5 Major Ways The Fort Hays State University Foundation Is Transforming FHSU In 2025
The Fort Hays State University Foundation is currently operating at a critical juncture, spearheading multi-million dollar initiatives that are fundamentally reshaping the future of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). As of late 2025, the Foundation is celebrating major philanthropic milestones and welcoming new leadership, solidifying its role as the primary engine for financial support, capital projects, and student success at the university.
This independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1945, continues its core mission: to support and advance FHSU by actively seeking monetary gifts and bequests. The latest news, including a significant seven-figure gift and a refreshed Board of Trustees, demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing the academic environment and ensuring the long-term vitality of the university in Hays, Kansas.
Foundation Leadership and Key Entities Driving FHSU's Future
The success of the Fort Hays State University Foundation is directly tied to the vision and dedication of its leadership and the generosity of its donors. The Foundation's structure ensures prudent financial management and strategic alignment with the university's goals, particularly through the oversight of the Board of Trustees.
FHSU Foundation Profile & Key Leadership (2025–2026)
- Organization Type: Independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Establishment: 1945.
- Mission: To support and advance Fort Hays State University by actively seeking monetary gifts and bequests.
- Headquarters: One Tiger Place, Hays, Kansas 67601.
- Board Chair (2025–2026): Mr. John Francis.
- Notable New Trustees (2025): Ms. Ashley Adorante, Mr. Shane DeWald, and Ms. Chelsey Ladd.
- Other Trustees: Mr. Clint Albers, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Mr. Rod Lake, and Ms. Heidi Weis, among others, contribute to the strategic direction of the Foundation.
This leadership team is tasked with overseeing the Foundation’s endowment and managing fundraising initiatives like the annual Campus Campaign, which encourages current and retired faculty and staff to make a gift back to FHSU.
1. The Transformative Seven-Figure Gift to Forsyth Library
One of the most significant and recent developments for the Foundation is the announcement of a massive seven-figure gift from the Tebo family—Stephen and Tatiana Tebo—in September 2025. This transformative donation is earmarked to support the campus library, which is a central hub for student learning and academic research.
This major gift, revealed during the university's Homecoming weekend, underscores the powerful impact private philanthropy has on public institutions. The funds are expected to modernize resources, enhance technology, and expand the capabilities of the Forsyth Library, ensuring FHSU students have access to world-class academic support for years to come. Such large-scale contributions are vital for maintaining the university’s competitive edge and improving the overall student experience.
2. The Conclusion of the Historic 'Journey Campaign'
While the focus shifts to new initiatives, the Fort Hays State University Foundation recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its largest fundraising effort ever: the "Journey campaign." This monumental campaign has set a new benchmark for what the university can achieve through collective giving.
The Journey campaign’s success has had a wide-ranging impact, funding everything from new academic programs and faculty support to capital improvements and, most importantly, student scholarships. The momentum generated by this campaign is a testament to the strong philanthropic culture the Foundation is building—a vision to "build a culture of philanthropy starting from the day freshmen move into the residence halls."
3. Expanding Scholarship Opportunities for Student Financial Need
A core pillar of the FHSU Foundation's work is its commitment to making higher education accessible. In a major move to support students facing financial hardship, the Foundation announced an opportunity to award an extra $5 million in scholarships to students in exceptional financial need.
This initiative, often supported by partnerships with organizations like ECMC (Educational Credit Management Corporation) and individual donors, is a direct response to the rising cost of education. Key programs under this umbrella include "Scholarships Change Lives" and the "Pay It Forward" initiative, which directly address tuition and book costs. For the 2023–2024 academic year, qualifying students could receive up to $4,000 to assist with tuition and books, demonstrating the tangible, immediate relief the Foundation provides.
The focus on scholarship support is crucial, especially as Fort Hays State University continues to see positive enrollment trends. The Fall 2024 semester saw a total enrollment of 12,878 students, including a significant 9 percent increase in first-time students, indicating that the university’s mission and the Foundation’s support are resonating with a growing student body.
4. Strategic Financial Health and Transparency
As a responsible steward of donor contributions, the Fort Hays State University Foundation places a high priority on financial transparency and health. The Foundation provides direct support to the university, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and in alignment with FHSU’s strategic plan.
Key financial documents, such as the Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024 and the 2024-2025 Financial Reports, are made available, offering stakeholders a clear view of the Foundation's activities, including its endowment performance and distribution of funds. This commitment to accountability is fundamental to maintaining trust with alumni, community members, and major philanthropic partners like the Tebo family.
5. Cultivating a Culture of Giving Through Annual Campaigns
Beyond major gifts and capital campaigns, the Foundation sustains its day-to-day operations and smaller, yet equally vital, projects through its annual fundraising efforts. The "Campus Campaign" is a crucial internal initiative designed to rally the FHSU community.
This annual drive encourages current and retired faculty and staff to contribute, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ownership in the university’s success. These contributions, while often smaller individually than a seven-figure gift, provide essential, flexible funding that can be deployed quickly to meet emerging needs, support student organizations, and enhance departmental resources. The Foundation’s consistent messaging—"Support The Fort," "Change a Student's Life," and "Create a Positive Impact at FHSU"—serves as a powerful call to action for all members of the Tiger community.
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