Aug. 17, Pittsburg State officially welcomed back all students for the 2026-2027 school year. Though this marks the start of classes for students, it also brings a different environment for some.
Ava Teichgraeber, a sophomore majoring in nursing, says she chose to come to Pitt State because of the distance from home.
“It’s close to home, but far away enough from home. It’s a good happy medium,” she said.
She also likes the school for its atmosphere, specifically the school’s pride.
“I’m excited, now that I kind of know what’s happening, to just meet more people,” she said.
Anna Kate Noonan, also a sophomore nursing major shares a similar idea.
“It’s not too far from home, but it’s also not too big of a school, so it’s easy to connect with people,” Noonan said. She added that she enjoys campus and it’s a very welcoming environment.
The school is also appreciated by students who grew up in the Pittsburg area as well. Trinity Taylor, a business major, appreciates the school.
“I chose Pitt State because both my parents did, and they both really encouraged me to go here,” she said. “My favorite thing is the community Pitt State has built, you can tell everyone here really cares about each other and I love that.”
The first day of school also allows clubs and organizations to showcase themselves to students, both new and returning. Booths were set up in the oval, including food, drinks, and activities for students to participate in, as well as meet and talk to new people. First day of school pictures were also offered in the Student Overman Center for students to document the start of the school year.
The day was concluded with the annual foam and powder paint party, a back-to-school event hosted by Gorilla Activities Board in the evening to bring students together and build excitement for the new school year.
