| Newman University | |
| Former Names: | Sacred Heart College (1933–1973) Kansas Newman College (1973–1998) |
| Motto: | Caritas Christi urget nos (Latin) |
| Mottoeng: | The charity of Christ urges us |
| Type: | Private university |
| Founder: | Adorers of the Blood of Christ |
| Religious Affiliation: | Roman Catholic (Adorers of the Blood of Christ) |
| President: | Kathleen S. Jagger[1] |
| Provost: | Kimberly Long |
| Dean: | Lori Steiner |
| Academic Staff: | 207 |
| Students: | 3,736 |
| Undergrad: | 2,796 |
| Postgrad: | 940 |
| City: | Wichita |
| State: | Kansas |
| Country: | U.S. |
| Coordinates: | 37.6722°N -97.3783°W |
| Campus: | Urban 61acres |
| Sports Nickname: | Jets |
| Athletics Affiliations: | NCAA Division II – The MIAA |
| Mascot: | Johnny Jet |
Newman University is a private Roman Catholic university in Wichita, Kansas. It is named for John Henry Newman and was founded by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in 1933.
| Naming history | ||
| Years | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 19331950 | Sacred Heart Junior College | |
| 19501973 | Sacred Heart College | |
| 19731998 | Kansas Newman College | |
| 1998present | Newman University | |
| President | Institution name | Years of tenure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathleen S. Jagger | Newman University | 2020–present | |
| Noreen M. Carrocci | Newman University | 2007–2019[4] | |
| Aidan O. Dunleavy | Newman University | 2000–2006 | |
| Tarcisia Roths | Kansas Newman College, Newman University | 1991–2000 | |
| Timothy Duszynski | Kansas Newman College | 1989–1990 | |
| Robert J. Giroux | Kansas Newman College | 1982–1989 | |
| Rev. Roman S. Galiardi | Sacred Heart College, Kansas Newman College | 1971–1982 | |
| Sylvia Gorges | Sacred Heart College | 1961–1971 | |
| Mary Hilary Yoggerst | Sacred Heart College | 1954–1961 | |
| Rev. Edward P. McCarthy | Sacred Heart College | 1950–1954 | |
| Rev. Charles A. Smith | Sacred Heart Junior College | 1946–1950 | |
| Rev. Leon A. McNeill | Sacred Heart Junior College | 1933–1946 |
The main buildings of Newman University are all dedicated to someone important in Newman's history.
The Fine Arts Center is named after Maria De Mattias, the founder of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Maria taught herself to write and subsequently taught those from her local area who could not afford an education.[5] Other figures from the history of the university have also had buildings named after them at Newman, such as Monsignor Leon A. McNeill, who was the first president of Newman as a college.[6]
In 2010 Newman University began construction on the Bishop Gerber Science Center which now houses state-of-the-art science labs and classrooms. The project was completed in 2017.
The Gymnasium is named after the O’Shaughnessy family which has made generous donations towards Newman and were the lead donors for the athletic department. The family also supports scholarships and other buildings around campus such as De Mattias Fine Arts Hall.[7]
The Dugan Library and conference center was named after John E. and Marilyn K. Dugan of Wichita for their donation of $2 million after the previous library was demolished.[8]
| Name of Building[9] | Function Of Building | |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart | Administration, Campus Ministry, Financial Aid Services, Human Resources, Learning Center, St. John's Chapel, Classrooms, and Computer Lab | |
| Dugan Library and Student Center | Alumni Center, Library, Computers, Student Center | |
| Eck Hall | Classrooms, Nursing Department | |
| Bishop Gerber Science Center | Sciences and Lab classrooms | |
| McNeill Hall | Professors Offices | |
| Mabee Dining Center | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
| De Mattias Fine Arts Center | Black Box Theater, Performance Hall, Steckline Gallery, Gorges Atruim, and Classrooms | |
| O'Shaughnessy Hall | Gymnasium |
These students dedicate their time to touring campus with potential students. Those who visit to learn more about the university will interact with ambassadors for a large portion of their visit.[10]
Newman University has more than 30 active clubs and organizations ranging from The Multicultural Leadership Organization to a Disc Golf Club. Many students are inducted into nationally recognized academic organizations such as Pi Gamma Mu.
These communities provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership, promote awareness of issues, expand professional and personal competencies, and engage with Newman University and local communities outside of the classroom.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are individuals who make sure that students living in the residence halls are abiding by the rules of Newman University. RAs also make sure to interact with their residents and organize events throughout the year to help strengthen the residence hall community. The residence halls are listed below:[11]
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the whole student population at Newman University. Their main focus is to find ways in which to better the experience of students while they attend Newman University.[10]
Campus Ministry hosts faith-based events throughout the year with the help of campus ministers and student volunteers. Along with a daily Mass, the organization hosts events such as bible studies, liturgical lunches, game nights, and service trips.[10]
Many of the scholarships awarded at Newman have an annual community service requirement. The three main scholarships awarded with these requirements are ASC Community Leader, Saint Newman, and the Presidential Scholarship.
At Newman, the Saint Newman Scholarship is the highest academic award offered. The requirements include: 4.0 high school GPA, 30+ ACT, 64 community service hours annually, and 3.4 cumulative GPA while at Newman.
The Presidential Scholarship is $12,000 annually and awarded for high academic achievement. The requirements include: 3.8-3.9 high school GPA, 28-29 ACT, 64 community service hours annually, and must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA while at Newman.
The ASC Community Leader Scholarship is working to keep the mission of Newman and the mission of the founders, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, strong in the Newman community. ASC scholars participate in service and leadership classes as well as complete 90 hours of community service. The requirements include: 3.0 high school GPA, outstanding community service, interview, 90 hours community service annually, 4 years of service classes. Seniors are required to organize a Capstone project that consist of 45 hours (from the 90 hours) of community service.[12]
See main article: Newman Jets.
The Newman athletic teams are called the Jets. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for most of its sports as an associate member since the 2019–20 academic year (before achieving full member status in 2022–23); while its men's soccer team competes in the Great American Conference (GAC).[13] The Jets previously competed in the D-II Heartland Conference from 2006–07 to 2018–19; and in the defunct Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1999–2000 to 2005–06.
Newman competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, triathlon and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cheer & dance, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, triathlon and volleyball.
Newman University introduced their new mascot, “Johnny Jet” in September 2010.