Author: Caelin Bragg

Ten high school students from Kansas, Missouri and Texas have been awarded the Koch Scholarship at Wichita State University, starting in the fall 2024 semester.

Each scholar each will be awarded $30,000 to attend WSU over four years.

Fall 2024 Koch Scholarship:

• Alexander Baird, Campus High School, electrical engineering (Haysville, Kansas)
• Samir Barraza, Colby High School, computer science
• Carson Brewer, Andover Central High School, computer science
• Tyler Casely-Hayford, Stephen F. Austin High School (Richmond, Texas), mechanical engineering
• Mayce Cashman, Andale High School, finance
• Sophie Clarke, Eisenhower High School, computer science
• Kayla Gann, Smithville High School (Smithville, Missouri), accounting
• Jack Rue, Wichita Northwest High School, computer engineering
• Israel Torres, Wichita Northeast Magnet High School, mechanical engineering
• Erin Vance, Wichita Trinity Academy, mechanical engineering

The spring 2024 virtual university town hall originally set for 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 has been changed to early April. More details on the April town hall will be published soon in WSU Today.

Nominations are now being accepted for two university-wide at-large seats for the Faculty Senate to serve a two-year term starting in the 2024-25 academic year. University-wide at-large senators represent the faculty of the entire university, not just a specific college or division. The Faculty Senate meets twice a month during the regular academic year from 3:30-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

All faculty are eligible for nominations, including current senators whose term expires this year. Submit your nominations to Lee Ann Birdwell at leeann.birdwell@wichita.edu before 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Your participation is essential to a fair and inclusive process of shared governance

From the center of campus to downtown Wichita, Wichita State University’s footprint continues to grow and offer new opportunities for students and our community. As the spring semester rolls on, you will notice ongoing and new construction across our 330 acres and beyond.

Projects currently under way:

• Renderings released for Wichita Biomedical Campus
• Shocker Success Center
• Ablah Library
• Wichita State Connect
• Parking Services
• Millie Marcus Annex 
• Intensive English Center + Annex 
• NIAR Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research (HAMR) 
• University Stadium (formerly Cessna Stadium)
• Wilkins Stadium 

Lexi Jensen enjoys the amenities available in Wichita and the campus environment and academic offerings at Wichita State University. In her first months on campus, she dove into activities such as rowing and the Immersive Leadership Institute.

Shockers come from all over, and students from selected major metropolitan areas in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas may be eligible to receive regular in-state tuition at Wichita State. Read what some out-of-state students have to say about why they chose WSU — and Wichita — as their new home.

To help guide the new Wichita State Connect space located in the heart of campus, Wichita State has hired Dr. Alicia Thompson, former superintendent of USD 259, as the associate vice president of preK-12 connections and special projects.

In this role, Thompson will direct the new Wichita State Connect, which will serve as a hub for preK-12 field trips, mixers and professional development opportunities for educators and to provide WSU academic colleges and programs chances to engage with schools, industry and community partners.

“I am excited to join the Shocker Nation family as its new associate vice president of preK-12 connections and special project,” Thompson said. “I’m looking forward to continue building connections between the university and our community, including our public schools, to help elevate educational opportunities for all.”

Thompson brings with her 31 years of experience working in service of students during her time at USD 259. She will start on Feb. 19.

“Dr. Thompson’s extensive experience as the former superintendent of Wichita Public Schools provides a unique opportunity to capitalize on her wealth of knowledge and deep commitment to educational excellence. Her experiences in preK-12 education will enhance our ability to offer relevant and dynamic programming for the intended audiences,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president. “Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our partnerships with local schools and enhance opportunities for students across the region. We look forward to the impactful contributions she will make to our university community.”

The campus community is invited to learn more and ask questions about the next Wichita State Master Plan from 2 to 3 p.m. March 1 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium or virtually via YouTube livestream. President Rick Muma and Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president, will speak at the event along with representatives from Gensler, a global architecture, design and planning firm that helped develop the plan. Please RSVP to attend.

As a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, Wichita State is required to provide a master plan every 10 years to guide the vision of the future of the university, and the session is a chance for members of the campus community to learn more from university leadership on what the next 10 years of Wichita State will look like.

Attendees will be able to view Master Plan visual drafts at a reception following the event, and light refreshments will be provided. The livestream will be available to view on Wichita State’s YouTube channel following the event.

For more information or questions, contact Emily Patterson, executive director of Facilities Planning, at 316-978-5829.

Encourage your students to join the Savvy Scholar Workshop on “Annotated Bibliographies and Why You Should Write One.” Happening from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Ablah Library at the Digital Learning Commons (in-person and online).

Explore the purposes, processes and benefits of creating robust annotated bibliographies to enhance the quality and efficiency of their research projects and assignments.

Encourage your students to join the Savvy Scholar Workshop on “Annotated Bibliographies and Why You Should Write One.” Happening from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Ablah Library at the Digital Learning Commons (in-person and online).

Explore the purposes, processes and benefits of creating robust annotated bibliographies to enhance the quality and efficiency of their research projects and assignments.

President Rick Muma and Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president, are conducting a town hall for Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty and staff at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 via Zoom.