Newsworthy

Washburn University announced its strategic partnership and a transformational $7.5 million investment from Stormont Vail Health in support of the university’s bold new vision for integrated healthcare education. In recognition of Stormont’s investment, the new health sciences facility will be named the Stormont Vail Health Clinical Institute of Excellence.

“Washburn is building on its long history of serving the healthcare needs of our community and region,” said Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek.  “This strategic academic partnership will strengthen healthcare education, help build a highly skilled healthcare workforce and reinforce the community partnerships vital to our region. This new learning environment will bring students and faculty together across disciplines, creating a collaborative educational experience that reflects the technologies, practices and teamwork of today’s healthcare workplace. We are deeply grateful to Stormont Vail Health for its visionary investment and shared commitment to preparing exceptional healthcare professionals who will serve Topeka, our region and communities throughout Kansas.”

The commitment reflects the longstanding connection between Washburn University and Stormont Vail Health. Stormont employs many Washburn alumni, and the organizations share a commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities throughout the region. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for healthcare, as communities across the country face current and future shortages in healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing and allied health.

“Stormont Vail Health and Washburn University share a deep commitment to serving our community and investing in educational and career opportunities,” said Mark Slyter, president and CEO of Stormont Vail Health. “This partnership is about innovating healthcare education and training opportunities for what students need. Together, we will prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while strengthening the workforce our communities will depend on for decades to come.
“Many members of our team are proud Washburn alumni, and we see every day the impact the university has on the strength of our workforce and region. As healthcare continues to evolve, we need talented, highly skilled and compassionate professionals prepared to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We are supporting students, strengthening the healthcare workforce and creating new opportunities for people to learn, grow and build meaningful careers close to home. We are proud to partner with Washburn University in a way that will benefit Topeka and our state for many years.”

The innovative facility will bring Washburn’s Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, School of Applied Studies Allied Health programs and Department of Kinesiology together under one roof, creating an integrated learning environment designed to prepare students for the collaborative, team-based healthcare settings of today and tomorrow.

The Stormont Vail Health Clinical Institute of Excellence will bring together advanced simulation spaces, collaborative laboratories and interdisciplinary classrooms, creating extraordinary opportunities for students to learn, innovate and solve problems alongside future professionals from across a wide range of healthcare disciplines. It will also include dedicated, adaptable, flexible space to help meet the growing demand for science labs – providing hands-on learning that best prepares students for modern jobs. Through these shared educational experiences, students will strengthen the communication, collaboration and critical-thinking skills essential to providing outstanding patient care. The institute will prepare graduates to meet the region’s evolving healthcare needs and help build a stronger, healthier future for our communities for decades to come.

“Turning an ambitious vision into reality is only made possible with the extraordinary partnership of alumni, donors and friends who believe in Washburn’s plans for the future,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “Stormont Vail Health recognizes this is more than an investment in a building. It is an investment in students, the future healthcare workforce and the lives their care will transform for generations. We are deeply grateful for Stormont’s leadership and confidence in Washburn’s vision.”

The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between Stormont Vail Health and Washburn University, which already includes student clinical experiences, workforce training and academic collaboration.

Stormont and Washburn leadership joined together to share the announcement during Washburn University’s annual Fall Kickoff event, where approximately 500 faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and hear updates from President Mazachek.

Additional details regarding the Stormont Vail Health Clinical Institute of Excellence, including the project timeline and next steps, will be announced as plans move forward.