Friends University’s new Graduate School dean plans to spend much of his early days with his ear to the ground.

“During my interview, I was asked about the first 100 days as the dean, and my response was to conduct a listening tour,” said Dr. David Hofmeister. “Consequently, I will start in July with questions in hand to get to know the very important people I serve and with whom I work.”

The city of Wichita and Sedgwick County celebrated the University’s history and dedication to graduate education by proclaiming April 2012 as Friends University Graduate Education Month.

Friends University’s Graduate School has instilled knowledge and integrity in future business and community leaders for 25 years. Dr. Evelyn Hume, dean of the Graduate School, accepted the proclamation honors at council meetings from Carl Brewer, mayor of the city of Wichita, and Tim Norton, chairman of the Sedgwick County Commissioners.

In an increasingly networked world, Friends University is extending another of its academic programs to an online format.

The Master of Science in Organization Development degree will be offered in a hybrid format, combining online classes with on-site residencies. During the two-year program, students will be required to attend two one-week residencies in Wichita and one international residency, with the rest of the course work completed online. 

From its modest beginnings of just 41 students and two programs, the Friends University Graduate School has bloomed into a booming academic enterprise with more than 700 students in 12 master’s degree programs.

As a pioneer in meeting the needs of adult learners, Friends University began offering its Master of Science in Family Therapy and Master of Science in Management in 1986. The University’s unique cohort format allows professional adults to meet once a week for 18-months to two years and earn graduate degrees, while still maintaining career and family obligations.

Dr. Robert Harvey, director of the Friends University Master of Health Care Leadership (MHCL) program, won a Health Care Educators award given by the Wichita Business Journal as part of its first Health Care Heroes awards. The Wichita Business Journal created the awards to celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication individuals and organizations provide in the health-care industry. Winners were chosen from about 70 nominees from letters of support written by Wichita-area people.

Friends University and Newton Medical Center have announced the establishment of a partnership to benefit students working in the health care industry. Beginning in early 2011, students will be able to complete courses in a hospital setting for the Master of Health Care Leadership (MHCL) program.

Friends University’s Graduate School will offer a Master of Business Administration in Accounting (MBAA) degree starting in August 2010. This degree is designed for students wishing to continue accounting courses past the bachelor’s degree level. The program’s purpose is to increase students’ skills in the functional areas of profit and non-profit organizations as well as prepare students for leadership positions in business.

Two Graduate School programs at Friends University will now offer students an opportunity to participate in a short-term, study-abroad experience toward the end of their programs.

“Given today’s global economy, it is imperative that business leaders have an understanding of how foreign companies operate and how we can compete,” said Dr. Evelyn Hume, dean of Friends University’s Graduate School. “We are excited to offer these new opportunities that give students first-hand experience working in a global environment.”

The gorgeous architecture of buildings, the enriching history, the aromas of tantalizing foods, the famous monuments and the overall atmosphere are some of the countless reasons to visit England and Scotland. Friends University will offer graduate students an opportunity to visit these two European countries.