University launches “Access Pitt State” initiative

Pittsburg State University has announced the launch of a new version of its strategic plan: Called Access PITT State, it’s a bold yet streamlined initiative designed to connect people, ideas, and traditions, strengthening both the university and the region it serves. 

“The landscape of public funding for higher education has been changing for over a decade, and continues to tighten up around relevance and accountability,” said President Thomas Newsom. “We must meet the moment and position ourselves to the best possible advantage.” 

That means: 

• • leaner operations that are laser focused on the most impactful support systems and coursework 

• • focus on programs with high student and industry demand 

• • activities that help the university recruit, retain, and prepare students for a constantly evolving workforce 
•  

“By reducing barriers, easing complexity, and aligning resources more strategically, we will improve the university’s ability to make life better through education — today and for generations to come,” Newsom said. 

The plan calls for reducing silos that often form on a campus among faculty, staff, offices, and departments. 

“We simply will not meet our goal and sustain our university if we don’t, share our expertise across the organization, examine what works best, replicate impactful practices across the institution, eliminate outdated and low-return on investment activities, standardize what we can to reduce barriers, and retain good employees who are in the right position to achieve the most,” Newsom said. 

“4-5-6-7" 

The plan — which sets a goal of enrolling an additional 700 students in five years, gaining $6 million for the university’s operating budget — is built around four defining pillars: 

• • People – Unlocking potential in all 

• • Innovation – Driving regional prosperity 

• • Talent – Solving real-world problems 

• • Tradition – Living a legacy of excellence 
•  

“We talk about this plan in terms of 5-6-7,” Newsom said. “Five years, $6 million, and 700 students. When you combine that with our four pillars — 4-5-6-7 — it becomes something people can easily remember and articulate. If you can’t explain a plan, it’s much harder to make it work.” 

Momentum underway 

The launch of Access PITT State builds on momentum in the past few years: 

• • Freshman retention is holding steady at 77 percent, up from 2022 

• • New transfer students increased 11 percent over fall 2024 

• • New graduate students increased 8 percent over fall 2024 

• • First-time undergraduates increased 11.5 percent over fall 2024 

• • The university is celebrating its fifth straight year of freshman growth 
•  

Strategic investments 

The university has made significant investments in the last few years that will support Access PITT State, including: 

• • Great Gorilla Scholarship Program, offering up to $16,000 for qualifying students over four years 

• • H.W. Smith Student Success Center, providing one-on-one student support from day one through graduation and career placement 

• • Expanded admissions resources, including additional representatives and improved systems 
•  

“These investments ensure our students are supported at every step — from their first inquiry to their first job,” Newsom said. “We’re now ready to take momentum to the next level. Access PITT State represents a focused, forward-looking approach to strengthening the university and ensuring its continued impact on students, the region, and beyond.”