In March 1909, the "Lewis Academy", a Presbyterian school in Wichita, consolidated with the College of Emporia.

Twelve years later, a Carnegie grant provided the funds for the college to build the Anderson Memorial Library, in memory of John B. Anderson, whom Carnegie had known when younger and who later served on the board of trustees of the College of Emporia.

The College of Emporia (CoE) athletic teams were called the Fighting Presbies.

In 1955, alumnus Lem Harkey was drafted in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[8] The college's most famous player and honored coach was Homer Woodson Hargiss.