SHS - History of Watkins Memorial Health Center

The first Watkins Memorial Hospital and its equipment were a gift of
Elizabeth Miller Watkins in 1931.

The first full-time Medical Director was Ralph Canuteson, MD (1928-1965).

Today this building is named Twente Hall. See: Campus Map Building 105; Section N-6

The enrollment at the University of Kansas in 1931 was 4,568 and has steadily increased to the present level of over 27,000 students. Statistics show that a majority of KU students utilize Student Health Services during their college years.

The new Watkins Memorial Hospital, in response to the medical needs of the student population, was designed and built under the directorship of Raymond A. Schwegler, MD (1965-1973). The new building opened in March 1974.

Due to an expansion and renovation project, the building now has 82,000 square feet of space. The name was changed to Student Heatlh Services, Watkins Memorial Health Center.

See: Campus Map Building 114; Section K-8

Watkins Memorial Health Center has been accredited by AAAHC from (1988 to Present)
Its Directorship has been:

Raymond Schwegler, MD(1965-1973).
Martin Wollman, MD (1973-1983).
James E. Strobl, M.B.A (1983-1999).
Carol Seager, Masters of Science in Administration, (1999 to Present)