Author: Caelin Bragg

Ben Stein, economist, lawyer, actor and prolific author, will speak at the 2025 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Seat reservations are required, and the event is free and open to the public.

Stein, a Yale Law School valedictorian, has worked as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, authored more than 30 books on finance and law, and has become a key figure in exposing the junk bond scandal. Widely recognized for his iconic role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and for hosting “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein continues to speak on economics and politics.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual Wichita State event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation. Previous speakers include Robert Gates, 22nd United States secretary of defense (2006-2011), Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama, and Norah O’Donnell, anchor for the CBS Evening News and “60 Minutes” contributor.

Ben Stein, economist, lawyer, actor and prolific author, will speak at the 2025 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Seat reservations are required, and the event is free and open to the public.

Stein, a Yale Law School valedictorian, has worked as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, authored more than 30 books on finance and law, and has become a key figure in exposing the junk bond scandal. Widely recognized for his iconic role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and for hosting “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein continues to speak on economics and politics.

Stay tuned for more information on an exclusive Q&A for students at 2 p.m. March 11.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual Wichita State event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation. Previous speakers include Robert Gates, 22nd United States secretary of defense (2006-2011), Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama, and Norah O’Donnell, anchor for the CBS Evening News and “60 Minutes” contributor.

Join the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing for the ninth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 30. And if your team is looking to order promo items for your office, visit the Vendor Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The opening session, breakout sessions and Vendor Fair will all be held on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts. Attendees may choose to attend two of five sessions.

Dear Wichita State family:

It is an extraordinary honor to hold appointment as your new senior executive vice president and provost! I believe Wichita State University’s evolving model of higher education is the future, and I find it so inspiring to be here with you to drive responsive innovation that puts our students and their success at the center of building a stronger and more vibrant Wichita and beyond.

Wichita State’s dynamic enterprise — including our students, faculty, staff, our Innovation Campus, the National Institute for Aviation Research, WSU Tech and the upcoming Wichita Biomedical Campus — reflects a deep commitment to being future-forward and driving a university model of the future. I could not be more excited or prouder to be a part of this great university and cannot wait to meet each and every one of you!

In my career, I have been deeply committed to advancing academic and inclusive excellence; fostering the success of students, faculty and staff; expanding the research enterprise; and strengthening existing public-private partnerships while forging new ones to support the university’s mission and the communities it serves.

My background and passions are so uniquely aligned with Wichita State that, although I have only been on the job for a few weeks, it already feels like home. I want to thank President Muma for entrusting me to serve in this incredible role, and I also want to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of my predecessor, Dr. Shirley Lefever, whose visionary leadership has left a lasting legacy for Shocker Nation. I am deeply honored to able to build upon the strong foundation she established.

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to learning more about our students, faculty and staff, our campus and the community of Wichita. I am eager to hear your ideas and begin our work together. To those whom I have met, thank you for welcoming me to Shocker Nation. I am thrilled to join such a forward-thinking and dedicated community, and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.

Warm regards,
Dr. Monica Lounsbery

President Rick Muma and WuShock surprised the Child Development Center Jan. 17 for this month’s Rick Rewards. President Muma wished to recognize the important work the staff and teaching assistants do for the community, both for the university and for the city, as well as recognize the important applied learning opportunities they offer to Shockers.

Rick Rewards is awarded each month by President Muma to show his appreciation for the efforts of the campus community.

Dear Shocker faculty and staff:

Welcome back to Wichita State! 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’ll be able to 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. You can hear from her further down in this newsletter.

To formally welcome Dr. Lounsbery, we will be hosting a meet-and-greet event at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room. I hope you’ll join us! Make sure to RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

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

Wichita State will be closed Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Full-semester courses will begin Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Wichita State has more to offer than just your classes. Find your community of likeminded students.

Student organizations – Enhance your education by developing teamwork and leadership skills by joining one of the over 200 student organizations on campus or start your own.

Greek Life – Immerse yourself with Fraternity and Sorority Life and find lifelong friends while making a difference in your community through philanthropy.

Student Government Association – By joining the Student Government Association, you can be a leader on campus and make the needs of your peers heard and represented. All Student Senate meetings are open to the public and held every Wednesday in 233 RSC.

Make sure you know where to find WSU’s numerous resources available to you to ensure your time spent in academe is fruitful and supported:

• Shocker Success Center – Visit the Shocker Success Center right next to the RSC to find a hub for most of the resources you’ll need as a Shocker, including the Shocker Learning Center, or as a place to relax and study between classes.
• Dining – Wichita State has many dining options for you to choose from, including Shocker Dining Hall in Shocker Hall; the RSC food court; and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes. And over on the Innovation Campus, stop by the NetApp Café or Cargill Café, and plan an outing to Braeburn Square for tacos, subs, Mediterranean and more.
• Wellness – Student Health Services serves all students and treats your medical needs. Visit studenthealth.wichita.edu to learn more and schedule an appointment. Counseling and Psychological Services offers mental health resources to all Shockers through its Counseling Services and HOPE Services.

Take a break from syllabi reviews and enjoy the many events happening this week to ease you into the spring semester:

• Welcome tables – Visit the RSC from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21 and 22 to learn about all the resources available to you and to have your questions answered.
• Hot Cocoa with the Colleges – Enjoy a warm, cozy beverage from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22. View the locations of each college.
• Student Senate – Want to learn more about the decisions that can affect your academic journey? Attend the first Student Government Association meeting of the semester at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 in 233 RSC, Santa Fe Trail Room.
• PAWS & Relax – Everyone knows how stressful starting a new semester can be, so help alleviate that stress in the company of therapy dogs from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Jan. 24 in Ablah Library.
• Free billiards – Looking for something more recreational? Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in the basement of the RSC is offering free billiards from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 24. The event is part of the RSC’s weekly Friday Escape activities.
• Winter Welcome – Have fun with your friends with ice skating and other winter activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 at the President’s Residence.
• Women’s basketball – Did you know you get in free to all home athletics games with your Shocker ID? Learn what all the hype with Shocker Athletics is about and support your fellow students at the women’s basketball game against UAB at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in Charles Koch Arena.

Wanting more? Check out more events happening now through February with the Welcomefest series of events: wichita.edu/welcomefest.