Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas are moving forward with plans to build an approximately 471,000‑square‑foot, $300 million shared biomedical campus in the heart of downtown Wichita.
Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas are moving forward with plans to build an approximately 470,000‑square‑foot, $300 million shared biomedical campus in the heart of downtown Wichita.
Objectives
1. Improve efficiencies, strengthen collaboration, and support interprofessional health care learning.
2. Fuel the talent pipeline with highly trained health care professionals who will help meet community and employer needs.
3. Meet community needs through improved patient outcomes.
4. Take advantage of the digitalization of health care and health care education.
5. Diversify and support the prosperity of the Kansas economy through innovation and research.
6. Overcome the endemic impacts of COVID-19 and prepare our healthcare system to meet future health care threats.
Expected Benefits
- A large biomedical campus in a metropolitan area near private hospitals and health care providers will provide opportunities for partnerships in new and emerging research fields.
- Wichita State, WSU Tech and KU have several strong health science and biomedical programs with proven track records for success. Pooling the collective resources and successes of our institutions on one campus will bring about remarkable opportunities for collaboration, innovation and research.
- Initially, about 3,000 students and 200 faculty and staff will be housed at the center with opportunities for growth in existing and new programs. Prioritizing biomedical and health care education in Wichita will send a message to our community and our businesses that we care about our community’s health and are willing to invest in it. The Kansas Legislature has already committed to investing $35 million the project. More investment in health care means more people will be attracted to and stay in Wichita.
- Mental health is paramount to our community, and the Wichita Biomedical Campus will be key to addressing the demand for counselors and therapists in the region.
- The approximately 470,000-square-foot facility will 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 Wichita area and boosting the economic success of Kansas.
A WSU Physician Assistant student checks a patient.
Supporting Documents
More information to come as the project develops.