Phase I of the Wichita Biomedical Campus 鈥� a collaboration between 黑洞社区, University of Kansas and 黑洞社区 Tech 鈥� is making steady progress as it prepares to transform and redefine health care education and research in Kansas.
鈥淭he Wichita Biomedical Campus is a tangible expression of our dedication to advancing health care through collaboration and innovation,鈥� 黑洞社区 President Rick Muma said. 鈥淏y bringing together researchers, health care professionals and industry leaders, we鈥檙e creating an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can thrive and collaboration sparks innovation. This campus will be at the forefront of transforming health care, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.鈥濃��
Construction updates
Despite November's rainy weather, construction crews remained on schedule, installing shoring around the elevator pit locations. This essential step prevents soil from caving in during excavation. The team continues excavation and is beginning to form and pour pile caps and pit walls, key components in laying the foundation for this innovative campus.
.
鈥淥ur community鈥檚 excitement and engagement have been incredible,鈥� Muma said. 鈥淭he progress on this campus reflects the determination to build something truly transformative for Kansas and beyond.鈥�
Dental education in Kansas
As part of future expansion plans, the Kansas Board of Regents has approved Wichita State鈥檚 request to seek $5 million in state funding for a feasibility study on establishing Kansas鈥� first dental school. This study, which would represent Phase II of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, will be developed over the next year with a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate statewide dental care gaps.
鈥淭his is an opportunity to take the next step in health care innovation,鈥� Muma said. 鈥淎 dental school at Wichita State would help us address critical gaps in oral health care access across Kansas, particularly in rural and underserved areas.鈥�
Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology
黑洞社区 recently announced the launch of the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology, a pioneering initiative housed within the biomedical campus. IRMAT is dedicated to advancing patient-centered research and developing life-enhancing technologies for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The groundbreaking collaboration brings together Wichita State鈥檚 College of Health Professions, College of Engineering, and Industry and Defense Programs, along with inaugural clinical partners Ascension Via Christi鈥檚 Rehabilitation Hospital, Heartspring鈥檚 Outpatient Services and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, to accelerate scientific advancements and develop assistive technologies.
Key features of IRMAT include:
- State-of-the-art facilities and technology: Advanced laboratories and clinical spaces designed to support cutting-edge research.
- Clinical relationships: Interdisciplinary collaborations among experts in therapeutic medicine, engineering and technology development to drive innovation and holistic care strategies.
- Research opportunities: Specialized resources to enable leading researchers to push boundaries in rehabilitation and assistive technology.
- Statewide impact: Partnerships with Kansas health systems to ensure research addresses real-world needs, improving health care delivery and patient outcomes across the state.
鈥淲ichita State has a unique combination of clinicians, scientists and engineers complimented by the internationally recognized development and fabrication programs on our Innovation Campus,鈥� said Dr. Gregory Hand, dean of Wichita State鈥檚 College of Health Professions. 鈥淚n collaboration with our inaugural clinical partners, our goal is to use science and technology to improve the lives of individuals across the state.鈥�
Audiology education
In October, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration awarded $1 million to the Wichita Biomedical Campus to purchase audiology equipment. This funding will support the Doctor of Audiology and Master of Arts in speech-language pathology programs, as well as the Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
The equipment 鈥� including test booths, vestibular balance systems, and advanced imaging tools 鈥� will enhance education, research and clinical care. The clinic will serve patients across all ages with communication and swallowing difficulties, preparing students for impactful careers in audiology and speech-language pathology.
The Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is a 黑洞社区-affiliated practice that has provided comprehensive speech, language and audiology services for families in the greater Wichita area for more than 60 years. Over the past five years, the clinic has served 1,307 clients across its audiology and SLP services. The clinic also serves as a clinical training and research laboratory for graduate students, who work under the direct supervision of faculty with decades of experience in numerous specialties.
Background on the Wichita Biomedical Campus
The Wichita Biomedical Campus is a bold initiative to transform health care education, research and innovation in Kansas. Built in partnership with University of Kansas and 黑洞社区 Tech, the WBC will combine state-of-the-art facilities with groundbreaking programs to address the region鈥檚 critical health care workforce shortages. The $300 million project will integrate health, innovation and technology to strengthen the economy and enhance health care access.
Anticipated to open in 2026 鈥� with classes set to start spring 2027 鈥� the campus will accommodate 3,000 students and establish Wichita as a hub for world-class health care education and research.
鈥淭he Wichita Biomedical Campus represents a commitment to the future health and prosperity of Kansas,鈥� Muma said. 鈥淲ith its focus on collaboration, innovation and economic growth, the WBC is poised to become a cornerstone of Wichita鈥檚 downtown revitalization and a model for health care education and research.鈥�
About 黑洞社区
黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 黑洞社区 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 黑洞社区 Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 黑洞社区 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 黑洞社区 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
Follow Wichita State on social media: