WSU Tech data analytics proposal deferred after committee questions about employer demand and letters of support

Wichita State University Tech’s proposal to offer certificates (Cert A/B) and an associate of applied science in data analytics was deferred by the Technical Education Authority Curriculum Committee on March 13 after committee members raised concerns about whether local industry demand and employer hiring practices supported an associate‑level credential for the occupations cited.

WSU Tech staff described multi‑year development of the program, employer letters of support and plans for a 2+2 transfer arrangement with Newman University. Vice President Jennifer Seymour told members the college had reassessed employer preferences after initially seeing national data that showed a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry requirement for related occupations. Industry partners on the call — Chris Wyant (Tech Systems Group / Cornerstone Data) and Mark Long (Genius Innovation) — said employers do hire entry‑level analysts with the practical skills the program would teach and suggested starting salaries for entry‑level analyst roles are often in the $50,000–$60,000 range in local practice.

Committee members pressed staff and industry partners for more concrete, verifiable employer commitments and clearer evidence that employers in the Wichita region would hire graduates of a two‑year program. Member Ray said he was “still a little perhaps confused or troubled by this, bachelor versus associate,” noting a discrepancy between job postings that list a bachelor’s degree and the hiring practices described by the industry partners. Some members expressed concern that several letters of support appeared to come from small or closely related businesses and asked staff to broaden employer outreach and provide written hiring commitments or evidence of position openings targeted to associate‑level hires.

The committee voted to table the WSU Tech proposal (along with related items referenced as b4 and c4) until the next curriculum committee meeting so staff and the college could gather additional employer evidence and respond to members’ questions.

Why it matters: the decision delays a new pathway intended to provide an on‑ramp into data analysis careers. Committee members said they support new workforce pathways in principle but want clearer employer commitments before advancing a program that the record describes as addressing occupations nationally shown to prefer bachelor’s degrees.

Details from the discussion

- WSU Tech staff noted the program would include required internships at certificate and associate levels and said the college is pursuing a 2+2 agreement with Newman University to provide transfer options for students who want to continue to a bachelor’s degree.

- Industry partner Chris Wyant said many local employers hire analysts with basic BI and visualization skills and suggested that starting opportunities for trained analysts often pay $50,000–$60,000; he also described his firms’ consulting work across multiple industries.

- Committee members asked for clearer information on the size and representativeness of the companies providing letters of support and requested contactable corporate representatives, not only small independent consultants.

Committee action and next steps

The committee voted to table the WSU Tech data analytics item and two related items until the next curriculum committee meeting (the committee asked staff to assemble a package of follow‑up questions for WSU Tech and to seek additional employer commitments). The committee’s motion to table carried on a voice vote; members asked that WSU Tech return with larger employer partners, documented positions or other evidence showing employers will hire graduates from an associate‑level program.

Ending: The proposal is deferred pending broader employer evidence; the college and staff will return with supplemental materials for reconsideration at the committee’s next meeting.