Wichita State University
Student Centered, Innovation Driven:
A Guide to Transforming Higher Education
By Richard D. Muma, President, Wichita State University
Published by University Press of Kansas, 2025
In an era of shifting public expectations and demographic headwinds, higher education needs bold solutions. “Student Centered, Innovation Driven” offers a roadmap for institutional transformation that is anchored in access, fueled by innovation, and focused on outcomes.
Written by Wichita State University President Rick Muma, this thought-provoking guide chronicles a decade of strategic change that propelled Wichita State from a commuter campus to a nationally recognized urban research university. Muma shares the university’s journey:
- Wichita State built a talent-focused innovation ecosystem by transforming a 120-acre golf course into a dynamic public-private Innovation Campus, now home to more than 50 industry, government, and academic partners.
- Embedded applied learning in every degree program, resulting in over 9,000 students each year earning a collective $35 million in paid, résumé-building experience.
- WSU grew enrollment, research output, and reputation at a time when peer institutions faced stagnation or decline and achieved 104% growth in R&D expenditures and record-breaking enrollment.
- Through its affiliation with WSU Tech, Wichita State created a seamless GED-to-Ph.D. pipeline, redefining accessibility, workforce alignment, and lifelong learning.
- Three bold priorities anchored institutional strategy: access and affordability, talent pipeline development, and economic prosperity.
"Student Centered, Innovation Driven" is a call to action for higher education leaders navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. This real-world case study in transformation is built on clear priorities and a relentless focus on student success and regional impact.
216 pages, 17 photographs, 20 figures, 5½ x 8½; Hardcover ISBN 978-0-7006-4065-2, $34.99; Ebook ISBN 978-0-7006-4066-9, $34.99.
Who should read this book?
Higher ed executives, state policy makers, faculty leaders, research and innovation officers, economic development professionals, and anyone reimagining what public education can and should be.
Learn how Wichita State University turned vision into momentum. And how your institution can, too.
Where do I buy this book?
"Student Centered, Innovation Driven" is available at University Press of Kansas, Amazon and at selected booksellers.
Use code 24STUDENT at University Press of Kansas to receive 30% off plus free shipping! *
*Offer expires June 30, 2026.
About the Author: Dr. Rick Muma
Since becoming President of Wichita State University in 2020, Dr. Richard D. Muma, PhD, MPH, PA-C, has led Wichita State University in expanding the breadth and depth of its influence through initiatives and achievements guided by three university priorities: Providing an affordable and accessible education; developing the talent pipeline; and increasing economic prosperity.
NOTE: Media inquiries related to the book should go to Lainie Mazzullo-Hart, director of strategic communication, at 316-978-3409 or lainie.mazzullo@wichita.edu.
