Regents hear campus updates: Fort Hays nursing expansion, WSU research gains and system student‑success progress

Campus leaders used the Board of Regents meeting to showcase recent state investments and the results of implementation work tied to the NIST Playbook and institutional strategic plans.

Fort Hays State detailed a $15.4 million, one‑time FY2025 appropriation designated for expansion of Stroup Hall to increase nursing capacity. Dr. Tania Smith said the construction budget is $12,750,000, with project design led by PGA V Architects, a planned bid in May 2025, mobilization in July 2025 and owner occupancy targeted for January 2027. The expansion will enlarge lab and simulation spaces, add classrooms and support a hybrid BSN pathway the university plans to start in fall 2025; Fort Hays reported steps to raise annual on‑campus cohorts and to use KSBN approvals to expand seats toward an eventual target of 150 students by fall 2027.

Wichita State's presenter outlined the university's market‑pull applied research model, noting about $402 million in research activity (projected) and roughly $22 million in state research investments that leverage private, federal and institutional funds at an estimated 17:1 ratio. The presenter highlighted large industry and Department of Defense partnerships — including a recent Sierra Nevada award described as a major industry contract — and said WSU's work supports regional manufacturers and MRO suppliers. "We beat Georgia Tech," the WSU presenter said of a national ranking in aerospace R&D, commenting on WSU's rising position in applied engineering research.

Other institutional updates included Smart Kansas 21 (Pittsburg State) to recruit science and math teachers with $0.5M/year in investment and direct student supports, and the College of Veterinary Medicine's recurring $5 million supplement to recruit research‑active faculty and support infectious‑disease research and graduate education. Pitt State also described a planned prove‑out and high‑bay facility focused on electroactive materials and manufacturing to foster regional industry partnerships.

Multiple campuses reported student‑success metrics tied to system investments and the NIST Playbook: Wichita State highlighted fall 2024 usage of a centralized Shocker Success Center (over 19,300 visits in the semester), expanded early‑alert use and meta‑majors that reduced time‑to‑degree measures; Fort Hays cited increases in fall‑to‑fall persistence and rising graduation rates after need‑based aid allocations and Navigate implementation; Emporia State reported improved first‑year retention following expanded learning communities and targeted need‑based aid. Several campus presenters credited coordinated data use, centralized advising and student financial supports for measurable gains.

Regents asked follow‑up questions on projected capacity gains tied to construction dollars, the distribution and limits of need‑based aid (e.g., an income‑based award for families with AGI under $70,000), and the relationship between research investments and local job creation. Campus leaders said they would continue reporting updates as projects and pilot programs advance.