Coonrod family legacy expands access to osteopathic medical education in Kansas.
Kansas Health Science University proudly announces the establishment of the Carl M. and Ruth L. Coonrod Endowed Scholarship Fund—a gift that will empower generations of students to pursue their medical education at KHSU’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM). This is the first endowed scholarship fund for the university and was created through the support of the Carl M. and Ruth L. Coonrod Family Foundation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Coonrod Family Foundation for this generous gift as well as their commitment to the future of Kansas Health Science University,” said Kimberly Long, Ph.D., interim president of Kansas Health Science University. “This endowed scholarship fund will provide financial support for KansasCOM students for perpetuity, ensuring that financial burdens won’t stand in the way of the ambitious goals of our student doctors.”
According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of a medical school education has risen by about 2.5% each year since 2014. Around 73% of medical school graduates have educational debt and owe 2.25 times more than the average postgraduate college student.
Once the scholarship fund is fully vested, the fund will support student scholarships to provide financial relief for student doctors at KansasCOM for years to come. The gift embodies the Coonrod Family Foundation’s commitment to opportunity, access, and excellence, honoring the legacy of a family that shares KHSU’s commitment to education and transforming Kansas communities.
Established in August 1999, the Carl M. and Ruth L. Coonrod Family Foundation honors a couple whose lives exemplified perseverance, dedication to education, and family values. After serving in the U.S. Army and studying architectural engineering at Kansas State University, Carl married Ruth, and the couple had two sons. Eventually, Carl became co-owner of the construction company where his father had worked as a job superintendent. Under his leadership, and subsequently that of his son Randall “Randy” Coonrod, Coonrod & Associates became known for its contributions to educational infrastructure on every state college campus in Kansas. Today, Randy serves as chairman of the board of Coonrod & Associates, is a KHSU trustee, and is chairman of the Riverside Health Foundation, a nonprofit instrumental in laying the groundwork for establishing KansasCOM.
“The Coonrod Family Foundation was established to honor my parents’ commitment to education and to perpetuate their values for future generations. They would be incredibly proud to see their legacy honored through these scholarships by an organization that shares their compassion for Kansas and community,” Randy Coonrod said.
Kansas Health Science University is part of The Community Solution Education System, the nation’s only fully integrated private, nonprofit higher education system. In partnership with the Riverside Health Foundation, The Community Solution established KansasCOM, the state’s first private, nonprofit osteopathic medical school, to help meet the region’s growing need for health care professionals.
“This support is instrumental as we continue the vital work of strengthening health care infrastructure across Kansas and the nation,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution. “It powerfully demonstrates the deep connections KHSU is forging with the Wichita community, which are crucial for our shared success.”