With his tenure as president coming to a close, Ken Hush will donate a gift to Emporia State equivalent to all compensation he has earned in his four years as president of the university. The donation, which will encompass earnings made since 2021, will be paid out over the next three years as a non-endowed gift, according to a university press release.

“This gift is in appreciation for the meaningful impact ESU has had on our community and on me, both as a student and in my role as president,” Hush, whose last day as ESU’s top executive will beDec. 17, said in the release. “It has been a great honor to serve my home state of Kansas, in my hometown of Emporia for the institution that has changed so many lives for the better.”

The one-time gift, which will be one of the largest in university history according to the release, is intended to help ESU continue its improvements to the university and the student experience. While the total gift amount has not been disclosed publicly, the total of Hush’s salaries from the past four years indicates it could be over $1 million.

The gift will be put toward student scholarships, student recruitment efforts and university operations.

“Ken’s generosity reinforces the message he has championed since day one — at Emporia State, it’s always about students,” Jason Drummond, President and CEO of the Emporia State Foundation, told The Bulletin. “This gift will expand access and affordability, open the door for more students to come to ESU and strengthen the opportunities they have while they’re here, so they graduate on time, prepared, confident and ready for successful careers.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.