Wichita State University and Ascension Via Christi have announced the renaming of WSU's nursing school to the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing. This move recognizes an investment from Via Christi and underscores a decades-long relationship between the two organizations.
The investment demonstrates Via Christi's support for the Wichita Biomedical Campus, a joint initiative of WSU, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas. This state-of-the-art facility, slated to open in 2027, aims to transform healthcare education in Kansas by fostering interprofessional learning and collaboration.
“Via Christi’s support of the Wichita Biomedical Campus highlights their commitment to improving healthcare across our city and state, and we are proud to recognize that support with this naming,” says Dr. Rick Muma, Wichita State University president. “This project requires significant partnership from our community, and we are proud to build on the longstanding relationship between WSU and Via Christi as we enter a new era of healthcare education.”
The Wichita Biomedical Campus will be located at the south end of the city's growing Biomedical Corridor, with Via Christi St. Francis anchoring the north. This arrangement is designed to create a continuous pathway for students from their education to their professional careers.
According to Telly McGaha, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, the campus is a first-of-its-kind project that will attract students and researchers from across the country. “We are incredibly grateful for Via Christi’s support of this project," he said.
The partnership directly addresses the urgent need for a strong, sustainable nursing talent pipeline. With more than 400 WSU nursing alumni currently employed at Via Christi, the collaboration strengthens the connection between academic training and clinical practice.
"This partnership is about more than a name. It’s about building a future where academic excellence and compassionate care work hand in hand," said Kevin Strecker, Via Christi CEO. "By strengthening connections between our classrooms and our clinical settings, we can better prepare the next generation of caregivers who will serve the health needs of our communities for decades to come."
This partnership provides a number of benefits, including tuition discounts for Via Christi associates pursuing healthcare degrees at WSU. It also supports collaborative efforts on research and community health initiatives, as well as programs designed to introduce high school and undergraduate students to healthcare careers.
Strecker added, “By investing in the education and training of future healthcare professionals, Via Christi and WSU are working together to build a stronger and healthier Kansas.”
