From the President's Desk: A Defining Achievement for KHSU

We’re still celebrating KHSU’s accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), awarded for the maximum six-year term. This significant achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence demonstrated by every member of our university community. As Maria Toyoda, WSCUC President and CEO, noted: “Kansas Health Science University is helping build a pipeline of physicians prepared to meet critical workforce needs, particularly in rural and underserved communities. WSCUC accreditation reflects KHSU’s demonstrated commitment to quality and effectiveness as it advances that mission.” Read the press release on our blog. 

Need New Business Cards or a Magnet Name Badge?

With new employees joining the team, employees changing positions, and others who may simply be running low on supplies, now is a good time to order new business cards or a new magnet name badge. To request these items, contact Gibson Combs, Manager of Communications and Stewardship, or complete the Business Card and Badge Form.

A New View of Anatomy: Updated Headsets Arrive

Our anatomy education program is getting an upgrade with new Meta Quest 3 headsets, which will soon replace our 80 HoloLens units. Last month, Adam Borntrager, Director of Instructional and Emerging Technologies, invited faculty and staff to stop by and experience the new tech firsthand. The Meta headsets offer significantly improved image resolution and greater compatibility with a wide range of educational software, creating a more immersive and flexible learning experience. We're excited about the expanded opportunities these new tools will provide for innovative learning.

FACULTY & STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Jennifer Dennis and Dr. Paul Misasi have been selected as members of the 2026-27 cohort of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Senior Leadership Development Program. They will collaborate with mentors and peers from osteopathic medical schools across the country while participating in a program designed to strengthen senior leadership skills and advance the future of osteopathic medical education. Congratulations to them on this professional development opportunity and their continued leadership on behalf of KansasCOM.

Andy Bogner successfully defended his dissertation, completing a milestone in his doctoral journey.

His dissertation, “DUCK: An Upstream Gatekeeping Pipeline Model for Suicide Prevention in Medical Education,” explored innovative approaches to suicide prevention within medical education. Upon completing final degree requirements in early August, Andy will officially earn his PhD. Congratulations, Andy, on this outstanding achievement!

Thank You, Student Affairs Team! Your dedication helped make this year's orientation a welcoming and enjoyable experience for our students. The care you all take really shows.

Employees can also check out the staff and faculty About Me slides online if you missed them on the campus TVs or would like a closer look. We appreciate everyone who participated and shared a glimpse into their role, interests, and experiences.

Dr. Hannah Piechowski has been selected for recognition in the Wichita Business Journal Women Who Lead special section, honoring women who are making a difference through their leadership, service, and professional contributions. Congratulations to Hannah!

Rosa Ruiz-Campos has been selected for the 2026-27 Emerging Leaders program, a professional development initiative by the Wichita Business Journal focused on leadership growth, networking, community engagement, and peer learning. Throughout the year, Rosa will participate in discussions with Wichita leaders, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative events designed to strengthen community connections. Way to go, Rosa!

SOCIAL MEDIA BRIEFS

Community Partnerships in Action

More than 180 volunteers participated in the fifth Community Service Day, serving 21 organizations across Wichita. Students, faculty, and staff came together to support the nonprofits while introducing our newest students to the city they will now call home. Check out the one-minute videos created by each group to see their projects and the impact they made in the community.

Enjoy some extra photos from Community Service Day and Orientation

Future Physicians in White Coats

We were honored to welcome the 170 members of the Class of 2030 during this year’s White Coat Ceremony. The class includes 101 women and 69 men, with an average age of 24. Forty-three students are the first in their families to attend college. We look forward to supporting this talented and diverse group as they begin their journey in osteopathic medicine!

Enjoy some extra photos from the White Coat Ceremony

Building Our Campus Story Together: Submit YOUR News

Have an accomplishment, campus event, or other good news to share? We’ve recently made it easier to connect with the Office of Institutional Advancement by combining multiple spotlight forms into one streamlined submission form for everyone on campus. All your news and photos are welcome for consideration in campus TV displays, social media, newsletters, and other KHSU communications. Find it linked to the right of the headers in this newsletter, on the Campus Groups homepage, and in the Student Affairs newsletter. For questions, or for sharing news directly, see Gibson Combs, Manager of Communication and Stewardship.

DON'T MISS IN AUGUST!

Aug 7 | 12 - 1 pm

Community Engagement Fair by Office of Student Affairs

Aug 30 | 6 - 10 pm

STAT Event: Music Theatre Wichita: Hairspray! by Students Today Alumni Tomorrow

CELEBRATIONS

Welcome!

Anniversaries:

Celebrating 1 Year:

8/4: Darcee Datteri (Learning Specialist)



Celebrating 2 Years:

8/5: David Hartig (Adjunct Professor of Clinical Skills-Physicianship)

8/12: Jill Fisher (Learning Specialist)

Celebrating 3 Years:

8/1: Mary Franz (OMT Table Trainer) 8/14: Frank Stafford (Clinical Faculty - Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine)

8/27: Matthew Ankenbrandt (Chief Financial Officer)

8/27: Andrew Porter (Core Site Director) 8/27: Chinwe Okonkwo (Core Site Director)

8/28: Parastou Farhadian (Core Site Director)

Celebrating 4 Years:

8/1: Dustie Samuels (Adjunct Professor of Clinical Skills-Physicianship)

8/1: Devin Penny (Chair for Primary Care) 8/1: Melissa Penny (Clinical Faculty)

8/1: Bryan Witt (OMT Table Trainer)

8/29: Krystel Chedid (Faculty in Biomedical Sciences)

Celebrating 5 Years:

8/2: Erin Dinan (Director, Admissions)

8/9: Joaquin Santos (Adjunct Professor of Clinical Skills-Physicianship)

8/9: John McMaster (Clinical Faculty)

8/9: Michael Morrow (Clinical Faculty) 8/16: Rosemary Niedens (Associate Dean Academic Center of Excellence)

Birthdays:

Aug 2: Jessica Torres

Aug 4: Ismail Memon

Aug 9: Devin Penny

Aug 15: Adam Borntrager

Aug 15: Alyssa Reed

Aug 17: Rachel-Anne Magsalin

Aug 19: Dustie Samuels

Aug 19: Mark Hemric

Aug 20: Glen Patton

Aug 24: Kathy Nguyen

Aug 27: Richard Winslow

Aug 28: Amy Glover

Aug 28: Molly Fox

Aug 31: Saajan Bhakta

We would love to hear about

your volunteerism in Connect!

CALENDAR

• Aug 4 - Monthly Rounds All-Employee Lunch
• Aug 7 - Community Engagement Fair
• Aug 7 - Purple Heart Day
• Aug 20 - STAT Goes to Hairspray at Century II
• Aug 26 - Women's Equality Day
• Aug 28 - Raksha Bandhan
• Aug 30 - Laughs for Good Comedy Show at Barleycorn (OMS II Logan Hartnett organized and will perform at this comedy show to benefit our friends at ICT Street Team)
• Sept 7 - Labor Day (Offices Closed)

Events around Wichita:

From art and music to food and entertainment, here are some highlights of what's happening around town. Check out the full schedule on Visit Wichita.

• Through 8/10 - "Teacher Summer at GROW" | GROW Plant Bar
• Through 8/14 - "Disenchanted!" | Roxy's Downtown
• Tuesdays and Thursdays - "Two Dollar T'Days" | Wichita Ice Center
• 8/7 - "First Friday Gallery Crawl" | Downtown Wichita
• 8/7 - "2026 Audacy Summer Concert Series featuring The Astronauts" | Naftzger Park
• 8/13 - "Little Explorers" | Museum of World Treasures
• 8/14 - "2026 Audacy Summer Concert Series featuring Lucky People" | Naftzger Park
• 8/21- "2026 Audacy Summer Concert Series featuring The Roadhouse Saints" | Naftzger Park
• 8/22 - "Boom Ball" | Equity Bank Park
• 8/28 - "2026 Audacy Summer Concert Series featuring Across the Pond" | Naftzger Park
• 8/29 - "ICT Comic Con and Science Fiction Expo" | Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
• 8/31 - "Final Friday Downtown Food & Booze Truck Rally" | Wichita Boathouse

STAY CONNECTED!

The content and dates mentioned in this newsletter are subject to change. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but unforeseen circumstances may occur.