News

A monster is on the loose, and players must work together to stop it when Emporia State University’s William Allen White Library brings back its popular escape room series beginning Monday, Oct. 26. In “Frankenstein’s Laboratory,” participants will solve puzzles to help Victor Frankenstein defeat his creation in a Halloween challenge inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, “Frankenstein.”

Emporia State University invites the community to share in an honored tradition within academia when Dr. Matthew Baker is formally inaugurated as the institution’s 19th president.

Three Emporia State University graduates will receive Distinguished Alumni awards at the Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 23 during Homecoming 2026. The award is the highest honor bestowed on ESU alumni and recognizes outstanding accomplishments in their careers.

In a change from previous years, Emporia State University Theatre plans five full productions of the Homecoming musical, which, for 2026, is Disney’s “Frozen: The Broadway Musical.”

For the second consecutive year, Emporia State University leads all state universities in percentage enrollment growth, as revealed in the Kansas Board of Regents’ (KBOR) fall 2026 census. The report shows 5,110 students enrolled at ESU, a 6% year-over-year increase in total enrollment. ESU leaders attribute the enrollment gains to the university’s consistent efforts to invest in students, affordability and academic programs.

Spooky science takes center stage this Halloween at ESU’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, where a special edition of Science Saturday will cap a month of fishing, reading and hands-on activities. Other October programs will teach attendees how to fly fish and help children explore the world of fish through stories, activities and book club discussions.

The School of Business and Technology at Emporia State University has a new leader. Dr. Filiz Tabak, who joined the school as interim dean in July, is now dean of the school.

In October, Emporia State’s Peterson Planetarium invites you to immerse yourself in the glow of the sun with showings of “The Sun: Our Living Star.”

Two families with their own deep connections to Emporia State University — brought together through marriage and united by generations of Hornet experiences — have been selected as the 2026 Hornet Heritage Family.

Join the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center at Emporia State University for an exciting, hands-on opportunity to learn how to tag monarch butterflies in Monarchs in Our Backyard. The first-ever monarch tagging event at PAROC will feature Prairie Steward volunteer Michele Kessler, who will invite guests to participate in real science and learn about the amazing journey behind the monarch's migration.