Pittsburg State University will expand its footprint in the Kansas City metropolitan area with the opening of the Kansas City Engagement Center, designed to strengthen connections with prospective students, alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders.
The 2,400-square-foot center is scheduled to open in February and will be located on the first floor of the U.S. Bank building at the northwest corner of the 119th Street and U.S. Highway 69 intersection. An official ribbon cutting and reception is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2.
The location will serve as a hub for university outreach and engagement efforts throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area — an area that is home to 76 high schools and represents Pitt State's largest concentration of alumni anywhere.
University leaders say the new center builds upon years of strong connections throughout the KC Metro.
"With more than 13,000 alumni and approximately 900 current students from the metro area, this investment reflects our commitment to strengthening relationships, creating opportunities for students, and enhancing our engagement with employers and partners across the region," said President Thomas W. Newsom.
Designed as a branded Pitt State space, the engagement center will support efforts from multiple university departments, including (but not limited to) Academic Affairs, Alumni Relations, Admissions, Career Development, Advancement, and Legislative Affairs.
Flexible space will be used for a variety of university functions. University recruiters will be able to meet prospective students and families closer to home while University staff can reserve meeting space for business meetings in the metro. University groups will have the opportunity to host board meetings and similar events. The facility also will be available for use by key corporate partners and alumni groups.
University leaders say the center also will help deepen relationships with employers in the region who actively recruit Pitt State graduates.
"This creates a place where we can engage our corporate partners in new and meaningful ways," said Newsom. “It’s critical that we continue to aggressively pursue every internship, employment, and support opportunity for our students, and many of those opportunities are in Kansas City. This space is a convenient way for them to connect with our students, faculty, and staff as they plan a visit to our campus.”
All costs for space preparation as well as all annual operational costs will be funded entirely through private support and corporate partnerships.