University/Training Center Project

For decades, Southwest Kansas has experienced a severe shortage of mid-level health care providers in a variety of areas including dental, nursing, physician assistants, physical therapists as well as a plethora of other specialists. Our region is also the only quadrant in the state without a four-year university. Shortage of qualified medical personnel, the lack of higher education, and the fact that we have an extremely low unemployment rate have all been factors contributing to this situation. Due to the lack of higher education opportunities in the area, our area youth have to leave our communities to pursue their degrees and future careers. In the majority of cases, these students never return to southwest Kansas, thus, leaving a greater shortage of qualified professionals. However, the growing immigrant population tends to stay in Southwest Kansas.


The lack of education has severely limited their opportunities in the health care industry and has stiffened job growth in this critical area. Over the last two years, there have been several discussions with Wichita State University (WSU), The University of Kansas (KU) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) about meeting the higher education demands for this area. These conversations have also included the three community colleges and area technical schools, as well as the Board of Regents and state and federal representatives. The City of Dodge City has taken the lead on this project because they understand the significant need for all of Southwest Kansas and also have a facility available to house the programs and classes. In addition, FHSU and WSU have toured the City facility and have indicated a strong desire to participate. Our anticipated project outcome is that by “growing our own,” our existing health care providers will be able to expand their services and that several new healthcare businesses will emerge.

Grants Received
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) RBDG Grant
$61,975

The Arthur and Cornelia Scroggins Foundation Fund
at the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas
$25,000

The Kansas Health Foundation
$73,600

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$155,497

Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas

$45,000

Patterson Family Foundation

$25,000

Project Updates

University Center Project Updates
December 2020
December 2020

The Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) has had a successful few months since the Grand Opening of the University/Training Center. Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Nursing began classes in the large classroom. The University of Kansas’ Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) is moved into their space and beginning classes in January.

REWA Classroom 2.jpg
July 2020

The Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) is excited to announce the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of the University/Training Center that will take place on August 5th from 4-6 pm.

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March 2020

Construction has begun on the ground level of Hennessy Hall on the University Center Classroom and Office as well as the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Since this has begun, the Development Corporation has been able to pursue Bachelors and Masters level programs to be offered at the University Center.

January 2020
January 2020

Progress continues with the University Center at Hennessy Hall through the newly formed 501(c)(3) non-profit Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA). From the construction and remodeling aspects of the project to continued coalition building and securing financial needs, the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation (Development Corporation) and REWA are continuing to pursue local, regional and national partnerships that make it possible to bring this project to life and create an asset to our region’s educational portfolio.

August 2019
August 2019

Progress continues with the University Center. The City of Dodge City has recently confirmed that we have received funds for the construction of the first classroom through a USDA Grant. The City is working on bid documents, and construction will begin soon. Our next goal will be to work on construction across the hall to remodel a room for an additional classroom/office space for the REWA coordinator.

June 2019
June 2019

Progress continues with the University Center. Discussions with wKREDA (The Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance), the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) and NetWork Kansas have continued to be effective with regards to building coalitions across SW Kansas to further recognize the needs for an increase of available healthcare professionals and other workforce training skills needed in the region. In late May, the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation organized and held a Lunch and Learn for Fort Hays State’s Bachelor of Social Work Cohort.

December 2018
December 2018

Progress continues with the University Center. One of the top priorities for the long-term success is to change the mindset of Southwest Kansas regarding access to education that is offered close by, and building our own student pool from within our community. We strongly believe that by building an Advanced Healthcare Education Coalition across the region, we will create alliances to keep the“Growing Our Own”approach consistent for community members within all counties.

August 2018
August 2018

Progress continues with the University Center. Meetings with the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Health Foundation and Network Kansas have been very effective to begin coordination efforts to build community coalitions across the SW Kansas region. This collaboration will be vital to the long-term success of University Center. The consultant met with FHSU on their progress of developing the individual healthcare programs to be offered in our region.

For more information about this project, please contact Joann Knight at 620-227-9501 or email kkeller@dodgedev.org.