Author: Caelin Bragg

Leslie Grant — Events Coordinator and Conference Registrar in Workforce, Professional and Community Education — was featured in:

• “WSU Lifelong Learning Program” on KAKE
• “Good Day Kansas: Arts and Culture – WSU Lifelong Learning Program” on KSN
• “Good Day Kansas: WSU Community Education Program” on KSN

Nick Solomey — Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics — was featured in “Positively Kansas” on PBS Kansas.

Looking for lunch options on campus? Head over to the Rhatigan Student Center for your choice of Starbucks, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Freddy’s or FujiSan. Get the essentials from Starbucks; put together your own sides and entrees for a meal at Panda Express; use the kiosks at Chick-fil-A and get a text when your food’s ready; order ice cream and fries for a sweet treat from Freddy’s; or get fresh sushi and boba tea with FujiSan.

As a partner of Wichita State, faculty, staff and students can get a 10% discount at Another Broken Egg Cafe, 4862 E. 35th St. N, by showing their Shocker IDs at checkout.

Hours of operations are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. during weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Take the opportunity to grab lunch during the day or grab breakfast on your way to campus.

Check out the menu ahead of time at anotherbrokenegg.com. Another Broken Egg Cafe is owned and operated by Wichita State graduates Jacob O’Conner and Jon Peterson.

It’s never too late to try new tactics in the classroom and at home to improve learning. Students can quiz themselves or other classmates on class concepts, create questions from assigned readings to ask during class or join a study group with other motivated students to improve academic performance.

The Plaza of Heroines, located in front of Ablah Library and next to the Shocker Success Center, was dedicated in 1998 as a permanent record of women recognized as heroines. The grounds are lined with pavers, donated by community members recognizing important heroines in their lives, the community and the world.

The space can serve as a place of reflection and standing in the center of the plaza is Danseuse Espagnole (Spanish Dancer), part of the Ulrich Museum of Art’s Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection.

Wichita State supports a university environment where everyone on campus can engage in open dialogue, express their viewpoints respectfully and feel supported in their well-being. Civil and open discourse are cornerstones of academic life.

Everyone at WSU has a responsibility and duty to act in kindness, curiosity and be willing to listen when engaging with others both on and off campus.

• Learn more about Wichita State’s commitment to Freedom of Expression.
• The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling services, crisis intervention and workshops on stress management and coping strategies.
• In addition to professional resources, employees are encouraged to lean on their colleagues for support. Building a strong network of coworkers can provide emotional support and a sense of community. If you are concerned about one of your colleagues or students, consider submitting a CARE Team report.

With the recent retirement of Dr. Linnea GlenMaye, the Office of the Provost will implement a strategic reorganization to better align with institutional priorities and enhance support for faculty and academic programs.

A new Office of Faculty Affairs will also be established, led by an associate vice provost — who will be an experienced member of the WSU faculty. An internal search to identify the appointee will be launched soon. This new office will address key gaps related to faculty and their appointments, improve operational efficiency and ensure continuity in advancing the university’s strategic goals. It will also strengthen the administrative framework supporting faculty-related policies, programs and initiatives.

With a focus on faculty excellence, retention and career development, the associate vice provost will lead efforts in shared governance, workload assignments, compensation practices and evaluation systems. This role will also oversee the Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence (FARE) Office and will lend support to the Academy for Effective Teaching, reinforcing Wichita State’s commitment to a thriving academic environment.

Separately, all existing academic program-related responsibilities will be reorganized under Dr. Ashlie Jack, who will serve as vice provost for Academic Affairs. She will oversee the newly formed Office of Academic Programs. The Office of Academic Programs will support curriculum, enrollment, student success, assessment/accreditation and strategic planning. The office will be structured as outlined below:

Dr. Alicia Thompson
Dr. Alicia Thompson, associate vice provost for PreK–12 Engagement, will lead strategic planning and implementation of PreK–12 programs and services, including TRIO, GEAR UP and Upward Bound. She will cultivate partnerships with university colleges, WSU Tech and school districts to support student success and strengthen the talent pipeline.

Bobby Gandu
Bobby Gandu, associate vice provost for Strategic Enrollment Initiatives, will lead Undergraduate Admissions, Shocker Transfer Accelerator, Shocker Academy, dual/concurrent enrollment and Shocker Career Accelerator. He will also oversee strategic partnerships with community colleges, KC Scholars and the Rudd Scholars program.

Dr. Brett Bruner
Dr. Brett Bruner, associate vice provost for Student Success and Persistence, will continue leading initiatives to improve retention, persistence and graduation rates. His portfolio includes:

• Office of Student Success
• Office of Online and Adult Learning
• Media Resources Center
• Advising and First Gen Initiatives
• One Stop Student Services
• Hispanic Serving Initiatives
• Academic Intervention and Student Support

Gina Crabtree
Gina Crabtree, associate vice provost for Enrollment Services and University Registrar, will continue leading the Registrar’s Office and now oversee:

• Office of International Education
• Graduate Enrollment Management
• Satellite Locations
• Transfer and Articulation
• General Education and Curriculum

Kim Moore
Kim Moore, assistant vice provost for Enrichment Programs, will continue leading professional development, university conferences, noncredit programs, community education and commencement — supporting lifelong learning.

Sheelu Surender
Sheelu Surender, assistant vice provost for Financial Aid and Scholarships, will provide strategic leadership for financial aid and scholarship programs, ensuring compliance and effectiveness in collaboration with state and federal agencies. Her work will help remove financial barriers and support student achievement.

These changes, which will go into effect as of today, reflect our office’s ongoing commitment to faculty and academic programs.

Wichita State recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being for faculty and staff. The university offers a variety of resources to support employees during challenging times.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): EAP provides confidential counseling services, crisis intervention and workshops on stress management and coping strategies.
• Peer support: In addition to professional resources, employees are encouraged to lean on their colleagues for support. Building a strong network of coworkers can provide emotional support and a sense of community. If you are concerned about one of your colleagues or students, submit a CARE Team report.

Wichita State supports a university environment where everyone on campus can engage in open dialogue, express their viewpoints respectfully and feel supported in their well-being. Civil and open discourse are cornerstones of academic life.

Everyone at WSU has a responsibility and duty to act in kindness, curiosity and be willing to listen when engaging with others both on and off campus.

• Learn more about Wichita State’s commitment to Freedom of Expression.
• Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and workshops on stress management and coping strategies. Schedule an appointment online or call 316-978-4792.
• Student Health Services, located at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA, offers a variety of services, including prescription refills during the semester. Go to studenthealth.wichita.edu to schedule an appointment.
• In addition to professional resources, students are encouraged to lean on their peers for support. Building a strong network of friends and classmates can provide emotional support and a sense of community. If you are concerned about one of your classmates, consider submitting a CARE Team report.
• Additional support is available to students in the Shocker Success Center, including the Office of International Education on the lower level; and Adult Learning, Military and Veterans Services, and Hispanic-Serving Initiatives on the third floor.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help and talk about your feelings. Wichita State is here to support you.