General | 7/29/2026 2:30:00 PM

July 29, 2026-Emporia State Athletics presents "The Black & Gold Standard" as the roadmap for the future. A plan designed to guide the organization's priorities, decisions, and impact over the next four academic years.
 
The strategic planning process was based on both internal and external research. After evaluating current operations, a vision was set for the future:
Lead the MIAA as the Premier Athletic Program, while enriching our communities through our core values.
 
"Our core values will serve as our foundation," said Steve Rodecap, Director of Athletics. "They hold us accountable, push us towards excellence, and ensure we consistently meet the expectations of those who invest in Hornet Athletics.".
 
The Department's core values are:

• Be Elite
• Be Innovative
• Be Adaptive
• Be Committed
• Be the Difference

with student-athletes at the center of everything we do.
 
"Hornet Nation; our student-athletes, athletics staff, dedicated fans, generous donors, our incredible campus community, and Greater Emporia Area deserves a plan that boldly positions ESU Athletics for the future," said Rodecap. "I want to sincerely thank everyone who played a role in this process. The collaboration & feedback we received reflect the strength of this Athletics Department & Institution."
 
Lastly, Emporia State Athletics identified six strategic priorities that will be the focus for the coming years. Each of these priorities is followed by a standard and targeted objectives to ensure a unified direction and a shared understanding of success throughout the department.

More detail on these priorities can be found in the attached full strategic plan.