INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Marian University proudly announces the transformative expansion of its health sciences programs, anchored by a generous $29 million lead gift from Julie Wood and the Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation. This initiative is part of Marian University's ambitious $150 million vision for health sciences, a key component of the larger $750 million Journey to 2030 strategic plan. To date, $53 million has been raised toward this health sciences goal, underscoring Marian’s commitment to addressing the critical need for healthcare professionals in Indiana.
“As an educational leader in Indiana and a national doctoral research university, Marian is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on the state healthcare workforce, “said President Daniel J. Elsener. “Our reputation for academic excellence, combined with our commitment to service and community, allows us to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. With the projected need for physicians, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, and other healthcare roles over the next 25 years, now is the time for bold action."
Indiana faces a serious shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in its rural communities. Rural areas, which account for 29 percent of the state's population, are home to only 13 percent of the state's physicians. Marian University is committed to addressing this challenge by expanding its programs and facilities, with a focus on increasing enrollment and enhancing the quality of education and training.
Key components of this initiative include:
- Expansion of the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine: Pending accreditor approval, increasing enrollment from 162 to 185 students per class to meet the growing demand for physicians, particularly in primary care.
- New Degree Programs: Launching innovative programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other rehabilitative healthcare services.
- Leighton School of Nursing Growth: Expanding undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, with new learning site locations.
- Enhanced Scholarship Programs: Offering robust scholarships for students in pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, and pre-occupational therapy programs.
- Expanded Research Opportunities: Strengthening research initiatives across all healthcare divisions to enhance teaching and learning.
- Increased Clinical Partnerships: Building new partnerships to provide students with diverse and high-quality clinical experiences.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME) Expansion: Developing GME programs to address the healthcare needs of Indiana and beyond.
- Facility Expansion: Expanding the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences to support growing healthcare programs.
Since its opening in 2013, the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine has significantly impacted healthcare in Indiana and the Midwest, with 67 percent of graduates participating in residency programs in Indiana and surrounding states. In 2023, the college celebrated over 1,000 graduates, with 79 percent of these physicians entering primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery, directly addressing critical physician shortages in underserved areas.
As Indy’s Catholic university, this expansion and faith-based approach nurtures future healthcare leaders who prioritize patients as people first, delivering care that is compassionate and holistic.
To support this transformative initiative and the Journey to 2030 strategic plan, visit marian.edu/give.
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About Marian University
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. Marian University established its Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, the state’s only school of osteopathic medicine, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also provides undergraduate associate and bachelor’s degrees at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Twitter.