A.T. Still University's educational expansion and fundraising challenges

¶ … a.T. Still University

History of the organization

A.T. Still University is the nation's founding school of osteopathic medicine, with campus locations in Mesa, Arizona and Kirksville, Missouri.

Purpose of the organization

A.T. Still University strives to educate its students in an ethical and forward-thinking manner, and to act as a leader in promoting comprehensive medicine in a variety of fields. Its Research Institute, connected to the University, seeks to train future and present clinicians and expand knowledge of and the health-promotional aspects of osteopathic medicine.

Services of the organization

94% of all students receive university scholarships and federal financial aid as part of their education. The University's Research Institute also conducts work to further general, life-preserving knowledge in the field of medicine as well as trains clinicians in practices that can be of use at many other research institutions.

Challenges faced by the organization

Given the current state of the economy, more and more students are likely to require financial aid. More and more students are returning to school to further their education to improve their chances of getting a job in one of the few sectors of the economy that continues to expand. Yet investment resources are also more limited than ever, given that a.T. Still has, like most institutions of higher learning, experienced losses in its endowment. The school believes that the desire to be educated, not financial considerations, should determine a student's decision to embark upon a medical career, and strives to extend financial aid to students while continuing to expand its educational offerings and resources. It also requires funding to support the research of its faculty and clinicians at the Institute.

Strategic plans of the organization

Currently, the organization offers an expansive array of degrees, spanning from athletic training to audiology, to doctoral degrees in medicine. The school's Mesa campus in Arizona must compete for funding its Missouri campus. However, the presence of online options to take some coursework and to complete some of a.T. Still's offered degrees could reduce some of the resource strain upon the University.

Benefits to the donors for involvement

Of course, the greatest benefit of giving to the University is the knowledge that the donor has made a contribution to the field of medicine and to the education of future health practitioners. A donor never knows he or she or a loved one will need the services of a.T. Still University's graduates and Research Institute. Additionally, individuals who have benefited from the care derived from the research conducted at a.T. Still or from an a.T. Still graduate or faculty member may wish to make a contribution for personal reasons.