Making solid, long-lasting connections is an integral part of a higher education learning experience. Friends University administration, faculty and staff work to connect with employers, community leaders and services that will enhance the student experience and help prepare them for what comes next.
President’s Advisory Council
Below are the members of the President’s Advisory Council, who are featured in the above image.
- Ebony Clemons (’07)-Ajibolade (’05) – Evergy, Sr. Economic Development Manager
- Paul Attwater- Morgan Stanley and Company, Senior Vice President
- Brooke Bennett Aziere (’00)- Foulston Siefkin LLP; Partner
- Fred Berry – Berry Companies, Inc., Chairman Emeritus
- Sean Cash – Friends University, Assistant Chair, Division of Business, Assistant Professor of Marketing
- Rob Ramseyer, Friends University, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion
- Angie Elliott (’98) – Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, Vice President
- Teketa Harding (’02)- Capital Federal Savings Bank, Community Development Manager
- Ben Hutton (’08) – Hutton, CEO
- Stan Shelden – Shelden Architecture, President
- Dyan Thornton (’88) – IMA, inc., Vice President
- Javier Villegas- Family First Insurance Alliance, President
- Damon Young (’13) – Kansas Leadership Center, Chief Business Officer
External events
If you are interested in bringing an external group to use Friends University facilities for meetings, camps, concerts or other events, please contact Janessa Waltemath, External Events Coordinator, via events@friends.edu or fill out our External Events Request form. Friends University is an active, private campus twelve months a year. While we are pleased to welcome guests to our campus, the University must first and foremost serve its students, faculty, and staff. Use of Friends University facilities should be for purposes that align with its mission, vision, and values. University facility access is limited to approved groups—requests that conflict and/or interfere with on-campus activities or which are not in the best interests of the University will not be granted. If you have any questions, please contact Janessa Waltemath: events@friends.edu and 316-295-5810.
Employer Relations
A large part of the education Friends University students receive is focused on putting their newfound knowledge and skills to use in the workforce. This is one reason our students and alumni are excellent candidates for employment in a wide variety of industries.
We know it can be difficult to find the right candidates, which is why we offer a free service called Handshake where employers can post open part-time, full-time, internship or temporary/seasonal positions and students and alumni can search for positions that match their skills.
Employers also are invited to set up an information table in the Casado Campus Center to discuss their organizations and opportunities with students.
On-campus interview days also are available to be coordinated with the Career Services office. This is a great way for employers to meet with many of our exceptional candidates in one afternoon or day and select an individual that is the best fit for your organization.
Contact Career Services to learn more about student-employer relations.
Corporate Partner Agreement
Friends University is pleased to offer a corporate partner agreement to your company and your employees. We know that you’re interested in the retention and growth of your employees which is why we would like to help you with your educational efforts.
Visit the Corporate Partner Agreement page to learn more.
Community Service
Friends University works to enrich not only its students, but also its communities as a whole. We offer diverse entertainment, service and opportunities to people throughout the state of Kansas and beyond.
Enrichment opportunities include our fine arts performances, counseling, the Garvey Lecture Series, athletic events, and our service leadership through Campus Ministries.
Friends University offers a variety of lifelong learning opportunities for students and community members as well. We offer workshops, seminars and special events in addition to our traditional college programs that help individuals expand their knowledge and gain insight into the world through our continuing education in Kansas.
Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation
The Christian Spiritual Formation Institute has three basic aims: offer a high-quality, hands-on undergraduate degree; minister to existing churches and organizations that are wanting to learn about Christian formation; work together with existing organizations in order to expand the field of formation.
Ministers’ Seminar
For nearly 60 years, Friends University’s Department of Religion and Philosophy has presented a day-long seminar in Wichita that is geared toward clergy, church staff, chaplains, students preparing for careers in ministry or counseling, and interested laypersons.
Noontime Forums
The Marriage and Family Therapy Department in Wichita offers noontime lectures on a wide range of topics related to the mental health field. Learn more.
Teacher Education Workshops
Each summer, fall and spring, we offer graduate-level workshops for teachers interested in professional development or licensing/certificate renewal at our Wichita campus or Kansas City and Topeka Education Centers.
Center on Family Living
The mission of the Friends University Center on Family Living (CFL) is to provide compassionate and affordable therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families. To read more about the Center on Family Living, visit the Center on Family Living page.
Friendship Fields
Friendship Fields is a program associated with Friends University that allows college-age adults with disabilities to experience college life while also offering Friends University students the opportunity to work with special needs students. Students enroll in Friendship Fields because they want to go to college and Friends University truly believes lifelong learning and social interaction is important for everyone. To learn more, visit the Friendship Fields page.
Wichita Community Children’s Choir
The Wichita Community Children’s Choir is dedicated to leading children to learn and perform beautiful choral music. Directed by Mrs. Jill Wiechman, the WCCC is a select group of treble singers in grades 4-8 from Wichita and the surrounding community. Members of the choir strive to achieve the highest level of choral artistry and to discover the joy of singing together through energetic, challenging rehearsals and inspiring, joy-filled performances.
The choir was founded in 1992 by Marilyn Killian and Barbara Bowers. Past performances of the choir include performances with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, with opera legend Samuel Ramey, and at state, regional and national music conferences. Friends University has been the host institution since the choir’s inception.
For rehearsal times and more information, visit www.wcccks.com.