While the last two years have brought unprecedented challenges, the College of Applied
Studies (CAS) continues to be highly successful in its work to be an essential educational,
economic and cultural driver for Kansas and the greater public good. The stories that
follow in this annual report highlight many of the most significant developments within
the college in 2021. In addition to those stories, I’d like to offer a few additional
comments about the many positive things happening within the CAS.
Our college has enjoyed its highest enrollments ever in 2020 and 2021. Now serving more than 2,600 students, the CAS has led the university in enrollment growth over the last decade. We are seeing particularly strong growth in Counseling and Special Education, graduate programs preparing students for professions in which our community is experiencing profound need. And our Teacher Apprentice Program™, customized to provide paraeducators with a streamlined pathway to licensure as teachers of record, is the largest undergraduate degree program at the university.
One of the most exciting aspects of our enrollment growth is the growth that we are seeing in students from traditionally under-represented groups. For the first time this fall, more than half of our college’s undergraduate students identified as being first generation. And overall, more than 25% of our students reported being from an under-represented racial/ethnic group. We recognize we need to continue to diversify our college’s students, faculty and staff, and we are committed to sustaining that work.
Of course, our college’s educational impact is not limited to our degree-bound students. The CAS’s Corbin Connect program continues to provide varied professional development for area practitioners with opportunities for graduate credit at market-based tuition rates. Powered by a deep partnership with Credit Union of America, Corbin Connect expanded its programming in 2021 and is poised to move in new and exciting directions in the year ahead. The college has also reactivated our Center for Research and Evaluative Services (CRES) and are engaging in interdisciplinary research partnerships through the CRES team’s important work.
Speaking of new directions, our college is the new home of the WSU Varsity Esports program. CAS and Esports are a great fit given our expertise and programs in Sport Management. But we anticipate growing linkages with our education programs as well. Esports is one of the most exciting aspects of digital transformation in education with significant potential as a pedagogical tool in support of soft skill development and student motivation.
In closing, I return to the opening sentence about unprecedented challenges. All of this important work and the impressive results have occurred in the midst of a once-a-century pandemic and all its related difficulties (e.g., economic, mental health). Yet our students, faculty, staff and partners have met the moment with commitment, determination and perseverance. My deepest appreciation to all who play a role in our success. Thank you for enabling the CAS to make a difference.
Dr. G. Clayton (Clay) Stoldt
Interim Dean