Kansas State University President Richard Myers delivered his final State of the University address on Friday. He is retiring at the end of the year.
Myers reflected on a number of accomplishments and growth areas ranging from growth to an $880 million endowment to an increase in the graduation rate and projected increase in freshman - sophomore student retention rate. "The state of the university is sound, very sound, and we have weathered many challenges. We have proven as a team to the community our mettle."
Technology improvements, $2 billion in infrastructure on north campus collaboration district with 10 industry partners, food insecurity was addressed on the Manhattan campus, and a number three ranking for top employer in Kansas were all mention.
"This past year in the middle of COVID we raised over $155 million. That year was probably off a little bit because nobody could travel. So, things have really changed for the better, said Myers.
The KSU President noted that COVID had a decided effect on our financial situation but steps were taken to ensure the university came out it in a much better place. They tried to be as sensitive to people concerns as possible. "We weren't successful in all case, and some people were hurt. I think we've recovered from that. This is the first year in many that I've been here that we haven't had to issue a budget cut to the rest of campus. "
Myers addressed the progress made the past years on the K-State 2025 Visionary Plan and the goal of becoming a top 50 public research university. Myers also noted that the search for a new KSU president will hopefully conclude by the end of the year.