Wichita State University was the No. 1 destination for students transferring from Kansas community colleges to traditional state institutions in both 2011 and 2012, according to data from the Kansas Board of Regents.

KBOR’s analysis showed that Wichita State enrolled 24 percent of the 4,362 community college transfer students in 2011 and raised that percentage to nearly 25 percent of the 4,516 transfer students in 2012.

Kansas State followed in 2012 with 23.4 percent, Kansas with 20.5 percent, Fort Hays State with 10.6 percent, Emporia State with 7.5 percent and Pittsburg State with 6.7 percent.

Neal Hoelting, community college coordinator in the Office of Admissions, said many factors make WSU attractive to students, including the urban location, diverse student population and quality academic programs, but he credits the institution’s exceptional customer service as being the leading factor.

“All the things we do are designed to create the smoothest transition possible for the students,” said Hoelting. “We have to stay aggressive in terms of meeting their needs and letting them know they’re important to us.”

The university uses a variety of outreach methods to establish relationships with community colleges and transfer students. One especially effective outreach tool is advisor lunches, which send Wichita State officials to the surrounding community colleges, allowing for conversations with senior academic officials from WSU and community colleges.

Transfer students have a long history of success at Wichita State, according to Bobby Gandu, director of Admissions.

“I’ve known transfers who were elected president of our Student Government Association, some who were chosen as WSU Senior Honor Men and Women and numerous others who served as student ambassadors,” Gandu said. “We’re proud to be the No. 1 transfer destination in the state of Kansas.”

In fact, according to additional data provided by the Kansas Board of Regents, more students transfer from the other five regents universities to Wichita State than to any other Kansas university.

“Wichita State has a proven record of helping students reach their educational and professional goals,” said Gandu. “Even if they don’t start at Wichita State, transfer students find their way to WSU, and we’re thrilled our community can play a role in their successes.”