Gorilla Connection

Community

Pitt State is located in Pittsburg, Kansas — a thriving, innovative community of makers, dreamers, and people known for working together to get things done. Gorilla statues are in lawns and in front of businesses. The splitface logo is on banners, windows, and license plates. Big-city amenities blend with the charm and pace of a small town. Once you visit, you'll want to return. And, like many, you might want to stay.

Latest Stories

A banana trophy next to a poster for the event

Faculty and Staff People of Pitt State Community Campus

October 21, 2026

Pitt State students, employees to face off in Gorilla Nation Showdown inspired by Family Feud

For the first time, Pittsburg State University students and employees will go head-to-head in a live game show designed to test their Gorilla pride, knowledge, and teamwork.

Cast members stand in front of a colorful set on stage

Community Arts Alumni

October 9, 2026

Alumni, students, faculty, and community members bring hit musical “In the Heights” to life for first time in Pittsburg

For the first time in this region, audiences will have the chance to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “In the Heights” on stage in Pittsburg, thanks to a...

the Pitt State Pride of the Plains Marching Band marches down Broadway in the 2025 Homecoming Parade

Community Alumni Campus

October 7, 2026

Homecoming 2026 offers full week of fun

Homecoming 2026 offers activities for students, alumni, employees, and the community. This year's theme: “Gorillas Go West.”

Campus Arts Community

September 30, 2026

Pitt State Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical play “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Before an island named Neverland, a ticking crocodile, or a pirate captain with a hook, there were two trunks, two ships, and some magical dust known as starstuff that would be...

large atrium in new building with staircase and people gathered

Academics Campus Research Community Alumni

September 24, 2026

Pitt State students to tackle complex challenges at Wicked Problems Forum 2026

A unique new interactive student trade show is designed to connect community members, business leaders, and students for a public dialogue about messy, real-world issues. The...

A bald man from the shoulders up wearing black sunglasses and a curly mustache and goatee

Arts Community

September 23, 2026

Fiction writer Ito Romo to read at Pittsburg State University

Fiction writer Ito Romo will read from his work at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts at Pittsburg State University.

On a gray table sits a variety of bbq foods and sides, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage

Community

September 16, 2026

Pitt State launches first-of-its-kind partnership with Jack Stack Barbecue

Pittsburg State University has partnered with Jack Stack Barbecue to give Gorilla Nation a new way to enjoy one of Kansas City’s best-known traditions while supporting the...

two business owners meet with advisor Amy Sawyer at her desk in a campus office.

Community Gorilla Rising Alumni

September 14, 2026

From new location in Besse Hotel, Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs bring concepts to life

When Pittsburg State University alumni decided to take on an ambitious restaurant project, they had a clear vision. What they needed was help developing a roadmap to turn that...

Students gather sticks into trash bags in someones yard

Campus Community

September 2, 2026

Gorilla Action connects students with volunteer opportunities

A new initiative at Pittsburg State University is designed to strengthen connections between students seeking volunteer opportunities and community organizations in need of...

Students work as professors talk and work with them

Community Academics Campus

August 26, 2026

New camp designed for future educators was a hit; planning already underway for next year

A new summer camp designed to introduce high school students to careers in education proved so successful this summer that organizers already are planning for an expanded...

Members of the family pose on the field with Pitt State staff members holding awards on the football field

Alumni Athletics Community Campus

August 24, 2026

Pitt State plans activities for Family Day

Pittsburg State University will welcome families, supporters, and friends to campus for Family Day 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a variety of activities designed to celebrate...

A wide angle shot of a short bus, wrapped in red and yellow with the split face

Community Faculty and Staff Campus

August 21, 2026

Pitt State launches new Gus Bus routes in partnership with SEK-CAP

A partnership between Pittsburg State University and the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) is providing a convenient transportation option between campus and...

A mom takes a cell phone shot of gus the gorilla posed up with a father holding a baby, and a son on the other side

Community Campus Athletics

August 21, 2026

Pittsburg, Pitt State gear up for annual Paint the Town Red Week

For the 21st year, Pittsburg will once again be awash in crimson and gold as the community prepares for Paint the Town Red Week, kicking off Monday, Aug. 24 and running through...

A wide shot of paintings hanging in a gallery

Campus Arts Community

August 21, 2026

University Art Department hosts fall exhibits

The first two art exhibits this season at Pittsburg State University are by professional artists Amanda Lilleston and Lauren Reese.

students and faculty standing on stairs inside new Kelce College of Business

Campus Academics Community

August 11, 2026

Pitt State and community celebrate opening of new Kelce College of Business, reimagined Besse Hotel

Two ribbon cuttings on Tuesday celebrated a transformational milestone for campus and community with the dedication of the new home of the Kelce College of Business and the...

Man and woman at bistro table on stage; she is wearing bunny ears

Arts Community

August 10, 2026

Broadway’s “Legally Blonde” headlines Bicknell Center season

From swashbuckling adventures and thought-provoking drama to rapid-fire comedy, timeless operetta, and Broadway girl power, this season at the Bicknell Family Center for the...

Community Arts

July 29, 2026

Award-winning artists to be featured in Solo and Chamber Music Series

Audiences at this year’s Solo and Chamber Music Series at Pittsburg State University can expect six memorable performances by award-winning artists. Ticket sales...

Two workers in a bucket truck install a large red sign in front of a building

Athletics Community

July 27, 2026

Legacy 1903: a new ticket, retail, and engagement space to open in former bank building

Building on the momentum of a newly announced partnership with Nike, Pitt State Athletics will open the doors soon to Legacy 1903, named for the year of the university’s...

the lobby of a large building showing a staircase, soaring ceilings, and glass fronted offices as well as a seating area

Academics Community Gorilla Rising Campus

July 16, 2026

Ribbon cutting, tours planned to celebrate completion of Kelce College of Business building and Besse Hotel renovation

Pittsburg State University and the community will celebrate the completion of two transformative projects with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and self-guided...

a woman and man smiling in front of a very colorful background, the man has a guitar

Arts Community

July 8, 2026

3rd Annual Hispanic Music Festival to bring new events and performers

What started as a dream continues to grow thanks to artists, collaborators, sponsors, and a community that believes in the power of music.

Community

July 7, 2026

Pitt State invites community participation in upcoming events

Pittsburg State University is gearing up for five events this fall that will bring together the campus and the community. Don’t miss out — registration...

college student standing in science lab holding a tortoise, smiling

Community People of Pitt State Academics

June 17, 2026

From camper to career: Nature Reach inspires Pitt State senior’s path

For Pittsburg State University senior Meg Norman, a childhood summer camp sparked more than just a love of nature — it shaped her future.

Arts Community

May 21, 2026

Music Department to host summer music series

Pittsburg State University’s Music Department will once again host the “Sounds of Summer Concert Series,” free performances featuring faculty, students, and...

Women works with students at Pittsburg schools

Academics Community

May 13, 2026

Pitt State School Psychology enters exciting new chapter

Pitt State's School Psychology program is entering an exciting new chapter marked by national accreditation efforts, innovative pathways for educators, and a renewed focus...

Students on the left and right of the unpainted little library pose with their creation, holding books as well.

Academics Campus People of Pitt State Community

May 13, 2026

Students expand literacy access with Spanish Little Free Library

What began as a class project has grown into a bilingual literacy initiative designed to bring Spanish and Spanish English children’s books to the community.