About Pittsburg State University


When you become a part of Pittsburg State University, you become a part of a unique, close-knit group of students and faculty. Our respected academic programs and caring faculty mean that you receive the attention and tools you need to succeed academically.

Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, Kansas founded in 1903 as the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School. Our goal has always been to provide a transformational experience for students and the community. Today, we offer more than 100 academic programs—some of them nationally recognized—within the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Technology. Pitt State offers personalized attention and a flat-rate tuition for students, regardless of residency.

Pitt State is also the only university in the United States to have a gorilla as a mascot.

Mission


The mission of Pittsburg State University is to provide transformational experiences for its students and the community.

Vision

Pittsburg State University will be the first choice for:

  • Students seeking a quality education through nationally recognized programs
  • The most talented faculty and staff seeking dynamic careers
  • Partnerships with communities, businesses, organizations and individuals in the region
  • External investment by donors, grant makers and government
Pittstate students

About the Kelce College of Business


The Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State is among the nation’s leading business schools for quality, high standards, and value. With a mission of offering a well–rounded, world–class education that engages students and prepares them for a future in the business world, the Gladys A. Kelce College of Business stands out as one of the premier business colleges in the country.

The Kelce College of Business is:

  • Accredited by the AACSB
  • Annually ranked among the Best Business Schools in the country by the Princeton Review
  • Ranked among the top 5 “Most Family Friendly” business schools in the country

AACSB Accreditation


“There is a culture to being an AACSB-accredited school, and we [Pitt State] definitely demonstrate that.”

– Paul Grimes, Ph.D.

Gus the Gorilla


Gus the gorilla is a symbol of the enthusiastic spirit that’s a huge part of Pitt State.

Pittstate's Gus the Gorilla

The students who formed the new pep club at the State Manual Training Normal School in 1920 couldn’t have known that embracing the characterization of the school’s supporters as “gorillas” would become the foundation for the one of the most unusual, recognizable and beloved college mascots in the U.S.

The story of how PSU came to be known as the Gorillas and the birth of Gus goes back to 1920 and the 24 young men who formed the new pep club.

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