Washburn Now

“Bold,” is how Washburn University President Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek describes the school’s current trajectory. With notable wins in its back pocket—and more growth on the horizon—Washburn is making strides to improve the campus experience and student outcomes, aligning its success with Topeka and Shawnee County’s Momentum 2027 strategy.

Under Mazachek’s leadership, Washburn has expanded access to higher education through initiatives like the Shawnee County Promise program and Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship, which remove financial barriers for local students to pursue technical or university degrees. These efforts ensure more community residents can achieve their educational goals, while strengthening the region’s workforce. Washburn’s commitment to developing students directly supports Momentum 2027’s vision for a thriving community and encourages graduates to stay, lead, and build their futures in Topeka.

Recent investments are further transforming Washburn’s campuses. Projects include the imminent renovation of Advisors Excel Hall, a new state-of-the-art building on the main campus, and the construction of Washburn Tech North—a training center designed to meet Kansas’ fastest-growing industry needs. These facilities, made possible by community and donor support, will ensure students gain hands-on experience in world-class learning environments. By preparing graduates to “hit the ground running,” Washburn University continues to be a vital partner in shaping Topeka’s future and driving the success of Momentum 2027.