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Saint Mary reports record incoming class, expands hybrid nursing and campus training programs
Summary
Saint Mary told the Leavenworth City Commission it enrolled about 300 new students this term (total about 1,598), is running full campus housing with supplementary Condotel placements, and is expanding hybrid delivery and experiential training including a $2,000,000 interdisciplinary simulation project.
Saint Mary representatives told the Leavenworth City Commission they have enrolled a record incoming class of roughly 300 students and that total enrollment stands at about 1,598 as of last Monday. "So as of right now, we are just shy of 1,600…as of last Monday, 1,598," the university presenter said.
Campus housing is full and the university is using a nearby Condotel partnership to house about 21 students, the presenter said, and emphasized workforce training programs that are performing strongly. "Nursing pass rate is 97 percent. Doctor of physical therapy pass rate is 100 percent," she said.
Officials described programmatic changes to expand access and meet workforce needs. The university plans to convert its accelerated, one‑year nursing program to a hybrid format so students — particularly in rural areas — can take synchronous remote coursework and come to campus for clinical checkoffs. The presenter also said the school is exploring elevating its master’s in school counseling toward an educational specialist credential as part of accreditation changes.
Student experiential programs were highlighted: a student‑run coffee shop, entrepreneurship exercises for MBA students and an e‑trading team now operating as a separate LLC that trades outside investment funds for educational purposes. The presenter also noted prison‑education programming at Lansing Correctional Facility and multiple off‑campus matriculation and graduation events.
Commissioners thanked the university for partnerships that support downtown business and youth sports programs. The meeting record shows the commission encouraged continued collaboration while noting the university’s role as a local economic engine that draws hotel stays and restaurant spending.
The presentation closed with event invitations and the university’s planned December ceremonies and a $2,000,000 simulation fundraising effort now about a quarter complete. The commission offered no action at the study session; staff and university representatives did not ask for formal city approvals during this update.
