College rigorously prepares you to advance your career in education as a teacher, administrator, counselor or school psychologist.

The School of Business Technology. Resources. An acclaimed faculty and a prestigious AACSB-International accreditation, 8

Empowering Facts

an honor held by less than 5 percent of the business schools worldwide. Your success is important to us, too. “One of the big reasons I came to Emporia State was the quality of the professors,” explains Carl Ricketts, BSB ’80, MBA ’81, of Capitol Federal Savings’ Chief Strategic Planning Office.

More than 97 percent of ESU business school graduates are placed in jobs within six to nine months after graduation. Furthermore, U.S. News and World Report named ESU’s School of Business the best value for in-state and out-of-state students.

* Your classroom experiences will change the way you view your world and help you find deeper meaning in what you learn. *As a Teachers College student, you are in a local school shortly after becoming an education major.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences The humanities. Natural sciences. Social sciences.

ESU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate courses in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

Of course, a degree in the liberal arts and sciences is not entirely about a successful career. But the liberal arts and sciences do help you to think and write critically and creatively, and this can be a major benefit to your career. Study after study has shown that liberal arts and sciences graduates “tend to advance further and be more sought out by CEOs for high-level jobs,” says Dr. Katharine Hansen, associate publisher of Quintessential Careers.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) surveys of managers show that they care more about job candidates’ critical-thinking and communication skills than what they specialize in.

ACADEMICS

You have lots of empowering choices when you attend ESU. We have more than 65 areas of study. You might expect this kind of choice at a much larger institution.

Although ESU values its small campus atmosphere, the university offers you the depth and breadth of high quality, accredited programs that employers also value. Now, that’s empowerment.

Classes are primarily small at ESU with an average class size of 23. That’s unusual at a public university.

Most large universities require you to take survey courses where you might be one of a hundred in a class. How will small class sizes affect the way you learn? Instead of being one of many, you will get the personal attention you need to be successful.

Three colleges provide you as an undergraduate the opportunity to explore a variety of fields. Discover the one that’s right for you.

Three colleges prepare you for success after graduation.

* Career Services and the career counselors can help you find an internship that gives you realworld experience.

Empowering ACADEMIC CHOICES

* We have your career in mind from Day 1.

We’ll prepare you for a successful career so you’ll feel confident whether you choose to attend graduate school or join the workforce immediately after graduation. * Average undergraduate class size: 23 9

PROGRAMS

Small campus.

Big choices. ESU has more than 65 areas of study.

empowering PROGRAMS

An ESU study group takes advantage of library resources.

Accounting *Anthropology Art *Art History *Art Therapy Athletic Training Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Biology Business Administration Business Education Chemistry *Coaching Communication Computer Science *Creative Writing

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Crime & Delinquency Studies Data Security Earth Science *East Asian Studies Economics Elementary Education English *Ethnic/Gender Studies Finance *Geospatial Analysis Health Education Health Promotion History Information Resource Studies

Information Systems Interdisciplinary Studies *Journalism *Latin American Studies *Leadership Management Marketing Mathematics Modern Languages & Literatures Music Music Education Nursing *National Security *Paleontology *Philosophy

Physical Education Physical Science Physics Political Science Psychology *Public Affairs Recreation Rehabilitation Services Education Secondary Education Social Science Sociology Speech Communication Theatre

Pre-Professional Programs Pre-Agriculture Pre-Dental Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Medical Technology Pre-Nursing Pre-Optometry Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Veterinary Medicine

*Minors

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CHASE McIVER ESU Scholar

“The Honors Program and the faculty at ESU have encouraged me to think more deeply about what is important in my life.�

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Applying online at emporia.edu/admissions is the easiest way to get your ESU education started.

Empowering Facts

Applying to ESU is easy because you can do it online at www.emporia.edu/admissions. Your admission will take place quickly if you scored a 21 or better on your ACT test, you’re in the upper third of your high school class, or you have at least a 2.0 on your Qualified Admissions classes. If your scores or grades don’t meet these standards, you can still apply, but do so as early as possible!

If you’re transferring from another university or college, you can easily finish your degree at ESU. The university accepts relevant coursework from accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities. For full admission, you’ll need a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0 on a 4-point scale.

You’re encouraged to attend a Black and Gold Day where you’ll tour the campus and residence halls and meet faculty and other students just like you.

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Empowering ways to attend

ADMISSION

* Kansas High School Graduate: Meet one of the following three requirements: 1. ACT composite of 21 or higher; 2.

Rank in the top third of your graduating class; 3. Have a grade point average of 2.0 (2.5 for out-of-state students) on a 4-point scale in the recommended core curriculum courses.  * Transfer Student: Unconditional admission? You need a 2.0 cumulative grade point average on 24-plus transferable credit hours.

Students transferring 1-to-23 credit hours may need to provide high school transcripts. Visit our registration website to find out about transfer equivalency and transfer articulation agreements at emporia.edu/regist.

Please call 877-468-6378, or email go2esu@emporia.edu to work with your ESU admissions counselor. * If you do not meet the above requirements, you may apply for admission through the 10-percent window, but apply early.  For more information, visit www.regents.org

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Empowering Facts Below are estimated costs per semester for full-time undergraduates. If you’re enrolled for 12 or more hours, you are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.

* Out-of-state students: If you live in a nearby state, NEARR tuition is $3,442 for residents of Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

The Greek games are an exciting ESU spring tradition.

Getting financial help for your ESU education is part of the process, too. Here are a few empowering things you can do: Complete and return a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, find out about our more than $1.8 million in scholarships that you may qualify for and learn about work opportunities at ESU from our Career Services Office. We’ll help you. If you take 10 or more hours, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying with our Flat Rate Tuition Program.

For more information, contact the financial aid office at 800.896.0567 or 620.341.5457 or visit www.emporia.edu/finaid.

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FINANCES

* Undergraduate tuition: Kansas resident: $2,476 tuition and fees.

* ESU’s Flat Rate Tuition: You can take an overload and still pay the same amount for your tuition. * Room and board: $3,190.

Emporia State University distributes more than $1.8 million in scholarships.

Empowering ways to PAY

* Books and supplies: Estimated $450. * The Transfer and Hornet scholarships are available for new students. Apply today!

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AN EMPOWERING LIFE

Empowering Facts

ESU’s women’s basketball team was crowned 2010 NCAA Division II National Champions.

Our residence halls put you where the action is. You can easily walk from one end of campus to the other within minutes. Football and other team sports are nearby.

There are three residence hall complexes with an abundance of room and suite arrangements. You can choose a double or suite in the Towers or a double room in Singular or Trusler. And cable television is available in all the lounges.

First-year students can choose between Singular, Trusler or the Towers, and upperclassmen and women have the option of Central Morse, Abigail Morse, Northeast Morse or the ESU Apartments. Whatever need you have, we can help.

Residence hall living includes access to cable television, wireless Internet, air conditioning, heating and electricity at no extra cost to you.

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LIFE AT ESU

* ESU is a safe campus.

If you live in a residence hall, only you and necessary staff are given Hornet card access to the buildings. Plus, hall staff and Police and Safety are on-call 24 hours a day to provide assistance. * Each residence hall floor is staffed with a resident assistant, a student whose main purpose is to provide his or her floor with fun activities and help you with any problems you might encounter.

ESU has three residence hall complexes that provide you even more choices.

* Activities councils in the residence halls offer a great way for you to get to know other residents and plan the events you want to see happen.

Ice cream social? No problem. Taco night in the lobby? Bring it. Your ideas are the limit.

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Empowering THINGS TO DO Empowering Facts * More than 2,100 ESU students are involved in intramurals, including flag football, volleyball, softball and soccer.

Hone your leadership skills in more than 130 student organizations.

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From becoming involved in student government to heading your fraternity or sorority, your ESU education empowers you to become a leader. NCAA Division II sports events offer you the chance to cheer your team on to the next championship. That’s another empowering reason to attend ESU. Your out-ofclass fun experiences are closely tied to your academic experiences. You learn while having fun.

ESU helps you build on your unique talents. Develop your research skills with noted professors. Learn to think critically about the issues of the day. Test your ideas in class or on our award-winning debate team.

Hone your leadership skills in more than 130 student organizations. Or just have fun playing volleyball or basketball with friends on campus, and intramurals are a major part of campus life.

There are events to attend every day, including concerts, plays put on by our renowned theatre department and speakers who challenge you to think differently about a particular topic.

SOCIAL LIFE

ESU’s A Cappella Choir tours the world.

* The Union Activities Council sponsors comedians, bands, movie nights and events like “Recycled Percussion” from the TV show America’s Got Talent. * 15-sport NCAA Division II teams (many top ranked) in men’s and women’s basketball (2010 National Champs!), volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball, cross-country, football, track and field and tennis. * Students publish the campus newspaper, The Bulletin. * Music: A Cappella Choir, jazz ensemble, the Wind Ensemble and the Hornet Revue Pep Band. * Listen to bands on campus and in town.

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DUSTIN BURGARDT Multisport & Cycling Club

“Any ESU student can start a club as long as he or she finds a faculty sponsor. We sent two students to compete in this year’s collegiate triathlon nationals. Next year, we have arranged not only triathlons around the north central region of the nation, but also mountain biking that will end with the collegiate mountain bike nationals.”

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A renewed student union is waiting for you.

Empowering Facts

FACILITIES

* Shopping, entertainment, dining, leisure activities, social areas and meeting spaces are the code words for your student union. * Enjoy unique dining experiences on two levels.

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A renovated Memorial Union will be ready when you arrive on campus. The main student center has refurbished resident dining with floor-to-ceiling glass that looks out onto the campus. The new Hornet Express, where you can get snacks, smoothies, burritos, pizza and deli sandwiches, is already open and ready for business.

The new bookstore is open, too. It’s much roomier and displays a lot of Hornet gear and will have the books you’ll need for class.

The new Main Street is the grand entryway that’s a lot like a mini-mall where you’ll find shops and all the services you need, including the bookstore and Hornet Express.

The Union has conference and meeting rooms with “smart” technology, making it a cutting-edge student gathering place.

There’s also study spaces and roomy places just to hang out with friends. It’s a transformation that’s meant primarily for you.

* Floor-to-ceiling glass opens up the renovated Union and provides spectacular views of campus. * Admissions, Career Services and International Education are conveniently located here.

EMPOWERING IMPROVEMENTS

* Open spaces and a grand entryway are two of the important improvements to the renewed Memorial Union. * Memorial Union is the center of campus and the central gathering place for students.

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EMPORIA IS AN EMPOWERING TOWN

Coffee shops near campus give you the opportunity for get-togethers with friends.

Empowering Facts Like the outdoors? The Flint Hills offer these nearby experiences:

EMPORIA

* 20 miles from town you’ll find the Tallgrass National Prairie Preserve with fishing and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. * Ready to bike? At the north end of campus is College Trails, Emporia’s oldest single track trails.

It consists of a network of winding trails that run along the Neosho River.

You’ll find Emporia is a small town with lots to do.

With downtown right next to campus, you can find all kinds of activities.

Want to see movies in a wonderful art deco theater? Emporia has one. And after the movie, visit the chocolate shop next door.

You want the best Mexican restaurant this side of the Rio Grande? Visit one just a few blocks down the town’s main street. Want barbecue that beats the best?

Eat at two near campus. In short, you’ll find great restaurants, coffee shops, clubs and movie theaters.

Most everything’s within walking distance including your favorite fast-food restaurants, and there’s a grocery store just a block away.

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• Looking for more fishing: Consider the John Redmond Reservoir and Melvern Lake, where you can boat, camp, swim, bike and hike 30 minutes from town. * Looking to spot an American bald eagle?

Just 30 minutes away is the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge in Hartford.

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EMPOWERING STORIES

A Few of Our Faculty • A Few of Our Students • A Few of Our Graduates

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Everyday Drama

Robot Wars

A man is trapped in a cave filling with water.

Five people are attempting to dispose of a dead horse. A woman in the shower hears a frightening noise. Drama. Intensity. Difficult situations.

These are the types of circumstances Associate Professor Amy Sage Webb, co-director of the creative writing program at ESU, deals with on a daily basis.

And, yes, every student taking her intro class must suffer through the infamous “Dead Horse” assignment.

Every student in her advanced fiction class must terrify a woman in the shower.

What’s so compelling about these studentwritten stories that keeps Webb coming back to the classroom for more?

“It’s play,” she explains. “I don’t have big political agendas.” To her, it’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps her interested, the excitement of sleuthing solutions.

Whenever a general principle is challenged in class or by a student’s

How can building robots help elementary, middle and even high school students learn about math, physics, reading, writing and engineering?

And what kind of robots are we talking about here? R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars?

No, at least not at ESU’s Teachers College.

These are much smaller and toy-like but no less important.

In fact, two different professors use robots in diverse, experimental ways to inspire their students—who will become teachers—to use robots in their classrooms.

What will their K-12 students someday learn?

Both ESU professors believe they learn the basic skills of math, physics and engineering. But

Dr. Jane Eberle, education professor, takes it further. She believes that literature, such as books like I Robot, and writing about the ethical meaning of having robots in our lives can be part of what is learned too.

“In fact, robots can be used as an innovative way to teach skills in all disciplines,” explains Eberle.

On the other hand, Dr. Matt Seimears, education professor, challenges his class in a

competition with middle school and high school students to build robots that must perform preset tasks, such as collecting moon rocks or delivering a first-aid kit to an injured person. The robot that does it the best wins. The students learn about teamwork too.

Zach Rampy, an ESU junior, knows the value of using robots in science classrooms.

“Science becomes more than a pencil and paper exercise,” he says.

Business Professor Raffaele DeVito gives his students an international experience.

Creative writing Professor Amy Sage Webb deals with everyday drama. work, she goes back to the drawing board to test it and see whether it’s always true. For example, the general rule that the characters need to be doing something (the object lesson of the “Dead Horse” assignment) for drama to happen is a theory she is currently testing by attempting a story about a man who is trapped in a cave filling up with water.

“You have a dramatic situation there,” she explains, “but it’s not interesting.”

The key, she discovered, was traversing the character’s past through his mind. “It’s turning out like a memoir.”

Webb also loves teaching simply for the experience.

“It’s one thing to say a student has mastered a certain course or material,” she says, but it’s the light-bulb moment of recognition that’s the payoff: “The first encounter with a new sound is special.” Although she’s taught in a variety of places, includ-

ing classes for delinquent girls and in a women’s prison, ESU is uniquely appealing for Webb.

“I like knowing my students well,” she says.

Sometimes the friendship extends beyond ESU. Her office door and cabinets are littered with memorabilia from her students, much of which was acquired after they had graduated.

It’s her students who fuel her future plans.

“It’s exciting to watch an entirely new generation of writers,” she says.

Education Professors Matt Seimears and Jane Eberle teach in innovative ways.

What’s important to you? Knowledge?

Friendship? Personal growth? If so, a career in global trade might be right for you.

Dr. Raffaele DeVito, a School of Business professor, explains how these things fit together.

His research focus—international business— began with a Mandarin Chinese class, “compliments of the Navy.”

“If you open up to a second language, you’re more likely to open up to the people,” he says.

It also opens people to other career opportunities.

A big part of DeVito’s research vita is lecturing in various

STORIES

Learning to Work in a Global Economy countries around the world, including France, Poland, Hungary and, of course, China. He spent part of his most recent sabbatical semester in China lecturing at three exchange universities.

DeVito is—and has been for the past 20 years—the chair of the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC).

This council focuses on international trade taking place in Kansas.

Working on this board meant meeting with Chinese manufacturers (while on sabbatical in China), which conduct business here, and some supply chain companies to Kansas businesses.

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Can an Emporia State graduate go on to practice law in Chicago, become a state Supreme Court justice, teach law at a major state university and begin a law school at another one?

Absolutely. Just ask Judge Harold See, an ESU Distinguished Alumnus, who filled all these roles and credits his Emporia State University education with helping him achieve these life goals.

“My ESU professors taught us their fields in such a way that we knew them well enough to teach others,” he explains. “My ESU experience helped me to think critically and thoroughly about any topic. This is invaluable in understanding and applying case law.”

Today, See is establishing a new law school at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

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need for chemotherapy for colon cancer and surgery for prostrate cancer patients.

His professors at Emporia State inspired him to attend graduate school and earn a doctorate in biochemistry. “ESU prepared me well for my graduate work and made biochemistry come alive for me,” he says. “The small class sizes and personal attention helped me find my passion.”

RYAN WASH Debate Team

RACHEL McCOMMON Rehabilitative Services

“ESU has enabled me to branch out and do things I may not have done on my own.”

“I was debating against people from Harvard and Northwestern as well as other schools.”

An Empowering Experience ESU graduate Dr. Randy Scott’s company helps cancer patients.

Professors Inspired Cancer Researcher For Dr. Randy Scott, a biochemist and executive chairman of Genomic Health, his career in cancer research began at Emporia State where he worked closely with a professor on undergraduate research experiments.

Today, he’s heading a company that develops new diagnostic technologies that help cancer patients decide on the right therapy. “It’s an exciting time in the field,” he says. “We take all this technology and look at multiple genes simulta-

neously and help physicians and patients decide on the right therapy for their cancer.”

Whereas doctors in the past used broad population statistics to make these determinations, Scott’s company’s efforts involve looking at the individual tumor’s genome. It’s a more precise method.

“We wondered why some cancer patients had tumors that metastasized and why some others with the same cancer went on to live long lives,” he explains.

His company is now working on new technologies to diagnose the

ESU offered Rachel McCommon, senior rehabilitation services major with leadership minor, an education that effectively prepares her for her real-world, aftercollege life. However, it’s clear that ESU has been more for Rachel than a side-stop on the way to a career. It’s been a lifechanging, empowering experience.

“ESU has enabled me to branch out and do things I may not have done on my own,” Rachel says. She talks about becoming a resident assistant, joining ESU’s gospel choir— “Harmonious Voices of Praise”—and making the honor roll. “ESU will help you grow as a person.”

A big part of this growth has been the ESU environment. “I feel like Emporia State gives us a gift,” she says, describing what it’s like to live here.

“There’s a lot to do, a lot to get involved with, but in a sense you’re kind of forced to be independent about it.”

There’s more to ESU than personal development, however. It also offers Rachel professional training. She hopes to use her degree to become an entrepreneur and run a counseling service for children born with facial deformities. She herself was born with a cleft

lip and palate and has undergone several facial surgeries. Even though it’s inspired her career choice and has been a driving factor in her life, Rachel doesn’t make a big deal about it.

“It’s what makes me unique,” she says with a smile.

Debate Team Star Ryan Wash, a junior communications major, first came to Emporia State because of the ESU debate team’s fame.

“I came from Kansas City, Mo.,” Ryan explains. When he

entered ESU, he felt a little overwhelmed but the seriousness of the academic atmosphere motivated him to excel.

“ESU taught me to develop good social skills as well as good self-discipline skills.”

In addition to being on the debate team, Ryan participates in Union Activity Council and the Black Student Union.

“Being involved in organizations has helped me to be known around campus,” he says. “It’s a good way to create a rapport with people—a mutual respect.”

Ryan recently earned the honor of 4th out of 278 speakers at the Cross Examination Debate Association’s National Debate Tournament.

“There are no size divisions there,” he explains.

“I was debating against people from Harvard and Northwestern as well as other schools.”

He also has a more relaxed side. His intramural volleyball teams have won the ESU championship three years in a row.

He enjoys hanging out on campus and chatting with his friends.

“I think ESU, unlike many other universities,

requires you to form relationships with people.

It teaches you how to manage responsibility effectively.”

Teaching Tops For Teresa Disberger, the 2011 Kansas Master Teacher and alumna, ESU was and is more than just a college and a way to a degree. It was an empowering force and enabling factor in her career.

“My college classes included lecture and hands-on opportunities,” she says. This kind of integration helped her to see that becoming a teacher was really what she wanted to do.

In addition to guiding her in her career choice, ESU empowered her to teach to the absolute best of her abilities. “The content of all my classes

was useful in the real classroom,” she says. “I learned from all of my professors and gathered tools from them to use in my own classroom.”

Teresa has many fond memories of ESU. An overarching feeling of acceptance encompasses them all. “I transferred to ESU my junior year,” she says, “and immediately I felt the family environment. From the dorms to the cafeteria to the classroom to activities, everyone was open and friendly.”

Today, Teresa teaches math at Council Grove Middle School. She loves her life. “When students learn a new or difficult concept, watching that light bulb of understanding glow is very rewarding. Knowing that I helped to impact their future, even in a small way, is empowering.”

STORIES

Dreams Fulfilled

ESU alumna Teresa Disberger was named a 2011 Kansas Master Teacher.

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CALL: 877.468.6378 (Toll Free)

or 620.341.5465

where we are 32

KANSAS

VISIT:

emporia.edu/admissions OR go2esu.com to create your own brochure

MAIL:

ESU ADMISSIONS Box 4034 1200 Commercial Street Emporia, KS 66801

SNAP:

This image with your smartphone after downloading a QR Code速 app.

LOCATION

EMAIL: go2esu@emporia.edu

TOPEKA KANSAS CITY* 95 MILES 50 MILES *

WICHITA * 77 MILES

EMPORIA

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NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST Call: 877.468.6378 (Toll Free) or 620.341.5465 Email: go2esu@emporia.edu Visit: emporia.edu/admissions

 Apply online at www.emporia.edu/admissions  High School Students: Have your high school transcript and ACT

score sent to ESU.  Transfer Students: Have official transcripts of ALL college work sent

to ESU directly from all colleges you have attended. ACT scores

are not required for transfer students with 24 hours of credit

beyond high school.  Apply for federal financial aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov  Apply for ESU Scholarships at www.emporia.edu/finaid/scholarships  Download a housing contract online at www.emporia.edu/reslife

Housing contracts will be available in the spring to all students

who have applied for admission.  Attend Hornet Connection pre-enrollment: Register online at

www.emporia.edu/admissions/hornetconnection  Call 877.468.6378 or email Admissions at go2esu@emporia.edu

when you have questions