By Sara Tank Ornelas, WSU Strategic Communications
Wichita Biomedical Campus
Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas have broken ground
on Phase 1 of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, an approximately 471,000‑square‑foot,
$300 million health sciences facility located in the heart of downtown Wichita.
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.
About Wichita State University
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.
