When Edward Hammond became Fort Hays State University President 27-years-ago one of his first orders of business was to institute the Student Recognition Program. Sunday night he attended what could be his final one, and it was in Salina. President Hammond is retiring effective June 30th, the end of the current fiscal year.

According to the school, the Student Recognition Program recognizes and celebrates excellence in student achievement, and interest in attending Fort Hays State University. The Alumni Office, in conjunction with the Office of Admissions, facilitates the program. Prospective students and their families residing in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska are invited to attend one of the events in their area to learn more about the University, meet with FHSU faculty and administrators, and receive scholarships if qualified. 

The final Fort Hays State University Recognition Program scheduled for the upcoming academic year was held in Salina Sunday evening. 

President Hammond said that it was his 351st such student recognition night. He said he has never been more confident that Fort Hays State University is the best school for each student at the event to attend. 

Hammond said that Fort Hays State is by far the most economical Regents school in Kansas. He said “there is a myth out there that if something is more expensive, it is better, and that’s simply not true”. He talked about the school’s dedicated faculty, the student to teacher classroom ratio, and noted that over 90 percent of the classes at FHSU are taught by full time professors, not graduate assistants or part-time instructors. 

Hammond talked about the success of Fort Hays State students. He pointed out an over 95 percent employment rate for graduates finding jobs in their fields of study.

Hammond also talked about the tremendous growth at Fort Haysas Statd University. It is the fastest growing state school in Kansas, and second fastest in the country, trailing only the University of Florida-Gulf Coast. Hammond has made providing aid for students a top priority during his 27 years at the university. Fort Hays’ student enrollment has increased from 5,538 in 1987 to 13,441 this year.

Along with President Hammond, over a dozen Fort Hays State University full-time faculty and staff attended the Student Recognition Program Sunday evening in Salina. Students from eight area communities were recognized and scholarships were awarded.