Wichita State seeks more need-based aid, advances dental school planning and highlights research investments

Brianna Horton, budget analyst with the Kansas Legislative Research Department, and Wichita State University President Richard Muma told the Committee on Higher Education Budget that the university is asking for additional ongoing and one-time investment to support student aid, retention and planning for a dental school.

Why it matters: Wichita State described how recent state investments have expanded research and workforce connections in south-central Kansas, but said more ongoing need-based aid and targeted planning money would help the university keep students enrolled and expand health-care training in underserved parts of the state.

Horton, presenting the agency budget summary, noted the FY2025 request shows reappropriations of unspent State General Fund (SGF) dollars — including about $6.2 million earmarked for capital renewal, demolition, aviation research and the Health Science Center — and recurring adjustments such as DEI and student financial aid. She flagged an agency request for roughly 189.2 FTE positions “primarily for research and for the public service program.” Horton said capital projects include the Wichita Biomedical Campus and…