Fort Hays State University announced it would rescind its plan to close the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, reversing a decision made in September following a $2.4 million state funding reduction. The university had originally scheduled the museum’s closure for December 18, but community response prompted reconsideration of the plan.
University President Tisa Mason indicated that the decision reversal reflects a shift toward developing a sustainable long-term business model for the institution. The museum houses over three million specimens related to paleontology, zoology, and geology and supports academic research and programs at the university. Mason stated that community groups, individuals, and small businesses came forward to support the museum’s continuation.
The fundraising campaign proved successful, with the Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation pledging to match donations up to $1 million. By the Monday announcement, the university had raised more than $638,000 through the campaign, which when combined with the matching pledge exceeded the original $1 million target. By Tuesday afternoon, donations had grown to approximately $733,671, potentially providing nearly $1.5 million with the match. Mason indicated additional fundraising could unlock a full $2 million in support.
Mason presented the situation to the Kansas Legislative Budget Committee, explaining that the initial closure decision represented a last resort amid significant budget constraints. She noted that Fort Hays State has the lowest per-student funding among Kansas’s six public universities and has reduced its budget by $7.4 million over five years, including 55 staff position eliminations. The current budget cycle alone involved cutting 12 additional positions and suspending golf programs.
The Sternberg Museum situation parallels challenges at other university-operated museums, including the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University, which closed to the public amid a reported $20 million budget gap. The widespread public support demonstrated for the Sternberg Museum highlighted community appreciation for natural history institutions and raised broader questions about university budget priorities.
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