Regents want $130 million in new money; KU and other schools would create new programs

HESSTON — Kansas higher education institutions are asking for an extra $130 million over five years in order to bring the funding level to the 75th percentile nationally.While there’s no indication this money will become available any time soon, the institutions outlined their plans for that money. But even if the funding doesn’t become available, it’s fair to assume these priorities represent some of the most important goals.At Kansas University, there is a goal to create a Neuroscience Institute jointly with the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses. KU would also create a School of Public Health, to fill a need that KU leaders says is filled by no school in Kansas.KU would also try to enhance the international studies program, which is a major part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences strategic plan. Chancellor Robert Hemenway also said that improving the offerings at the KU Edwards Campus to be more responsive to the needs of the business community in greater Kansas City.In terms of the medical center, KU would add more nurses in Kansas City, Kan., and add a doctorate in pharmacy in Wichita.Emporia State would use the extra funding to expand its well-regarded teachers’ college. Leaders there say that, especially in terms of special education, they “have waiting lists galore.”At Fort Hays State, the money would go toward increasing faculty salaries and to keep up with hikes in federal minimum wage.At Pittsburg State, leaders want to create a School of Construction Engineering Technology, an area they say is woefully underserved. The university also wants more of a focus on science excellence, safety management, early childhood education and an MBA in integrated business and technology.Kansas State would allocate about 40 percent of funding to key areas: food safety, veterinary medicine and animal healthy. They’d use other parts of the funds to create Entrepreneurship Centers and increase investment in research capabilities.Leaders at Wichita State want to improve technology on their campus. They’re also hoping to make higher education more accessible in order to improve the number of nurses, teachers and engineers available in the state.