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Fort Hays State updates Ellis County on enrollment and campus projects
Summary
The university reported system-wide enrollment gains (over 14,600 students with nearly 13,000 at Fort Hays State), 100% residence-hall occupancy, new and expanding academic programs, building renovations including a cadaver lab and a near-term athletic-complex completion; the university also noted an exploratory dental-school partnership with Wichita State.
A representative identified in the meeting as the president of Fort Hays State told the commission the school’s fall enrollment is strong and highlighted several facility and program updates.
The presenter said the Fort Hays system collectively enrolled "over 14,600 students" this fall, with just under 13,000 at Fort Hays State campus and nearly 50 students from the tech colleges transitioning to bachelor’s programs. On-campus residence halls are operating at 100% occupancy, the presenter said, and the university reported enrollment gains in social work, allied health and applied technology.
Campus investments described to the commission included renovations to the Bridal Building (replacing dirt floors and adding restrooms and classroom upgrades), an updated cadaver lab (available for use next spring), and completion of the Bickel Schmidt Athletic Complex near the football field by year’s end with some funding from ARPA. The university also mentioned a two-story addition to Stroop Hall to expand nursing and allied-health facilities, with construction anticipated to complete in December 2026.
The presenter said the university is exploring an early-stage partnership with Wichita State on a dental school that would serve western Kansas, and touted recent athletic success including cross-country and men’s soccer accomplishments that brought regional events to Hays.
