Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies (CAS) will induct nine new members to its Hall of Fame for fall 2022. The inductees come from a variety of backgrounds representing each department within the college and are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to their field. The college will celebrate the inductees with a banquet 6-8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the WSU campus.
The CAS Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have made a positive impact on the college at any point since its founding. This includes the full range of people and programs that have been associated with the college at various points in its history. The traits and qualities Hall of Fame members possess are reflective of the college’s core values of collaboration, discovery, diversity, integrity and leadership. The 2022 class includes the following inductees:
- Dr. Marlene Schommer-Aikins, professor emerita-educational psychology, is an accomplished scholar, former coordinator of the educational psychology master’s program, chair of the counseling, educational and school psychology department.
- Sue Bair, assistant professor emerita-physical education, was a faculty member who served at WSU for 33 years, mentoring and profoundly affecting the lives of hundreds of physical education students.
- Amber Carithers, alumna-English language arts, is a teacher at Hutchinson High School, and was part of the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team.
- Dr. Leonard Chaffee, dean and professor emeritus, now deceased, Chaffee served as dean for 20 years (1967-1987) and remained on the teaching faculty within education administration after his retirement.
- Dr. Randy Ellsworth, professor emeritus-educational psychology, served as dean (1996-97), associate dean (1994-2006), department chair (1990-94) and established the Center for Research and Evaluative Services.
- Dr. Jon Engelhardt, dean and professor emeritus, served as dean at WSU (1997-2007) and is a nationally-recognized leader in education, founding two professional and research organizations and serving on executive boards.
- Frank Rokosz, associate professor emeritus-physical education activity program (PEAP), is the longest-serving faculty member in the history of the college, teaching 45 years and leading the university’s PEAP program.
- Dr. Oliver Troxel, former dean, now deceased, was the college’s first dean (1926-1929) and was highly active with the Red Cross and National Education Association.
- Dr. John Wilson, professor emeritus-elementary education, “Dr. John,” as he is affectionately known by his students, was an education faculty member whose creativity, commitment and advocacy for educators distinguished his career.
The 2022 class of inductees were chosen via an open nomination process and then selected by a committee of diverse college stakeholders.
Nominations for the 2023 CAS Hall of Fame inductees are now open at. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2023.