The following statement is from Wichita State President Rick Muma, thanking Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for their support of higher education:

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On behalf of all of Shocker Nation, I would like to thank Gov. Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for their support of the vision and mission of Wichita State University. 

With our strategic plan as a guidepost, we’ve been tirelessly working to ensure Kansas families have access to affordable higher education, fueling the talent pipeline for Kansas businesses, and promoting the economic prosperity of our state. The recent investment by the State will help WSU accelerate efforts that drive these goals. 

Making education affordable and accessible for our students is our highest priority, and it goes to the core of all we do. With the addition of $19 million in state funding for need-based aid, Gov. Kelly and the Legislature have made it clear that they also see the importance of helping to ease the financial burden so Kansans can receive the value and benefits of a Wichita State education that will allow for a greater flow of talent to our industries and help grow the Kansas economy.

The Legislature also supported our efforts to boost the Kansas economy with $35 million for our Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul program, which is teeming with opportunities for Kansans — including applied learning for our students and full-time employment for Wichita professionals. Additionally, the MRO promotes sustainability and extends the life of aging aircraft. 

An additional $10 million in aid will support Wichita State’s efforts in digital transformation, including the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation, which is focused on working with our region's key industries and niche sectors to implement growth strategies that are targeted, collaborative and data driven.

Wichita State’s partnership with University of Kansas School of Medicine to establish the WSU/KU Health Sciences Educational Center also received a $25 million investment from the Legislature. The HSEC, which is expected to be completed in 2026, will be a 400,000-square-foot facility to house shared spaces for advanced laboratories, clinical research and technology. The high-tech facility will draw students, educators and researchers from around the country — attracting talent and resources to the area and boosting the economic success of Kansas.

The State is also strategically investing in technical and community college workforce development programs including WSU Tech, which is receiving $6 million annually to help meet the labor demands in our state. An additional $1.8 million will fund WSU Tech’s programs for SMART Manufacturing, Industry Training 4.0, and associated degree nursing programs.

I couldn’t be more pleased with the decision of our state leaders to join Wichita State in our commitment to building a better and brighter Kansas, and I want to extend my sincerest appreciation for your trust in our potential. 

Go Shockers! 

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Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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