Author: Caelin Bragg

Dear Shocker family:

Welcome back to campus! I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating winter break. As we step into a new year filled with opportunities, I want to take a moment to thank you for the passion and dedication you bring to our students and our university. Together, we continue to make Wichita State a place where innovation and excellence thrive.

I’m also excited to introduce Dr. Monica Lounsbery as our new provost and executive vice president. Dr. Lounsbery brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for academic excellence. You can find her in 109 Morrison Hall, and she can be reached at monica.lounsbery@wichita.edu or 316-978-3010. I encourage you to stop by, send her a note or say hello if you see her around campus.

To formally welcome Dr. Lounsbery, we will be hosting a meet-and-greet event at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room. I hope you’ll join us!

Thank you for all you do to support our students and community. Let’s make this semester one to remember.

Go Shockers!
President Rick Muma

Phase I of the Wichita Biomedical Campus — a collaboration between Wichita State University, University of Kansas and WSU Tech — is making steady progress as it prepares to transform and redefine health care education and research in Kansas. 

“The Wichita Biomedical Campus is a tangible expression of our dedication to advancing health care through collaboration and innovation,” WSU President Rick Muma said. “By bringing together researchers, health care professionals and industry leaders, we’re creating an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can thrive and collaboration sparks innovation. This campus will be at the forefront of transforming health care, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.”  

On Feb. 6, 2023, two massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, followed by more than 30,000 aftershocks in the subsequent three months. The epicenter of the 7.7- and 7.8-magnitude quakes were near Antakya (Antioch), Turkey — a city near the Syrian border, known for its rich history and celebration of Islamic, Christian and Judaic religions.

Antakya has been the focus of decades’ worth of Dr. Jens Kreinath’s research, giving him a scholarly perspective of the region’s cultural and political landscapes before and after the 2023 disaster.

The College of Engineering at Wichita State University has partnered with Groover Labs, a nonprofit collaborative workspace, technology hub and rapid prototyping lab in Wichita, to support the regional business community. The collaboration aims to assist businesses in designing and building prototypes, testing proof-of-concept ideas and engaging in low-volume manufacturing.

As part of the initiative, the college’s Project Innovation Hub is expanding its scope to accept projects from companies and community organizations. The projects – which include design and machining of parts, analyzing manufacturing processes, engaging in product development with entrepreneurs and supporting research – are executed by Wichita State students under the guidance of Project Innovation Hub staff and college faculty. A notable example of their work includes more than 400 handrails designed, manufactured and installed in Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State campus.

Dr. Zelalem Demissie, assistant professor in the Department of Geology in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was recently interviewed by Kansas National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR), discussing his research on droughts.

Dr. Demissie received the Kansas NSF EPSCoR First Award in fall 2023 for his research in using radar imaging from satellites and AI to detect early warning signs of drought in Kansas. The First Awards recipients receive up to $50,000 to support their research.

More than 1,200 Shockers were eligible for graduation in fall 2024. As they graduate from Wichita State University, they will share the story of Shocker Nation through their work.

Learn more about some of the graduates and their time at Wichita State and what they are looking forward to in their futures.

Kait Butterfield relocated to Wichita for work and found the perfect fit in WSU’s in-person MBA program. Her advice? Take full advantage of the faculty, staff and resources available — they’ll enrich your academic journey in ways you can’t imagine.

For Bella Neish, Wichita State offered more than just a degree — it provided hands-on learning and career preparation. The New Mexico native worked in the cadaver lab, tackled the NASA SUITS challenge and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She’s set to return this fall for graduate school.

Wichita State is so grateful to Dr. Shirley Lefever for her leadership, vision and dedication to Shocker Nation. The campus community sends its best wishes for her extraordinary service with this special video honoring her remarkable contributions.

Dear Shockers,

As my tenure as provost and executive vice president of Wichita State University comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my time here, the friendships made and the work accomplished. Having had the opportunity to serve alongside such a wonderful community of faculty, staff, students and partners has been among the most rewarding in my career.

In 2005, my decision to leave the University of Arkansas and join WSU brought with it a profound sense of coming home. From my beginnings as an elementary teacher to where I am today, I have always believed that to teach students effectively, you must first understand them deeply. This philosophy lies at the heart of WSU’s mission, making my opportunity to serve at this institution — one so closely aligned with my passions and core educational beliefs — truly a dream come true.

What first drew me to WSU was its unwavering commitment to student success. That focus has guided me with a strong sense of purpose every single day. Together, we have embraced innovation, fostered inclusivity and championed initiatives that empower students to thrive — both academically and personally.

There’s something very special about WSU: It feels like a community of kindred spirits. It’s rare to work alongside so many people who share the same beliefs and dedication to the same goals. That is why I will always treasure my time here. Because, at the end of the day, it is — and always will be — about our students.

We have also embraced a clear understanding of the role we play in responding to the needs of our broader community. Whether through collaborative partnerships, research that drives progress or programs designed to address urgent challenges, WSU truly exemplifies what it means to be a student-centered, innovation-driven campus. These shared efforts reflect on your dedication to education, student empowerment and your commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

As I step into the next chapter of my life, I do so with the conviction that Wichita State’s journey is only just beginning. This institution is far more than a place of learning; it is a vibrant, compassionate community that will continue to lead, inspire and shape generations to come.

It is a community that I have been proud to be a part of. I am immensely grateful to each of you for the privilege of serving as your provost. I will carry the memories of each of you and the lessons I’ve learned here with me always.

With heartfelt gratitude and enduring Shocker pride,
Dr. Shirley Lefever