2025 Presidential REPORT Fiscal Year
FY2025 Presidential Report
Introduction
Educating with Purpose, Innovating with Vision
Welcome to the KHSU FY2025 Presidential Report, a showcase of achievements, progress, and commitment to excellence throughout the year.
FY2025 Presidential Report
Message from the President
Advancing Medicine, Empowering Community
Over this last fiscal year, Kansas Health Science University has experienced a period of remarkable transformation defined not simply by new milestones, but by a consistent focus on why these milestones matter. The work has been guided by one unwavering purpose: to advance healthcare by preparing future physicians who are deeply committed to serving their communities, especially those most underserved
This report tells the story of that work. Each accomplishment represents the deliberate and mission-driven steps taken to strengthen the institution, support the success of student doctors, and create an infrastructure that sustains long-term success. These steps include the seamless rebranding to KHSU, implementation of a university model, integration of AI into medical education and practice, development of new clinical training sites, expansion of strategic partnerships, and continuation of legislative advocacy.
The accomplishments outlined in this report are not only indicators of institutional progress they are a reflection of the values that define KHSU: empathy, innovation, teamwork, and excellence. They demonstrate the power of purpose when strategy is aligned with mission.
Thank you for your expertise and unwavering commitment to the university's future.
Tiffany Masson, Psy.D. President and Chief Executive Officer
FY2025 Presidential Report
R o o t e d i n P u r p o s e , S t r u c t u r e d f o r I m p a c t
Build Infrastructure to Support University Model Goal 1 Page 04
FY2025 Presidential Report
Build Infrastructure to Support University Model
Mobilize Operational Plan to Transition to Kansas Health Science University
The institution officially transitioned to Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) in 2024, completing a comprehensive rebranding effort that included a legal name change, updated digital and print collateral, physical signage, social media alignment, and stakeholder communications This transition signifies more than a change in name— it reflects the university's evolution into a broader health science institution with aspirations to expand academic offerings beyond osteopathic medicine These offerings will further establish KHSU as a leader in medical education while also providing transitional opportunities for students.
Every step of this transition was handled with precision and purpose The integrated rollout plan involved close coordination across departments and The Community Solution Education System to ensure consistency in tone, visual identity, and messaging. The KHSU name now signals the university’s expanded mission to deliver transformative education that reaches across disciplines and communities.
Media Coverage of Transition to Kansas Health Science University included reports by:
Wichita Business Journal
The Morning Sun
The Joplin Globe
Wichita Eagle
Derby Informer
KMUW
FY2025 Presidential Report
Pursue
Regional Accreditation to Expand Program Portfolio
With the goal of establishing itself as a comprehensive health science university, KHSU formally submitted its application and Letter of Intent to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The acceptance of this application marked a key milestone. Work is now underway on a comprehensive institutional self-study in preparation for an anticipated site visit late 2025— a key next step in obtaining accreditation.
Achieving institutional accreditation will allow KHSU to expand its degree portfolio and elevate its standing among peer institutions It will also enable the university to launch new programs to meet evolving workforce demands particularly in areas where healthcare and technology come together while maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and institutional integrity.
Advance Through COCA Accreditation Process
Parallel to institutional accreditation efforts, the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to advance in the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) process, with full accreditation projected for 2026. The university is preparing for a self-study and upcoming site visit during the Winter or Spring of 2026 KansasCOM is prepared and our readiness reflects meticulous planning, faculty engagement, and data-driven approaches to assessment.
This dual-accreditation pathway ensures that KHSU not only meets the highest educational standards but is also prepared to serve students through multiple programs and disciplines with the rigor and quality expected of modern medical education institutions.
FY2025 Presidential Report
Further Develop Strong University-Wide Culture Grounded in Mission, Vision, and Values
To ensure that university growth remains grounded in KHSU values, leadership has invested significantly in cultivating a culture that reflects its mission. Monthly Connect lunches, AllHands meetings, and employee onboarding updates are designed not only to inform but to inspire. The Human Resources team collaborated with The System Chief Human Resource Officer to create onboarding materials that help new employees understand and embody KHSU’s values from day one.
The Culture Committee and the Committee for Inclusive Excellence have played a central role in advancing initiatives that support faculty, staff, and students. Their work has included shaping inclusive policies, promoting wellness, and fostering a sense of belonging across campus.
FY2025 Presidential Report
S h a p i n g C u r r i c u l u m , S t r e n g t h e n i n g F u t u r e s
Goal 2
Ensure Quality Curriculum and Services to Support Student Success
FY2025 Presidential Report
Ensure Quality Curriculum and Services to Support Student Success
Complete Further Assessment and Evaluation of Curriculum, Learning
Methods, and Best Practices to Help Ensure Student Success
The academic experience at KHSU continues to evolve, with a focus on innovation and data-informed teaching. In 2024, several new faculty members joined KansasCOM, including a second pathologist, a pharmacologist, and a new anatomist— each bringing deep expertise to elevate content delivery and enhance foundational learning.
The university closely monitors early indicators of academic risk to ensure students receive timely and targeted support. Through ongoing performance tracking, faculty and student service teams are able to identify students who may be struggling and connect them with appropriate interventions. These include one-on-one academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and access to learning specialists. This proactive approach allows students to address challenges early and stay on track
toward academic success. Recent data indicates that these efforts have already seen an increase in student success this academic year and will continue to be refined as students matriculate through the program.
The admissions team continues to build the entering class of 2025 with talented and exceptional students To date deposited students have higher indicators for success measured across cumulative GPA, science GPA, and MCAT scores compared to last year. As of March 31, 2025, there are 170 net deposits for this cohort, trending over 12% higher than this time last year. Data also shows fewer declined acceptance and “no shows”, suggesting a positive response to the increased diligence of the admissions team in communication and follow up
FY2025 Presidential Report
Further
Develop Clinical Rotation Opportunities to Support Expanded Class Size and Focus on Routes to Residency
A major highlight of the academic year was the successful launch, for the first time in our history, of clinical rotations for the OMSIII class. These students began immersive, hands-on training in hospitals and clinics across Kansas and select out-of-state partner locations. Sites include rural health clinics and urban hospitals, including a new affiliation with Mission Hospital in California.
Rural clinical site development has continued to benefit from legislative and philanthropic collaboration. The MedEd Hub initiative, supported by local leaders and healthcare advocates, is working to address physician shortages and expand access to quality training environments across rural Kansas. These partnerships exemplify the university’s mission to prepare doctors
who are not only clinically competent but socially accountable to the communities they serve.
Work has continued in developing clinical rotation sites outside of Kansas, as well as providing opportunities for students to create their own rotations in their home states. This will continue to develop and be a strategic focus to better recruit quality out-of-state students KHSU remains committed to building rotations and residency programs to support the health of all communities, within and beyond the state.
Rachel is, quite possibly, the best medical student to have rotated with us at Mission Community! - Preceptor
FY2025 Presidential Report
Enhance and Expand Support Programs that Increase Student Success on COMLEX Licensing and Board Exams
KHSU’s academic support model continues to show results. In 2024, COMLEX Level 1 pass rates for OMSIII students reached 93%, a significant milestone reflecting effective support systems Interventions such as group tutoring, academic advising, and learning specialist engagement are triggered early and guided by student data, ensuring at-risk students are supported before they fall behind.
The university’s innovative summer prematriculation program remains a powerful tool for setting students up for early success, providing foundational coursework, orientation to learning platforms, and relationship-building opportunities that form the cornerstone of student belonging and academic persistence.
OMSII students continue to demonstrate strong performance on COMAT exams even when accounting for academic risk factors identified at the time of matriculation. This achievement highlights the ongoing effectiveness of strategic curricular enhancements, targeted faculty growth and development, and the expansion of instructional teams. It also reflects the strength of student support systems, including early academic interventions and individualized coaching. As this class of student doctors prepare to take their first COMLEX Level 1 exams beginning in June 2025, many have already shown high levels of engagement and progress through the use of self-assessment tools, structured study plans, and practice exam platforms. Their success to date is a promising indicator of the university’s comprehensive approach to preparing students for licensure and long-term professional achievement.
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FY2025 Presidential Report
Strategically Integrate AI and Technology to Bolster Existing Endeavors and New Initiatives
KHSU’s commitment to innovation was on full display at the inaugural Frontiers in Medical AI Summit, which convened experts and educators to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare Presentations explored AI use in diagnostics and predictive analytics, showcasing the ethical ways AI can transform medical education and practice in order to let physicians continue to do what they do best treat the patient KHSU also recently launched an internal AI Innovation Award, challenging faculty and staff to consider their use of AI to increase efficiencies, support student success, and streamline processes. The Summit, along with the KHSU Innovation Award, reinforce KHSU’s leadership role in this transformative space. The 2 Annual Frontiers in Medical AI Summit has been announced for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and will focus on physicians’ greatest needs including workflows, scheduling, scribing, and more.
The 2 Annual Research Symposium not only featured cutting edge research from KHSU faculty and students, but brought renowned researcher Dr. Jamie Fairclough, an expert in data science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Dr. Fairclough serves as Associate Dean and Professor at the Roseman College of Medicine, and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School’s Macy Institute. Dr. Fairclough proposed further engagement with KansasCOM students in her ongoing research, highlighting the strategic growth area of research and artificial intelligence
FY2025 Presidential Report
F u e l i n g G r o w t h , S e c u r i n g t h e F u t u r e
Ensure Financial Sustainability of the Institution Goal 3 Page 13
FY2025 Presidential Report
Ensure Financial Sustainability of the Institution
Deliver On-Target Budget and Secure Long-Term Funding
As of February 2025, KHSU remains $1.96 million ahead of budget and $0.86 million ahead of reforecast. To date, KHSU has consistently performed under budget by approximately $5 million since inception This positive financial position is the result of strong advancement efforts that were intentionally focused on obtaining budget relief dollars, higher-thananticipated tuition revenue due to increased enrollment, and careful stewardship of operational expenses.
Quarterly reforecasting practices allow leadership to anticipate shifts in cost o revenue and make timely adjustments. Planning is already underway for the FY2026 budget, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the April 29, 2025 meeting.
The budget is projected to outperform the original pro forma, generating a surplus of more than $1 million the first in the university’s history. As KHSU prepares to support two full cohorts of students on campus for the first time in Fall 2025, leadership continues to assess and align resources to meet the evolving needs of student support services, curricular growth, faculty development, and new instructional technologies
Elevate Fundraising Campaign Efforts Through Cultivating Strong Community Relations and Attracting Potential Donors
This year saw over $1.2 million in donor solicitations for key initiatives including the Biomedical Science Laboratory and expanded scholarship opportunities. Advancement efforts included strategic grant writing, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship campaigns. Many new donors have been attracted to supporting KHSU through the Kansas Community Service Tax Credit Program. This incentive program allows KHSU to offer a 50% tax credit for contributions toward the Biomedical Science Laboratory, providing a tangible outcome for these new and returning donors to support the work of the university.
KHSU’s advancement efforts continue to demonstrate strong momentum, particularly for an institution in the early stages of development and preaccreditation. The university currently maintains a 57% donor retention rate, reflecting the confidence and continued investment of supporters in KHSU’s mission and trajectory. In addition, a 14% new donor acquisition rate signals growing interest and engagement from individuals and organizations newly introduced to the institution’s impact. With a cost of $0.36 for every dollar raised, the advancement program is operating with strong fiscal efficiency while laying the groundwork for sustained philanthropic growth in the years ahead.
FY2025 Presidential Report
Elevate Fundraising Campaign Efforts Through Cultivating Strong Community Relations and Attracting
The “Here for Good” campaign is being launched through partnership with The Community Solution Education System, reinforcing KHSU’s mission-driven fundraising efforts. This campaign will showcase the values and mission of KHSU, while also reinforcing the longlasting impact on the future of healthcare in Kansas and beyond.
This year KHSU signed two additional 3+4 agreements with Wichita State University and Hesston College. These agreements allow a straightforward path for qualified Kansas students to finish their final year of undergraduate studies during their first year at KansasCOM. Not only does this serve as a student pipeline development tool, but also reinforces the university’s commitment to the future of Kansas healthcare.
Potential Donors
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FY2025 Presidential Report
Expand Government Relations Across the State to Further Build Brand Awareness and Advocacy Efforts to Support Mission
The university’s advocacy strategy has expanded significantly. The Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship increased by $2.2 million last year reflecting legislative confidence in the program and the growing demand for physicians across the state. Through ongoing advocacy and relationship building, KHSU helped secure an additional $1 million to the scholarship in both House and Senate budgets this year Full approval is expected and, if passed, the funding will be established as a recurring line item in the state budget, paving the way for consistent future support. This is a significant milestone in our history to be able to mobilize the statehouse to include a recurring line item for future years to come is a remarkable achievement and one to which we should all be proud!
University leaders regularly engage state and federal officials, offering testimony, hosting campus tours, and participating in healthcare workforce development coalitions. These efforts build visibility and open doors for funding, policy changes, and long-term program sustainability. Students also remain engaged at the state level by showcasing their research and participating in advocacy efforts in Topeka Most recently, twelve KansasCOM students welcomed elected officials and their staff for Donuts with DOs a time to connect with legislators and learn about the impact of government on medical practice
Gratitude, Collaboration, and Continued Success
The past year has marked a defining chapter in Kansas Health Science University’s growth one shaped by intentional progress across accreditation, curriculum innovation, student success, and institutional identity. These achievements reflect the collective dedication of faculty, staff, students, and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance the university’s mission. From securing legislative support and expanding the donor base to strengthening academic outcomes and fostering a valuesdriven culture, each milestone reflects a shared commitment to excellence. The accomplishments detailed throughout this report are a testament to what can be achieved through focused vision, collaborative leadership, and unwavering belief in the purpose of this work.
As KHSU looks ahead, the momentum continues. The university will welcome another full cohort of student doctors while guiding its inaugural class through the final phase of clinical rotations and toward graduation. Key priorities for the coming year include expanding donor engagement, strengthening strategic and government partnerships, advancing the use of transformative technologies, and sustaining academic excellence With each step forward, KHSU remains committed to developing future physicians who lead with knowledge, purpose, and empathy positively impacting the health of communities across Kansas and beyond.
