Author: Caelin Bragg

The College of Education’s School of Teaching and Learning has recognized outstanding educators with its Mentor Teacher Awards for their impact on teacher candidates and the profession.

The Mentor Teacher Award recognizes distinguished mentoring of teacher candidates and interns; strong modeling of pedagogical content knowledge; effective instructional co-planning and co-teaching grounded in research-based practices; meaningful feedback that supports candidate growth and development; participation in professional activities; and leadership in the teaching profession.

2026 Mentor Teacher Award recipients:

• Kathleen Moddelmog, kindergarten, Linwood Elementary
• Kristen Yacenda, first grade, Linwood Elementary
• Kristin Wolke, third grade, Chisholm Trail Elementary
• Hannah Kelderman, science, North High School
• Brian Curtis, social studies, Pleasant Valley Middle School
• Jack Doornbos, physical education, McLean Elementary
• Heather Hansen, English, North High School

Mackenzie Wilson broke the program record for career stroke average as Shocker women’s golf finished eighth at the American Championship April 22 at Southern Hills Plantation Club.
 
Wilson’s career stroke average of 75.22 broke the previous record of 75.55 set by Taryn Torgerson, who played at Wichita State from 2014 to 2018. Kate Tilma also surpassed Torgerson’s mark with a career average of 75.35, ranking second all-time behind Wilson.

The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Let your students know that the program is accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year.

Key benefits:

• Mentorship from faculty members and experienced researchers
• Opportunities to conduct research and present findings at national conferences
• Workshops and seminars focused on graduate school preparation, including GRE prep and application assistance.

For more information, call 316-978-3139 or visit the McNair website.

Presession classes are courses designed to condense an entire semester’s worth of class into just two weeks, freeing up more time during the semester for studying and personal time.

The summer presession courses start May 18 and include the following courses that can fulfill some gen-ed requirements:

• Earth Science & Environment (GEOL 102), CRN: 30513 and 30535
• Energy, Resources, Environment (GEOL 300), CRN: 30536

Other major-specific presession courses include:

• Pre-Internship Seminar (SMGT 446), CRN: 31093
• Universal Design for Learning (TAP 329), CRN: 31142 and 31143
• Dental Hygiene Clinic II (DH 333), CRN: 30376
• Advanced Gen. Practice Seminar I (SCWK 760), CRN: 31044

Meet with your academic advisor to learn more about presession classes.

Join the Student Government Association Student Senate for a meeting at 5:30 p.m. today in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room. Meetings will also be livestreamed on the SGA YouTube. This is the final meeting of the 68th session.

Where students come first, the Wichita State Student Government Association is the governing entity for the student experience at the university. SGA is charged with promoting and stimulating student participation in the university’s activities and providing an official channel of communication between the students, faculty, staff, administration and elected officials.

To learn more about SGA, visit wichita.edu/sga, email sga@wichita.edu or stop by the offices in 219 Rhatigan Student Center.

At Wichita State, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. During periods of inclement weather or extreme cold, we closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions about campus operations.

Each weather event is different, and decisions require input from many parts of the university. Facilities staff assess whether sidewalks, parking lots and campus roadways can be cleared and maintained. Dining and housing staff evaluate whether they can continue supporting the students who live on campus and rely on university services. Academic leaders consider the implications for course requirements, while Human Resources evaluates employee obligations and safety.

Since no decision can perfectly fit the circumstances of every member of our community, WSU emphasizes shared and personal responsibility. Each individual must evaluate their own situation, prioritize personal safety, and make responsible choices about whether it is safe to come to campus.

Are you ready to start putting yourself in front of employers? Wichita State makes it easy through the Shocker Career Accelerator:

Shocker Central is the hub for internships and applied learning opportunities where you can not only gain valuable experience to enhance your current field of study, you also can earn an income. Sign up and browse full-time and part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus, or register for career fairs, events, workshops and more.

Additionally, GoinGlobal is a market leader in job opportunities worldwide if you are looking to expand your horizons; Buzzfile helps you research virtually every company in Kansas, the United States and beyond; and CareerSpring helps low-income and first-generation students network and learn more about career opportunities. Register using the passcode: WICHITA.

For further assistance, you can always schedule an appointment with an SCA career coach through Shocker Central, emailing sca@wichita.edu or calling the office at 316-978-3688.

With finals around the corner, your instructors may continue using the Student Early Alert System (SEAS) to share feedback and offer support. If you receive an alert, it’s a reminder to check in, refocus and take advantage of campus resources.

Whether you’re catching up or staying ahead, know that progress matters — and support is always available. Instructors, academic advisors and Success Coaches are here to help you finish the semester strong.

Avant-Garde Art, Film, Rock Music and Subcultures (FA 321), CRNs: 30493 and 30494, both online, explores the bold art and film movements that shaped late‑20th‑century music, visual culture and subcultures — from punk and glam to goth, hacker and rave. Includes attendance at exhibitions, film screenings and lectures.

Master the essentials of project management in the fully online course Engineering Management (IME 664), CRN: 30653. Learn how to plan, schedule and control projects; estimate costs; allocate resources; manage risks; and track performance. You’ll also gain hands‑on experience using Microsoft Project to bring real‑world plans to life.