By Tisa Mason
I am grateful for the incredible community I am honored to serve—our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alums, and friends of Tiger Nation whose professionalism, resilience, gift for innovation, and commitment to our shared ethic of care have created a culture at this university that continually fuels our success.
As we welcome 2025 with all of its promises, I will remember the year 2024 for the critical strategic partnerships we launched, the generosity of legislators and philanthropists, and the bold steps forward this university community took, which made it a driver of innovation and growth for the people, businesses, and communities of rural Kansas.
January: Addressing the Nursing Shortage with Community Partnerships
In response to a national nursing crisis—marked by the loss of over 100,000 nurses during the pandemic and a projected shortfall of more than 18,000 registered nurses in Kansas alone by 2026—Fort Hays State University forged a guaranteed admission program with the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. Signed on January 19, this memorandum ensures that graduates from Kansas community colleges have secure pathways to continue their nursing education at FHSU, a critical step toward strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural areas.
March: Accreditation Achievement and Celebrating 25 Years of Discovery
In March, we proudly received a reaffirmation of our accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a testament to our consistent quality in education.
We also celebrated 25 years of discovery at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, marked by free admission and an opportunity to contribute to the Curtis Schmidt Zoological Collections Endowment, highlighting our dedication to research and community engagement.
April: Transformational Renovation of Forsyth Library and Online Quality Reaffirmation
April marked the commencement of an exciting $28 million renovation of Forsyth Library, a transformational project aimed at modernizing our resources and solidifying the library's role as a hub for academic and cultural engagement. Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams noted that this is "more than a construction project; it's an investment in the future of learning at FHSU."
Additionally, we proudly earned our five-year Quality Standards certification from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), further affirming our commitment to excellence in online education.
May: Legislative Support for Growth and Innovation
May brought extraordinary support from the Kansas Legislature, including $15 million for the expansion of Stroup Hall and $400,000 for staffing enhancements. We also introduced a new certification program for telemental health providers. We secured $250,000 over five years for this initiative and $750,000 over five years to launch our Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) unit to upskill and reskill the workforce. Additionally, we obtained a $3 million federal investment through U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for health-related programs focused on advanced technology and simulation equipment.
June: Prestigious Carnegie Foundation Recognition
Fort Hays State University was honored as one of only 25 institutions nationwide to receive the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This accolade highlights institutions that demonstrate a strong dedication to community engagement, social responsibility, and fostering civic skills among college students. This recognition celebrates our robust partnerships with local communities, leadership in addressing public issues, and focus on preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.
July: Historic Educational Affiliation Approval
The Higher Learning Commission's approval of our change of control application marked a historic moment for FHSU. This strategic alignment with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College enhances our capacity to serve rural communities, further enriching the educational landscape in our region.
August: Enrollment Growth
Fall 2024 saw a positive trend in enrollment, with a total of 12,878 students at Fort Hays State University, marking a 9 percent increase in first-time undergraduate students and a 3 percent overall rise in our graduate student population. Notably, 78 percent of our domestic students hailed from Kansas, reflecting our commitment to serving our local communities.
September: Launching a New Strategic Plan
This fall, we transitioned from our five-year 2019-2024 strategic plan to "Unlocking Untapped Potential: 2024-2027." This roadmap is dedicated to collaborative and responsive planning, building on our strengths, and preparing for future challenges while focusing on innovation and excellence in education.
October: Groundbreaking for the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex
During Homecoming, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in our athletic programs, enhancing training opportunities and solidifying FHSU's leadership in sports medicine.
December: Hosting the Third Annual Western Ag Summit
On December 9, FHSU hosted the Western Kansas Ag Summit, emphasizing critical issues of water management and scarcity in agriculture. This event brought together experts and stakeholders to address Kansas farmers' and businesses' challenges, fostering sustainability in our agricultural communities.
2024 has been a transformative year for Fort Hays State University, defined by strategic partnerships, community impact, and a resolute commitment to innovation. As we look forward to 2025, I am excited about the future we collectively build for Tiger Nation and the communities we proudly serve. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey! Together, we will continue to enhance our educational landscape and make a lasting difference in the lives we touch.