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Floor Speech

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Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, this evening, I want to take just a few moments to recognize Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott. His long tenure at PSU--over three decades in total--has shepherded the university through various challenges and a period of growth.

Since taking the helm as president in 2009, he has led through a recession, enrollment and recruitment challenges in a global pandemic.

Early on during the pandemic, as our world was shutting down, I hosted a Crawford County virtual check-in with area leaders. President Scott was on that Zoom call. It was one of the many Zoom calls we have made over the last several years. During that conversation, President Scott said that there were three things to do when leading during difficult times: One, tell the truth; two, give people hope; and three, tell people how they can help. That advice has stuck with me and has helped guide my work and my conversations with Kansans ever since, and it is good advice that we can follow yet today.

But President Scott's legacy is not only marked by challenges. Pittsburg State has seen tremendous growth and opportunity over the past decades: the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, Block22, the expansion of the Overman Student Center, the Plaster Center, and many other positive developments.

These encouraging things highlight his emphasis on being a good community partner and his success in further integrating the university with the city of Pittsburg, Crawford County, and the region.

If you have ever been to Pittsburg on game day to cheer on the Gorilla's football team, it is clear how well the university pulls the community together.

I have always enjoyed walking through Gorilla Village with President Scott to visit with students and community members--with ``Welcome to the Jungle,'' of course, playing in the background.

It is during these events that it is clear how well he relates to students, how much he cares for them and enjoys hearing their goals and their dreams or, for graduates, what they have accomplished since leaving campus.

I am of the view that we change the world one soul, one student, one person at a time. Education is one of the most impactful ways we can do that, and I appreciate President Scott's dedication to serving students for the past 30 years.

I also appreciate how closely he has worked with me and my staff to advocate for Kansas higher education and identify ways the Federal Government can invest in the campus to move both Kansans and Kansas forward.

President Steve Scott will be celebrated this Friday in Pittsburg and step down from his position as president in June, but before he does so, I want him to know how grateful I am and Kansans are for his service.

He is a public servant through and through, and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Whatever it may be, I wish him and Cathy the very best.

President Scott, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for making a difference in so many lives. We are grateful for what you have done at Pittsburg State University. Best to you and your family.

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