Dr. Carey will serve as chair of the Audit Committee, where she will oversee the association’s financial accounting processes, internal controls, independent auditors, conflict of interest policies and other related matters.

“I am grateful to serve on the Executive Committee for NAICU and to have the opportunity to advocate for issues related to higher education at the national level,” said Dr. Carey. “It’s a privilege to represent �鶹��Ƶ and our wonderful private institutions in Kansas, and work alongside talented leaders throughout the country.”

This position is elected by the NAICU Board of Directors and consists of the officers, the past board chair, the chairs of the four policy committees, and two at-large members. Seven committees report to the NAICU board; four address public policy issues and are composed of board members and selected members from the Committees on Accountability, Student Aid, Policy Analysis and Public Relations, and Tax Policy.

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The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the spectrum of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. NAICU’s member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other Minority-Serving Institutions, art and design colleges, conservatories of music, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions.

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

The post �鶹��Ƶ��President�� appointed as Chair��in��Executive Committee for NAICU appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

Kater��is an��‘88 and ‘90 �鶹��Ƶ��alumnus��and has previously dedicated��18 impactful years of service to��the��institution, including��in��the��Student Life department.��He’s��also the son��of the late Jack Kater, a beloved �鶹��Ƶ athletic director, men’s basketball��coach��and golf coach at Friends, and��who was honored��by��“Jack Kater Court”��in��the��Garvey Physical Education Center.��

Kater��joins��from the Wichita State University Foundation, where he served successfully��since 2008,��most recently as the Senior Vice President for Development.��He has��held the titles of director of development for planned giving, senior director of development for planned giving and annual fund and vice president for development��throughout��his career.��In addition to the VP of Student Life role,��Kater��will support advancement efforts through his planned giving��expertise.

“Darin brings a wealth of experience in higher education and years of executive leadership back to his alma mater, paired with a deep passion for �鶹��Ƶ and its Christian mission,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, President of �鶹��Ƶ. 

Kater is married to his wife, Tara, a former high school educator, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. His volunteer interests include coaching youth sports and serving in various teaching and administrative positions at his church. He has held memberships with the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, Wichita Estate Planning Council, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Association of Fundraising Professionals and served as president of Rotary Club of East Wichita. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

The post �鶹��Ƶ��names�� Darin Kater��as Vice President of Student Life�� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

This track was created from a portion of the fund received from the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (KBHCE), an institution that was formed to address the growing shortage in mental health clinics in Kansas by increasing the number of clinicians and removing barriers that make it challenging to practice.  

The addiction counseling track will equip students to support individuals and families affected by addiction through evidence-based treatment, compassion and a commitment to long-term recovery. Students will pursue licensure, as well as work in diverse settings, including private practice, substance abuse clinics, group practices and hospitals. Offered as an online degree option, the track is designed to fit around work, family and other responsibilities.  

Scholarships for the addiction counseling track will be available for new students as part of the KBHCE grant. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

The post �鶹��Ƶ��introduces addiction counseling track in��psychology��degree program�� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

The evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency and objectivity. 

�鶹��Ƶ has been recognized for the following 2026 awards: 

Best Online Master’s in Health Services Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs | Ranked 6
Best Online MBA Programs | Ranked 12
Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs | Ranked 32
Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs | Ranked 49

This recognition underscores �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education designed to meet the demands of modern industries and support long-term student success. 

About �鶹��Ƶ  

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

About OnlineMasters.com 

OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to evaluating accredited online master’s programs across the United States. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates independently to ensure objectivity and methodological integrity. 

Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. The platform’s mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education. 

To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com. 

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The post OnlineMasters.com Ranks Multiple �鶹��Ƶ Programs Among Best in the U.S. for 2026�� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

“We are excited to provide an affordable opportunity for landlocked students in Kansas to gain hands-on experience in marine science,” DISL University Programs’ Chair Dr. Lee Smee said. 

Faculty from �鶹��Ƶ will also have opportunities to engage in collaborative research initiatives and utilize DISL’s facilities to advance scientific understanding of the Gulf Coast region. Registration for �鶹��Ƶ students is set to begin in Spring 2027. 

This partnership further reinforces DISL’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality coastal education while creating new opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and to contribute to research supporting the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. 

“I’m very excited about our partnership with Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Our students are going to have the ability to learn from experts in the field of marine science, get incredible experiential learning opportunities, and have a truly transformational learning experience,” said �鶹��Ƶ’s associate professor of biology Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter. 

More about Dauphin Island Sea Lab 

Currently, DISL partners with 21 Alabama colleges and universities through the Established by the Alabama Legislature in 1971, MESC was created to reduce redundancy in marine science education across the state. DISL is not a degree-granting institution but supports students in fulfilling undergraduate and graduate degree requirements through their home campuses.��

More about �鶹��Ƶ 

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

The post �鶹��Ƶ and Dauphin Island Sea Lab announce partnership for Conservation Science degree appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

Wichita, KS— �鶹��Ƶ has been named a 2026-2027 Military Friendly School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2026-2027 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard. 

�鶹��Ƶ offers retired and honorably discharged military, Kansas Army and Air National Guard a 10% discount as a thank you for their service. 

“Our military service members have done so much for our country,” said Preston Todd, vice president of enrollment management. “We are committed to giving them the opportunity to earn an education at a discounted rate, while attending a private, faith-based university. It is an honor to be included on the Military Friendly list once again.” 

For more information about �鶹��Ƶ’s student veteran programs, visit our website at /admissions/costs-financial-aid/veterans/. To see �鶹��Ƶ’s page on the Military Friendly site, visit  

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

The post �鶹��Ƶ Earns 2026-2027��Military Friendly School Designation���� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

In the wake of a nationwide mental health epidemic, Kansas has seen an increasing shortage in mental health clinics. To address this issue, a group of universities and mental health providers have formed The Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, which aims to increase the number of clinicians entering the workforce and remove barriers that make it challenging to practice in Kansas. 

�鶹��Ƶ’s Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Ken Stoltzfus, has been serving as a founding member and representative for �鶹��Ƶ among the KBHCE.  

A portion of this near-million-dollar budget request will also help �鶹��Ƶ develop an addiction counseling track within the psychology major, as well as provide scholarship support for students who pursue that degree. Dr. Stoltzfus is excited to see what impact these funds will have on future students and the community at large. 

The Center on Family Living was established in 1978 with a grant from the Lilly Foundation to provide family education and support, primarily providing services through the local church. Today, the university seeks to re-establish that founding vision with the goal of bringing hope and healing to families. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /  

The post �鶹��Ƶ’s��Marriage and Family Therapy��Receives��a��Near Million Dollars in Program Support�� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

To view our list of 2026 summer school courses,

*There is a $75 technology fee per course. Some courses may have additional fees.

General Education Requirements can be viewed on the

Please contact our admissions department at admissions@friends.edu or call 316-295-5100.

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#1 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program in Kansas: 
  

�鶹��Ƶ offers three distinctive MBA pathways, each designed to meet the diverse goals of today’s professionals. With efficient course sequencing, each MBA can be completed in under two years, while online options offer the flexibility needed for professionals to specialize in one of six optional concentrations without interrupting their careers.  

To view more about the evaluation and ranking process visit   

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

The post �鶹��Ƶ��recognized as Best Master of Business Administration program in Kansas by MBAschools.org appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

Through the partnership, Friends University marketing students complete a curriculum aligned to associate-level digital marketing standards and are positioned to graduate with industry-recognized credentials alongside their degree. The pathway includes the Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) from DMI and the Associate Professional Certified Marketer® (APCM®) Digital Marketing credential from the American Marketing Association. 

“At its core, this accreditation is about student outcomes. Making sure the skills we teach in the program match what employers need right now,” said Sean Cash, Assistant Professor of Marketing at �鶹��Ƶ. “I’ve spent more than 30 years in marketing and in the classroom, and the one constant is changing. DMI accreditation helps us keep the curriculum current and skill-based, while giving students a credible, industry-recognized way to demonstrate what they can do. It’s another step toward graduates who are both strategic marketers and confident practitioners.” 

The accreditation enhances the university’s ability to attract students seeking programs that combine academic excellence with industry relevance. Research from DMI shows that: 

• 90% of employers value professional certifications when hiring��

• 92% of students say DMI content adds value to their degree��

• Graduates report increased confidence, practical experience, and stronger job prospects��

At the time the program earned accreditation, �鶹��Ƶ was only one of 11 accredited programs in the nation, a strong indicator of the program’s commitment to contemporary, industry-aligned marketing education. 

�鶹��Ƶ’s marketing program emphasizes experiential learning and portfolio development across key areas of digital strategy, including content marketing, social media strategies, ethical e-mail marketing, marketing analytics and integrated campaign planning. The DMI accreditation complements �鶹��Ƶ’s continued focus on preparing students for real roles in marketing, locally and beyond. 

About the Digital Marketing Institute 

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is the global leader in digital marketing education, serving more than 360,000 members worldwide. Its curriculum is developed and validated by industry experts, ensuring alignment with the skills employers need most. DMI’s The Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) credential is DMI’s foundational certification, designed to equip emerging marketers with essential digital marketing knowledge and hands-on capabilities. 

About the American Marketing Association (AMA) 

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is one of the world’s largest and most respected professional associations for marketers, dedicated to advancing the practice, teaching, and understanding of marketing worldwide. Its Professional Certified Marketer® (PCM®) credentials set a national standard for marketing excellence, helping individuals demonstrate mastery of contemporary marketing skills and strategic expertise. 

About �鶹��Ƶ 

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual,��spiritual��and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online,��graduate��and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at��/��

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The collaboration began after Dr. Jerry Smartt, director of foreign languages at �鶹��Ƶ, noticed Butler students consistently arrive at Friends well-prepared. “Butler students transfer with a really strong background, and are always outstanding students,” she said.

Smartt connected with Dr. Kelsey Harper, chair of Butler’s Foreign Language Department, to explore ways to support Butler students as they progressed in the language. Their conversations led to a �鶹��Ƶ–funded scholarship specifically for Spanish majors who demonstrate readiness for higher-level coursework.

A key element of the pathway is Butler’s Certificate of Proficiency. Students who meet its benchmarks can qualify for the endowment-based scholarship, providing practical support as they advance their skills.

The scholarship’s first recipient, Gianna Van Zelfden, completed intermediate Spanish at Butler and earned both the Certificate of Proficiency and the Global Seal of Biliteracy in May. “She’s a tremendous student,” Smartt said. “Ten out of ten.”

Van Zelfden credits Dr. Harper with helping her grow as a student and gain confidence. “She taught me that not only can I achieve something that was previously unreachable, but that any mistakes along the way are not hindrances, but the path itself,” Van Zelfden said. “Having a test score and certificate gives me a sense of legitimacy and confidence.”

Additional Butler students are expected to benefit from the scholarship as early as next fall.

About Butler Community College

Butler Community College, Kansas’ only Adobe Creative Campus and a recognized Top Community College by Education Insider, offers more than 85 degree programs and 30 professional certification programs in person and online. The main campus is in El Dorado, Kansas, with several other campuses throughout Butler county and beyond. Visit www.butlercc.edu to learn more.

About �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at��/��

The post New Butler–�鶹��Ƶ Scholarship Rewards Spanish Student Success appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.

Part of �鶹��Ƶ’s mission is to enable students to live a life of hope as a friend of Jesus. Our campus ministries provide opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership across campus, from weekly chapel services to small groups, retreats and volunteer events. 

As a market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and their families, Niche.com provides in-depth profiles on everyday education systems in America, with over 140 million reviews and ratings backed by search and data tools. 

Also ranked as one of the top 20 Christian Colleges by Business View Magazine and known as the Preferred Christian University in the Region, �鶹��Ƶ is leading a college experience rooted in Christian traditions and faith. 

Recently, Niche.com has also  as the Best Value College in Kansas, sharing �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to providing 100% of the traditional student body with scholarships. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

The post �鶹��Ƶ��named 2026 Best Christian College in Kansas by Niche.com�� appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ.