Washburn University: Location, Campus, and Community

Washburn University, formally Washburn University of Topeka, stands as a public university located in Topeka, Kansas, in the heart of the USA. Founded in 1865, Washburn operates on the principle that all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or family income, deserve the right to pursue education. The university's motto, "non nobis solum," reflects these foundational principles, emphasizing service to others.

A History of Accessibility and Growth

Originally established as "Lincoln College" in February 1865, Washburn University was chartered by the State of Kansas and the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas. Abolitionist John Ritchie donated the land for the college. In 1868, the institution was renamed "Washburn College" after Ichabod Washburn pledged $25,000 to the school. On February 6, 1941, Topeka citizens voted to designate Washburn as a municipal university, a public institution primarily supported by local government.

Campus Overview: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Washburn University is home to approximately 6,700 students and 1,000 faculty across its traditional 160-acre residential campus and three tech campuses in Topeka, Kansas. The traditional campus, located at 17th Street and College Ave, also houses the School of Law. The university prides itself on affordability and academic excellence, offering dozens of degree and certificate programs.

Campus features include a modernized welcome center, state-of-the-art facilities such as the KBI Forensic Science Center, Lincoln Hall (a residence hall), the Indoor Athletics Facility, and White Concert Hall. Washburn is less than two miles from the State Capitol building and downtown Topeka, providing students access to jobs, internships, and entertainment.

Washburn Tech

Washburn Tech provides educational opportunities at three locations in Topeka. The main campus, located at 5724 SW Huntoon St., just east of Wanamaker Road, comprises seven buildings with classrooms, lab space, and shop facilities. It also features the Ichabod Shop at Tech, Advantage Center, Conference Center, and numerous meeting spaces. Washburn Tech East, a new facility that opened in 2019, is located at 2014 SE Washington and offers training in manufacturing, healthcare, construction trades, and the General Education Diploma (GED), as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas program (AO-K) enables students to work toward their GED while acquiring technical training. The Washburn Tech Academy of Cosmetology, located at 109 SW 29th St., houses the cosmetology program and offers a salon open to the public.

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Academics and Programs

Washburn University offers more than 200 academic programs through the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Law, Business, Nursing and Applied Studies. These programs include certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master's, and juris doctor degrees.

Students taking a full course load must enroll in at least 12 semester credit hours, typically four courses meeting three hours per week. A maximum of 15 semester credit hours can be taken as part of an exchange program.

Community Engagement and Experiential Learning

The Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is committed to developing leaders through high-impact community-engaged learning, empowering students to become global citizens who support the creation of thriving, just communities. The Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Initiative supports faculty in developing community-engaged learning courses and experiences, engaging in community-based participatory research and scholarship, and building strong, sustainable relationships with community partners.

The university offers several programs focused on community engagement, including:

Bonner Leader Program: Students who successfully complete the program earn two academic recognitions on their transcript: Bonner Leader Honors and a WTE in Community & Civic Engagement recognition. The program components overlap with the 18-credit hour minor in Community Studies, making it easier for members to complete the minor.
Community and Civic Engagement WTE: Students complete at least 300 hours of combined community and/or civic engagement, training, and reflection with a community organization, followed by a public presentation of their work. Upon successful completion, the CCEWTE designation appears on the student’s transcript, and they receive a medal at commencement.
Community Studies Minor: This interdisciplinary field focuses on the study of communities and the factors that influence their development, social structure, and wellbeing. It explores topics such as community organizing and development, social inequality and justice, social networks and relationships, health and wellbeing, and cultural diversity.

Student Life and Activities

Washburn University offers a vibrant campus life with more than 100 on-campus clubs and organizations, as well as enriching events and festivals. Students can participate in Greek life, volunteering, clubs, and recreation. The university also competes in 16 men’s and women’s sports in NCAA Division II.

There are five different options for students to live in at Washburn, with two primarily for incoming freshmen. The Living Learning Center (LLC) is primarily for incoming freshmen and is connected to the Ichabod shop and the Memorial Union. The dorm rooms are double occupancy with two rooms sharing a bathroom. Each hall has a Resident Assistant (RA) whose primary goal is to help students emotionally or with academic problems.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Washburn University is committed to providing affordable education. For the academic year, in-state tuition is $9,578, while out-of-state tuition is $20,582. Additional costs include room and board ($10,759) and books and supplies ($970).

The average net price, which is the actual cost students pay after taking into account grants and scholarships, is $14,198. Washburn University students have many financial aid options available, including work-study, student loans, grants, and scholarships. The Washburn University Financial Aid Office assists students with the process of applying for and receiving financial aid. In total, Washburn provides $16,057,928 in needs-based scholarships/grants and $2,352,255 in non-need-based scholarships/grants.

Campus Safety and Resources

Washburn University prioritizes campus safety, providing 24-hour security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hour escort safety rides, and a mobile campus emergency alert system.

The university also offers resources to support students, including LGBTQIA student resource groups, cultural student resource groups, and disability housing.

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A Look Back: Historical Events

Washburn University has a rich history, marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 1913, the medical department of Washburn College closed following a scandal involving the theft of bodies from local cemeteries for anatomical study in 1895. On June 8, 1966, a tornado devastated much of the campus, destroying trees and buildings. However, the university quickly recovered, holding summer classes at Topeka West High School and repairing Stoffer Hall by the fall of 1966.

Governance and Leadership

Washburn University is governed by a nine-member board of regents. Three members, who must be residents of Kansas, are appointed by the governor. Three residents of Topeka, one from each of the state senatorial districts, are appointed by the mayor. One member is the mayor or a member of the city's governing body designated by the mayor. The Shawnee County Commission appoints one member, who must be a resident of Shawnee County but not of Topeka. The Kansas Board of Regents annually selects one of its members to serve on the Washburn Board.

Athletics

The Washburn athletic teams are called the Ichabods. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II, primarily competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since the 1989-90 academic year. The "Ichabods" nickname is named after the university's contributor Ichabod Washburn. Prior to the 2013-14 season, the women's athletic teams were known as the "Lady Blues".

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