When Newman University faculty and staff gathered for the annual fall institute on Aug. 12-13, the message from leadership was clear: Excellence at Newman isn’t measured by what we have but by how we transform lives with what we’ve been given.
“Here at Newman, we don’t just educate minds; we nurture souls,” President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, told the assembled community at the Dugan Gorges Conference Center. “We don’t simply teach subjects; we convey a sense of wonder and inspire lives of purpose.”
The two half-day in-service sessions, which are part of Newman’s traditional preparation for a new academic year, emphasized the university’s distinctive approach to higher education. This approach has remained consistent since the pioneering Sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ first opened the university’s doors in 1933.
Redefining excellence in higher education
In his remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs Alden Stout, Ph.D., challenged common perceptions of university excellence. He stated that Newman’s strength lies not in traditional metrics, but in its transformational impact on students.
“Excellence at Newman University is not measured by how much we have. It is measured by how well we use what we’ve been given,” Stout explained. “Excellence here is not about the number of programs we offer or the size of our faculty and staff; excellence at Newman is what happens when we turn scarcity into strength.”
This philosophy resonates strongly given Newman’s student body composition. Nearly half of Newman students are Pell Grant-eligible, many are first-generation college students and many work to pay for their education while remaining place-bound in Kansas.
“But here — at Newman — success is not pre-written. It’s earned,” Stout emphasized. “And it’s made possible by the work we do together.”
The transformation Stout described isn’t just theoretical.
“Transformation is what happens when a student walks through our doors unsure of who they are or what they’re capable of — and walks out ready to serve, to lead and to shape the world for the better,” he said.
Academic programs making community impact
Jagger highlighted the vital role Newman’s programs play in serving the broader community, particularly in health care.
“Our health care programs are not just strong, they are vital to our community. They produce compassionate nurses, skilled respiratory therapists, highly trained nurse anesthetists, dedicated sonographers and radiation technologists who are on the front lines of diagnosing and caring for the health of our communities.”
The university’s impact extends beyond health care.
“From data science and management to education, from the arts to the social sciences, from theology to our new doctoral graduates, our alumni are out there making their mark, leading with integrity and truly making a difference in the world,” Jagger noted.
External recognition validates mission
Newman’s approach is gaining recognition from key partners and collaborators across the region. Maeve Connolly of McAllister & Quinn, which has helped Newman secure more than $8.5 million in external funding, praised the institution’s distinctive character.
“Newman is distinct for its determined leadership, tenacity of mission and a faculty and staff that serve students with heart,” Connolly said. “Newman is willing to dream big while staying grounded in purpose.”
In southwest Kansas, where Newman has expanded its presence over the past few years, Ryan Ruda, president of Garden City Community College, has witnessed the university’s transformational impact firsthand. “Newman has answered the call to bring high-quality academic programs to southwest Kansas. You’ve helped turn a higher education desert into an oasis.”
Mike Racy, commissioner of the MIAA, highlighted Newman’s unique position in collegiate athletics.
“Newman’s light shines bright,” he said. “As the only private university in the MIAA, you stand out. Your student-athletes balance academics, athletics and community engagement.”
Innovation and technology leadership
Fall Institute also showcased Newman’s commitment to innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and data science. President Jagger recognized the university for “leading the region and beyond in areas such as AI applications in higher education and data science and analytics.”
David Cochran, dean of the School of Business & Technology was specifically highlighted as a “catalyst to forming a community of data entrepreneurs that meet regularly with students and local business leaders on our campus.” The institute included dedicated sessions on the “Innovative and Responsible Use of AI in Teaching, Campus Processes and Activities.”
The university also celebrated the successful transition to its new Jenzabar One (J-1) student data system, led by Icer Vaughn and Val Hennings. This massive undertaking required commitment from individuals across the campus community. The process began in 2023 and is scheduled to launch later this fall with the full migration to J-1.
Points of pride and growth
Several achievements were highlighted during the institute, reflecting Newman’s continued growth and adaptation:
- Enrollment Growth: Vice President of Enrollment Michael Probus revealed recruiting for new undergraduate students has increased more than 30% (from 2024) and is substantially above goal. New graduate students’ enrollment stood at 143 and the overall headcount was 1,350.
- Note: Numbers reported were as of Aug. 12. Advanced Standing Student (high school students taking Newman college credits/classes) enrollment is not included in the overall headcount. Those students enroll later in the fall. Final enrollment numbers are not determined until the 20th day of the new term.
- Seminary Program Expansion: The university has welcomed 25 new seminarians from the Wichita, Salina and Dodge City dioceses, demonstrating the quality and reputation of Newman’s theology and philosophy programs. Including returners and remote learners from the Little Rock, Arkansas, diocese, Newman will be educating well over 40 young men in its philosophy of theological studies program in 2025-26.
- Athletic Excellence: Six new coaches and a new director have joined the Newman athletic program, looking to continue Newman’s commitment to competitive excellence.
- Academic Innovation: Faculty have undertaken core curriculum revisions and implemented new annual evaluation processes.
- Campus Beauty: Recognition went to housekeeping, maintenance, grounds crew and student summer workers for maintaining Newman’s beautiful campus environment.
Strengthening Catholic identity
In her address during the institute, Jagger announced that Pope Leo XIV has confirmed that St. John Henry Newman will soon be conferred the title of Doctor of the Universal Church.
“This validates the philosophy of education we have adopted at Newman and strengthens our Catholic Identity,” she said.
“For nearly a century, this university has been a beacon in the heartland — a place where faith and reason dance together, where service isn’t just a label but a way of life, and where every student is seen, visibly valued and regularly challenged to become their best,” Jagger said.
Looking forward – #NUExcellence
As the new academic year begins, both Jagger and Stout emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the excellence that already exists within the Newman community.
“Newman’s light is real. It shines. And it should not be hidden,” Stout urged faculty and staff.
After community members spent time at their tables discussing examples of excellence and transformation at the university, Stout challenged them to share stories they witness this coming academic year by using a new hashtag, #NUExcellence.
Jagger added, “Excellence can’t happen unless every staff, administrator and faculty member is also seen, valued and challenged. At Newman, we know this to be true daily. I am proud to work among colleagues who step up when and wherever there is a need.”
Call to action: Be salt and light
Jagger believes Newman University is special with a unique mission.
“I am extremely proud of the diverse and welcoming community we have built here. It is a place where every voice matters, where different perspectives enrich our discussions and where you’ll feel a strong sense of community no matter where you come from,” she said.
She concluded with a call to action rooted in the university’s spiritual foundation: “May we all be salt and light as Christ taught us during his Sermon on the Mount, and as St. John Henry Newman and St. Maria de Mattias have exemplified.”
Her final message to the community was both simple and profound: “Be proud, be grateful, be excellent, be salt and light!”
