Student Centered, Innovation Driven

book cover

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.

book cover

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! ^*

Buy at University Press of Kansas

^*Offer expires October 31, 2025

About the Author: Dr. Rick Muma

Since starting 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.

Learn more about Dr. Muma

Request Dr. Muma as a featured speaker

Dr. Muma appreciates invitations to engage with audiences about "Student Centered, Innovation Driven." We'll make every effort to accommodate reasonable requests for President Muma's involvement.

Request Dr. Muma as a Speaker

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.

Praise for 'Student Centered, Innovation Driven'

“President Richard Muma provides us with a blueprint for how to transform universities into engines that ignite regional economies. ... If I could read one book to prepare for university leadership, it would be this one.”

— Michelle Marks, Chancellor Emerita, University of Colorado Denver

“Dr. Richard Muma has written a compelling call to action by telling the remarkable story of Wichita State University. ... He illuminates the inner workings of a public university, advocates the urgent need for relevancy, and makes the case for what is and should be the value of higher education in the twenty-first century. An important read for university leaders, community leaders, business leaders, and economic-development practitioners.”

— Julia M. Potter, Past President, University Economic Development Association

"An inspiring and compelling account. . . . What has happened at Wichita State is extraordinary and the lessons learned are a model for other universities to follow. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in creating the university of the future."

— Mark Becker, President, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and President Emeritus, Georgia State University

"This is a must-read example of how higher education can serve as a catalyst for economic growth through collaboration, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, applied learning, and industry partnerships."

— Jeff Fluhr, President, Greater Wichita Partnership

"This book . . . powerfully illustrates how vision, innovation, and community engagement converge to reimagine the student experience and drive regional prosperity. It’s an inspiring and practical guide for any leader determined to make education more equitable, relevant, and future-focused."

— Sally Amoruso, Chief Partner Officer, Education Advisory Board

"Wichita State’s success in attracting global industry partners like Airbus proves how visionary leadership and community collaboration can change the trajectory of a university, a city, and an entire region."

— John O’Leary, Vice President Engineering, AA1 Airbus Americas at Wichita State

Additional Resources

Download the official "Student Centered, Innovation Driven" discussion guide, a PowerPoint slide about the book to insert into you presentations or a printable bookmark.

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