Year: 2024

Wichita State delivered a third consecutive sweep to cap off a dominant run through the American Athletic Conference (ACC) tournament, defeating Florida Atlantic 25-22, 25-19, 25-19 to secure the program’s first NCAA tournament bid since 2017.

The Shockers (18-13) will learn their postseason destination at next week’s NCAA Volleyball Selection Show, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 on ESPN. The first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament take place Thursday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 7.

The victory represents Wichita State’s second AAC championship and first in a conference tournament. The Shockers won the 2017 regular season title when the conference did not host a tournament. Overall, Wichita State has now won five conference tournaments, with the previous four coming in the Missouri Valley Conference (2004, 2013, 2015, 2016). WSU will be appearing in the NCAA tournament for the 12th time in program history.

Explore student research on history and rock ‘n’ roll at the end-of-semester poster showcase from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 in Ablah Library. Learn about the impact of popular music while enjoying free food and refreshments.

This is an opportunity to connect with your peers and faculty, so don’t miss out.

Explore history and rock ‘n’ roll through student research from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 at Ablah Library. Chat with students as they share what they’ve learned during this end-of-semester poster showcase.

Enjoy free food and refreshments while celebrating their hard work. Faculty and staff are invited to attend. Don’t miss this exciting event.

Wichita State students and faculty made a strong impact at the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention, held from Nov. 6 to 8 at Emporia State University. During the convention, 21 WSU physical education students participated, presenting interactive sessions on physical education games that combined fun and learning.

Ian Stevens was elected chair of the Future Professionals Committee, and faculty member Olivia Butler was voted president-elect of KAHPERD for the 2024-25 term. At just 29, Butler will be the second youngest president in the association’s history.

The convention featured over 80 sessions on health, physical education, recreation and dance. WSU students and faculty contributed to the event’s success, showcasing leadership and advancing the fields of health and physical education in Kansas. University Libraries and the School of Education sponsored the trip, enabling student participation and learning.

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce Dr. Bekah Selby-Leach as the new director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR). Dr. Selby-Leach, an accomplished researcher and leader in economic analysis, previously served as interim assistant provost, director of institutional research and accreditation, and associate professor of economics at Emporia State University. She succeeds Jeremy Hill, who directed CEDBR since 2009 and recently joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as assistant vice president and regional executive.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bekah to the Barton School of Business,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Her extensive background in economic research and her proven leadership skills make her an ideal choice to drive the Center for Economic Development and Business Research forward. Her expertise and vision will benefit our stakeholders immensely, furthering the Center’s mission to deliver vital economic insights for the region and beyond.”

Looking for fun, creative and inspiring courses that meet your gen ed requirements? Check out some of the options from the School of Performing Arts:

Dance Appreciation: Discover the beauty of movement. (DANC 140; 2-3:15 p.m. TR or Online)
Theatre Appreciation: Explore the magic of the stage. (THEA 143; 9:30-10:45 a.m. MW or Online)
Improv & Theatre Games: Build confidence and have fun. (THEA 241; 3:30-4:45 p.m. TR)
Acting I: Learn the art of performance. (THEA 243; 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. MW)
Theatre as a Mirror of Today’s America: Engage with modern issues through theatre. (THEA 385; Online)

Don’t miss the chance to spark creativity, meet new friends and earn credit. Register now.

Order a WuShock bowling ball as a holiday gift and support the student athletes of the men’s bowling program. They are available in 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16 lb. options online or in-person at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.

All proceeds go towards the Shocker Men’s Bowling Scholarship Fund.

Join the rest of the Shocker community, faculty, staff and retirees, to celebrate Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost, and her journey at a retirement reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at Wichita State Connect.

Lefever has been with WSU for over 20 years. Come wish her well as she moves on to this next chapter of her life.

Spring 2025 Welcomefest takes place Jan. 20 through Feb. 15 and features dozens of activities. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus and find ways to connect with the community.

If your department or organization plans to host an event during this time, you can submit it to be included in the official Welcomefest schedule. The deadline to register your event for inclusion in Welcomefest marketing is Friday, Dec. 6.

Welcomefest is sponsored by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more information on events like this, email us at SEB@wichita.edu or visit the website at wichita.edu/SEB.

The Human Resources office will be closed starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. It will resume normal operating hours on Monday, Dec. 2. Human Resources wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving.