New Pittsburg State president touts enrollment gains, campus projects
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Summary
Dr. Thomas Newsom, Pittsburg State University's new president, told the commission the university's freshman enrollment rose nearly 12% this fall and previewed upcoming projects including a hospitality/college-of-business complex and athletic events that could bring visitors to downtown Pittsburg.
Dr. Thomas Newsom, president of Pittsburg State University, introduced himself to the Pittsburg Commission on Oct. 28, saying the university reported a nearly 12% increase in freshman enrollment this semester and more on‑campus students than since 2017.
Newsom described athletics as a local economic driver: the university's soccer program is in its second year and the men’s and women’s teams could host conference playoff games if they win upcoming matches. He highlighted two campus projects — a new hotel and the Kelsey College of Business — scheduled to open in August and said the completed track should be ready for MIAA championships in spring, bringing more visitors to the city.
"Pittsburg, Kansas is stronger when Pittsburg State University is stronger and Pittsburg State University is stronger when Pittsburg, Kansas is stronger," Newsom said, stressing partnership opportunities between the university and the city. Commissioners noted they toured the college-of-business site and the hotel earlier that day.
