The Kansas Hospital Association has awarded Wichita State University President Rick Muma the 2024 Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award. The award, which was based on a nomination by leadership at Ascension Via Christi, recognizes Muma's efforts in developing the Wichita Biomedical Campus, building partnerships and advancing Wichita’s health education infrastructure. 

KHA’s Visionary Award “recognizes hospital-related individuals who have made an outstanding, innovative contribution to health care delivery, health care financing or initiatives that improve the health and clinical outcomes of their community. The award recognizes a hospital-related individual who has been a change agent in the hospital industry,” according to its website.  

Muma has been a significant driver behind the vision and development of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, a collaboration with the University of Kansas and WSU Tech. Phase I of the biomedical campus broke ground in downtown Wichita in May, and the first building is expected to open in 2026.  

This bold initiative seeks to establish a health care corridor and learning ecosystem, fostering innovation and enhancing the region's medical infrastructure. Muma, who is a licensed physician assistant, has committed his life and career to educating future health professionals.  

“I trained, learned, and researched at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest medical complex in the world, and it was a transformative experience to be part of the advanced research, collaboration, and breakthroughs that happen in such a dynamic and innovative environment,” Muma said.  

Through its high-tech labs and classroom spaces, the Wichita Biomedical Campus is expected to revolutionize healthcare education, fostering innovative teaching methods and technologies that will significantly enhance clinical outcomes across Kansas and the surrounding region. 

“A health sciences center is not merely a structure of bricks and mortar. The Wichita Biomedical Campus has the potential to be the heartbeat of a vibrant and thriving community,” Muma said at the WBC groundbreaking celebration in May. “It promises to be a place where ideas are born, discoveries are made, and lives are changed for the better. With this facility, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.” 

Muma has played a pivotal role in building strong partnerships within Wichita’s health care community. His ongoing efforts — including partnerships with Ascension Via Christi, the Kansas Behavioral Health Center for Excellence and the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine — aim to significantly expand access for patients across Kansas and the region.  

“Rick’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to healthcare innovation have transformed Wichita State University and set a new standard for excellence in our community,” said Via Christi Ministry Market CEO Kevin Strecker, who nominated Dr. Muma for the award. “His commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing medical education is truly inspiring. We are proud to have nominated him for the 2024 Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award, and even prouder that he received this prestigious honor.” 

Muma will be officially presented with the Visionary Award at a luncheon on Sept. 5 in Overland Park.  

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including 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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