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. This will be accomplished by keeping all stakeholders well-informed on post-secondary opportunities available within the region, sharing employer programs, and celebrating success stories of graduates.

Meetings with the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF), wKREDA and NetWork Kansas have been very effective regarding coordination efforts to build community coalitions across the SW Kansas region. This collaboration will be vital to the long-term success of a University Center. A grant was awarded from Arthur E. & Cornelia C. Scroggins Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas. In addition, financial support has been garnered from KHF. This funding will assist with the continuation of the project, as well as coalition development needed moving forward. NetWork Kansas has committed to partnering with wKREDA, which is a coalition of 55 Western KS County Rural Economic Development organizations. They will work with local leaders across the wKREDA territory to identify coalition members to build the community engagement needed to build and sustain higher education across Southwestern Kansas. NetWork KS has agreed to partner with the Development Corporation to help facilitate community coalition building.

University of Kansas Medical Center visited Dodge City in October. Dr. Abiodun Akinwuntan, Dean of Health Professions, Dave Burnett, Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science Chair, Debra Sullivan, Dietetic and Nutrition Chair, Tiffany Johnson, Hearing and Speech Chair and Kim Huyett, Senior Director of Community Relations & Strategic Partnerships toured the Dodge City Community College, Western Plains Hospital and Medical Complex, and Hennessey Hall. In addition, a luncheon allowed KUMC to meet a number of medical providers, regional community college representatives, USD 443 leaders, and other community and legislative representatives. KUMC will be evaluating opportunities to support our University Center initiative to train and increase the healthcare workforce in Western Kansas.