Member Minute with Dr. Amy Carey, President of Friends University

Dr. Amy Carey, President
Friends University
2100 W University Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
(316) 295-5000
Follow at @FriendsU on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram

Share a little bit about your organization.
Friends University is a Christian University of Quaker heritage that serves approximately 1,800 traditional age and adult students each year. We employ nearly 500 people. Our mission is to foster transformation as we seek to integrate our student's academic, spiritual, and professional lives. We are about whole person development. 

What do you find most valuable about Chamber membership?
Our membership helps us participate in the important business development work happening in our city. It keeps us informed and engaged in the business community. Also, it's a great way to network with other business leaders.

Describe your organization's most recent success or an important upcoming event.
We are pleased to announce that we have the largest incoming new student class in nearly a decade. Our freshman class is up 20% this year and all new and transfer students are up by 6%. Likewise, our graduate programs have also seen a significant increase this fall. Students are happy to be back on campus! Please join me on September 29 at 7:30 a.m. for Breakfast with the President at Friends University or in a virtual format as I share the state of the university and the impact Friends has in our community. To sign up for this free event RSVP to Jessica Boone at (316) 295-5900 or jessica_boone@friends.edu.

To what do you attribute your success?
Our faculty and staff are committed to Friends University because of our important mission. It's more than a job. It's a calling. We have developed a culture of a "can do" spirit and it's exciting to see everyone working together to reach our goals.

What is something people may not know about your organization?
Friends University offers a nationally known Bachelor of Zoo Science program that draws students from across the country. Students participate in classes at the Sedgwick County Zoo. We were one of the first universities in Kansas to offer adult bachelor’s degree programs designed specifically for working adults. Friends University also has the only college football team in Wichita.

What differentiates you from others who provide similar services?
Our Christian mission and whole person development differentiates us from other colleges and universities. Workforce training is important and we believe it's necessary to educate students beyond the first job, for their entire career as capable problem solvers, ethical leaders, and thoughtful communicators. Most importantly, we recognize each student’s God-given potential. We foster a climate that nurtures the soul. We have a unique campus culture that promotes a strong commitment to our faith and inclusion, two values that are sometimes difficult to integrate in today's society.

What has Chamber membership brought to you and your organization?
Our membership has brought us a connection to the city and to other businesses. We feel included in the work of the Chamber and that's important.  Additionally, we have benefited from the Nexus health care program.

What's your favorite podcast?
My favorite podcast is Things Above. It's produced at Friends University by professor, speaker, and best-selling author, Dr. James Bryan Smith. This podcast has brought a bit of Wichita to the nation and the world with over 450,000 downloads in just the first 1 1/2 years of production.  So if you need a little encouragement in these challenging times, check out Things Above.