Author: Caelin Bragg

Each week, Shocker Athletics provides an update on the latest results, upcoming events and notable moments in WSU sports history.

Wichita State University has transitioned its model release form to a digital format that can now be filled out and signed from a computer, phone or tablet, allowing users to complete them on-location or in advance more easily.

Submitted model releases are sent directly to Strategic Communications to be archived and retrieved if needed. The form can still be found at wichita.edu/ModelRelease, but users can use the direct link at wichita.edu/scModelRelease as well.

The Office of Academic Affairs is accepting applicants for the assistant vice president of Student Success and Persistence position.

The position will be responsible for developing and directing strategies to best serve students as they complete their degrees. Engaging students is a key responsibility for this role, and the scope of the position is to support the entire student body of Wichita State.

The desire is to bring vibrancy to the thriving and diverse WSU campus. Those with administration of student success experience in an institution of higher learning and who are excited to contribute to the university’s goals are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at 316-978-3065 or at employment@wichita.edu.

The College of Innovation & Design and the Center for Entrepreneurship have named Lance Minor as the new director of the Kansas Family Business Forum (KFBF).

The KFBF has been supporting and promoting family-owned businesses for more than 27 years.

As director, Minor envisions a deliberate growth strategy to increase KFBF’s local presence, expand membership, and deliver valuable and timely programming, regardless of the stage of growth they are in. His first day was Jan. 9.

Minor is no stranger to campus, before joining the College of Innovation & Design, he was an ecosystem and alliance manager for Deloitte’s Smart Factory @ Wichita on the WSU Innovation Campus. Prior to that, he was a partnership manager for the Shocker Career Accelerator, as well as the CEO of his own family-owned business, Aero Plains Brewing.

Minor is a military veteran, having served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned his undergraduate degrees in English and education from The Citadel and the University of Maryland and his graduate degree in English from Florida International University. Minor’s career in higher education also includes eight years teaching for Hawaii Pacific University.

On behalf of Shocker Nation, we are heartbroken at the news of the horrific violence experienced on another college campus in our nation. We stand with our friends and colleagues at Michigan State University whose lives have been irrevocably changed, and we offer our sincere and wholehearted support as the Michigan State community grieves, heals and rebuilds.  

For our Wichita State family, we understand that events like this can raise concerns. Our highest priority is your safety.  

Please take a moment to go over some of WSU’s safety measures:  

• While walking and attending outdoor events on campus, students, employees and visitors can alert the WSU police department of a safety threat by pressing a button on one of the more than 40 emergency call boxes across campus. Activating the emergency device will dispatch an officer to the area and alert people in the area of the distress with bright flashing lights. 
• The university police department is a fully commissioned enforcement agency, trained and experienced to handle all levels of threat. The dedicated officers here at WSU are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to serve and protect students, faculty, staff and our community. And as always, if you see something, say something. 
• Active shooter training, safety escorts, and emergency and first responder support are also provided by WSU police. More information on training for campus departments or groups can be requested from the university police department at police@wichita.edu or 316-978-3450. 

We are continuously reviewing, improving and updating our campus safety protocols and technology to ensure that our Shockers can learn and grow in a safe and secure environment. If you have any questions, please reach out to UPD or submit a concern on the safety feedback form.  

For those who are struggling to with anxiety about safety, Wichita State offers several mental health resources, including Counseling and Prevention Services, the CARE Team and the Employee Assistance Program.  

Please remember that at WSU, no call is too small, and help is just a phone call away. As Shockers, we’re always here to support each other. 

The Kansas Women in State Employment (WISE) Career Development Subcommittee, part of the Kansas Department of Administration, will host its “Being Part of a Multigenerational Team” event from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 via Zoom.

The event is open to all state of Kansas employees, including Wichita State faculty and staff.

Each week, Shocker Athletics provides an update on the latest results, upcoming events and notable moments in WSU sports history.

During the recent Wichita State sickle cell awareness blood drive on Feb. 7 and 8, the American Red Cross collected a total of 51 pints of blood against a goal of 62 pints, achieving 82% of its goal. There were 71 donors who registered, including 15 first time donors.

The American Red Cross appreciates all of the donors who came out to give blood.

President Rick Muma and Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president, are conducting a town hall for W. Frank Barton School of Business staff and faculty.

The town hall begins at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13 and will be conducted via Zoom.

Update: This event has been canceled due to weather and travel complications. Thank you for your patience.

Actor, digital creator and TikTok influencer Chris Olsen will speak about his rise to fame during An Evening with Chris Olsen at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at the Wichita State Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex (5015 E. 29th St. North).

Advance tickets are free to WSU students, $15 for faculty/staff and $25 for general public. Purchase tickets here.

This event is intended for those 12 and older.