Wichita State open to exploring options for a deeper relationship with WATC
The WATC board, known as Sedgwick County Technical Education and Training Authority, appointed John Dieker to serve as its advisor on talks with WSU. Dieker recently retired as vice president of operations at Bombardier Learjet and had been a member of the board.
Wichita State University President John Bardo said: "We are enthused about the possibilities of working even more closely with WATC to integrate education from GED to Ph.D. The two schools are already strong partners in the National Center for Aviation Training and in the new Shocker Pathway program. Combining our assets would offer South Central Kansas an even greater catalyst for economic growth.
"Once we receive a formal invitation from WATC to enter discussions," Bardo said, "we expect to work closely with Mr. Dieker, Interim President Sheree Utash, WATC personnel, WSU's own faculty and staff and the Kansas Board of Regents to identify additional areas for collaboration."
Earlier this year the two institutions launched Shocker Pathway as a partnership for students to combine WATC and WSU coursework for an Associate of Arts degree from WSU.
Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3881 to see the news release from WATC.
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Contact: Joe Kleinsasser, director news and media relations at WSU, 316-978-3013, cell 316-204-8266 or joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu.