Welcome to another edition of Inside the Mind of an Academic. In this special feature, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Ed Bashaw, esteemed academic leader and Dean, along with his devoted wife, Sarah. Together, they shared insights into Dr. Bashaw’s impactful career, the transition into retirement, and the unwavering support Sarah provided throughout his journey. Their story is one of partnership, purpose, and profound dedication, both in academia and in life.
He started off by introducing himself, saying, “I am the Dean of the School of Business at Emporia State University. I’ve served in this role for nine years and retired in the spring of 2025.”
His wife, Sarah, shared a glimpse into their personal life, saying, “We’ve been married for 41 years. Before that, we dated in college for 18 months. We’re blessed with two grown children and two wonderful grandchildren.”
Watch the video to hear directly from Dr. Bashaw and Sarah as they reflect on his career, their journey together, and what lies ahead in retirement.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bashaw remained deeply committed to academic excellence and continuous improvement. One of his proudest achievements was leading the School of Business in maintaining its prestigious AACSB accreditation, an accomplishment he humbly credits to collective effort.
“AACSB accreditation isn’t something one person achieves,” he noted. “It’s a team effort. From meeting rigorous publication requirements to establishing solid assessment processes and maintaining accreditation standards, everyone played a role.”
He emphasized that such milestones aren’t just institutional wins, they directly benefit students.
“Being part of an AACSB-accredited school gives our students a competitive edge in the job market. Employers recognize the value of that standard, and it opens doors for them after graduation.”
Watch the video below to hear directly from him!
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Bashaw shared that he has served as a dean for 19 years across three different institutions. His passion for student success has been the constant thread throughout his career, especially when it comes to supporting first-generation college students.
“We have a lot of first-generation students,” he explained. “And I have so much respect for them. They’re betting on their education, not just to improve their lives, but the lives of their families too.”
As part of his personal commitment, Dr. Bashaw teaches a leadership class not because he has to, but because he wants to. He sees it as an opportunity to connect directly with students and to mentor them in a meaningful way.
One moment from that class has stayed with him.
“I called one of my students in and said, ‘I have a shirt for you.’ He smiled and said, ‘Oh great, that makes five—I don’t have to wash as often.’ I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t.”
That moment, simple yet powerful, deepened his appreciation for the students he serves.
“It reminded me that behind every student is a story, sacrifice, determination, and hope.”
Watch the video to hear directly from him.
Sarah Bashaw expressed heartfelt pride in the role she has played throughout her husband’s academic career.
“I’m proud to have been part of Ed’s journey,” she said. “I have a business degree in accounting and spent many years working in public accounting. Since moving to Emporia, I’ve worked as an office manager, and it’s been truly rewarding to use my business skills to build meaningful relationships. I’m thankful to have been able to support his career in this way.”
She spoke with admiration about the kind of institutions her husband chose to serve.
“I’m especially proud of the schools he’s worked with places that uplift first-generation students and truly change lives. He’s helped alter the trajectory of so many students, and that’s something really special.”
Sarah added that she’s often touched by the way former students speak so warmly about her husband.
“It always means so much when I run into one of his former students and they speak so fondly of him.”
Dr. Bashaw, with a smile, added his own observation:
“People are usually happy to see me, but they’re even happier to see Sarah! That’s been a real bonus, and definitely helpful.”
The couple shared a laugh, an easy, genuine moment that reflected the strength of their partnership and the joy they’ve found in the lives they’ve built together.
Watch the video below to hear directly from them.
Sarah also shared that, despite the demands of two professional careers, they never faced major struggles juggling work and family life.
“We’ve never really had a major challenge balancing our careers,” she said. “Ed was always very supportive of what I wanted to do with my accounting degree. I chose to work part-time, and I was content and pleased with that decision.”
She appreciated the flexibility and the partnership they cultivated over the years.
“Whenever my job required me to work full days, Ed was always there to step in and cover. We’ve always worked as a team, that’s made all the difference.”
Their story reflects not only professional achievement but also a deeply rooted commitment to mutual respect, balance, and shared priorities.
Watch the video below to hear directly from them.
Sarah also reflected on the many moves they’ve made throughout their journey—a common reality for families in academia.
“We’ve moved several times over the years,” she said. “In the beginning, it was very tough. Moving to a new place, not knowing anyone, it’s never easy.”
But with each transition came growth and resilience.
“As the moves came later in life, it became easier. I developed the confidence that we’d always find the right community and neighborhood to be a part of. That gave me peace of mind, nothing to worry about.”
Her optimism and adaptability became essential threads in the fabric of their shared life, allowing them to embrace change while staying grounded in each other.
Watch the video below to hear directly from them.
When asked what it was like to break the news of another move to his wife, Dr. Bashaw didn’t shy away from the emotional weight such transitions carried.
“It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “Sarah had lived in the same house since she was born. Her parents had only recently passed, so asking her to uproot again was a tough conversation.”
He acknowledged how significant the change was for her, especially given her deep ties to her hometown. But over time, something meaningful emerged from each relocation.
“What I’ve come to realize is that every move has brought new friendships and deeper connections with people in the community,” he said. “And on the spiritual side of our lives, we’ve always believed that things would work out—that there was a purpose behind each new chapter.”
Their faith and shared resilience became a guiding force, turning unfamiliar places into lasting homes, and helping them build a life full of community, connection, and purpose—wherever they landed.
Watch the video below to hear directly from them.
When asked what he would miss most in retirement, Dr. Bashaw didn’t hesitate.
“The relationships,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll miss the students coming in, getting to know them, hearing their stories, seeing their growth and also the faculty members”.
He acknowledged that while there are always new students entering the doors of the business school, not all of them make it to the finish line.
“Some students don’t get to finish, and that’s always sad,” he said, his voice tinged with compassion. “But for those who do, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them walk across that stage.”
Dr. Bashaw’s legacy is not just in the programs or policies he led, it’s in the lives he touched, the trust he built, and the people he uplifted along the way.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Dr. Bashaw and Sarah as they reflect on their journey, full of love, leadership, and lasting impact.
When asked what she admires most about her husband, Sarah didn’t have to think long.
“Two things come to mind professionally,” she said with a smile. “First, his genuine care and concern for students, he truly wants them to have the best education and every opportunity to succeed. That’s always been a driving force for him, and I’m so proud of that.”
She paused, then added something more personal.
“Second, his boldness. I admire how he makes decisions with confidence and doesn’t look back. He moves forward with conviction, and that’s something I’ve always deeply respected about him.”
Her words painted a picture not just of a successful academic leader, but of a man grounded in purpose, courage, and compassion, someone whose impact reaches far beyond the office walls.
Watch the video below to hear directly from her.
Dr. Bashaw spoke with deep gratitude about the unwavering support he’s received from his wife throughout their journey especially during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“Sarah has always been incredibly supportive,” he said. “I remember when her mom passed away, she felt a strong responsibility as the firstborn to be there for her dad.”
Despite the distance and the demands of her own life, Sarah made a commitment—and honored it with quiet strength.
“She would drive to Wichita, board a plane to Texas, and spend time with her dad. She did that once every six weeks without fail. She stuck to it.”
It was a powerful example of her devotion to family and the kind of consistency and care that has marked every role she’s embraced, as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a professional, and a partner.
Watch the video below to hear directly from him.
As they both look to the future, Sarah expressed genuine excitement about this new season of life.
“I’m excited about his retirement because I’ll be retiring too,” she shared with a smile. “I’m looking forward to seeing him finally manage his own email and have more time to spend with our family, our children, and especially our grandchildren.”
Their journey has been marked by purpose, partnership, and deep mutual respect. Now, they are embracing a new chapter one filled with rest, reconnection, and the joy of simply being together.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Dr. Bashaw.
When asked if she had any advice to share, Sarah shared “I’m not sure I should be giving advice,” she said with a gentle laugh. “But for our family, we always made it a priority to put family first. Family time is important.”
She emphasized the value of slowing down in a fast-paced world. “Don’t eat all your meals in the car,” she added thoughtfully. “Take the time to slow down, sit together, and be present with the people you love.”
It’s a simple, powerful reminder, and one that she and Dr. Bashaw have clearly lived out. “We’re honored that our grandkids like us and want to be around us,” she said with a smile. “That means everything.”
Watch the video to hear directly from her.
For Dr. Bashaw, leadership and life have always been about more than professional success, it’s about self-awareness, purpose, and personal connection. “It’s important for people to know and understand their roles and goals,” he shared. “And not just narrowly, think about it broadly. Understand who you are in the bigger picture, not only in your career but in your life.”
That broad perspective has shaped the way he leads, teaches, and parents. “I know my kids love us, but it’s also important to me that they like us,” he said with a smile. “That kind of relationship matters.”
In the same way, he encourages others not to compartmentalize their lives. “Don’t focus only on the business side of things. Pay attention to the personal side, too. That’s what gives your work and your life meaning.”
It’s that blend of wisdom, warmth, and intentionality that defines Dr. Bashaw, not just as an academic leader, but as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Watch the video to hear directly from him.
Dr. Ed Bashaw’s retirement marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new, richly deserved chapter filled with rest, reflection, and time with loved ones. His legacy as an academic leader is defined not only by accreditation milestones and classroom achievements but by the lives he has touched with care, conviction, and compassion.
Alongside him, Sarah Bashaw has been a steadfast partner, navigating moves, raising a family, balancing a career, and offering unwavering support through it all. Together, they have modeled a life built on shared values, quiet strength, and purposeful living.
Their story is not just one of professional success but of human connection, faith, family, and the kind of leadership that endures long after the titles are retired. As they step into this next chapter, their impact will continue to echo in the halls of the institutions they’ve served, and in the hearts of the people they’ve inspired.
See you next time on another episode of Inside the Mind of an Academic, and get ready, because something exciting is coming your way: a YouTube channel!