Published • loading... • Updated
Kansas Legislature’s Budget Cuts Compel Fort Hays State University to Close Sternberg Museum
Fort Hays State said the closure will save $850,000 as the museum faces $1.3 million in annual spending and more than $20 million in repairs.
- On Monday, Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason announced the Sternberg Museum will close to the public on December 18, 2026, as part of the university's Strategic Budget Alignment process.
- Mason attributed the decision to a $2.4 million state funding reduction, noting the Sternberg spends about $1.3 million annually while generating about $470,000 in revenue.
- Supporters launched an online fundraising campaign Tuesday aiming to raise $855,000 by year's end to sustain museum operations, following community disappointment over the closure announcement.
- Mason noted Fort Hays State receives the lowest state funding per student at $6,713, compared to $19,379 at Emporia State University, while the building faces $20 million in deferred maintenance.
- Staff will remain on appointment through this year to review the museum's 3 million specimens, determining which items to retain for active research and teaching purposes.
Insights by Ground AI
12 Articles
12 Articles
Kansas Legislature’s budget cuts compel Fort Hays State University to close Sternberg Museum - Newton Kansan
Fort Hays State University administrators are preparing for the December closure to the public of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays because of… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
11%
C 78%
11%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
