Author: Caelin Bragg

Summer and fall course schedules are now available online. WSU encourages you to meet with your advisor and decide the classes you plan to take now so you’re ready when registration begins April 7; the sooner you enroll, the more likely you are to get the classes you want.

Never thought about taking a summer class before? ​Summer classes are a great way to either catch up on credits, lighten your fall and spring course loads, or graduate sooner. They are flexible — courses are available in two-, four- or eight-week schedules with online, hybrid and in-person formats — and can be supported by financial aid.

The previously scheduled Barton Speaker Series event at Wichita State featuring Ben Stein has been canceled. Stein informed the university last week of his need to cancel due to personal circumstances.

Stein, an economist, lawyer, actor and prolific author, was set to headline the speaker series and visit campus for other events March 11.

Tickets to the event were free.

“We wish Ben well and hope there may be an opportunity to collaborate in the future,” President Rick Muma said.

Stay tuned later this year to wichita.edu/bartonseries for news of the 2026 Barton series speaker.

Dr. Moriah Beck’s journey as a scientist is rooted in the belief that research is a powerful driver of innovation and personal transformation. For Beck, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Wichita State University, research is far more than an academic pursuit — it’s a way to connect with a global scientific community and spark change.

“Undergraduate research is really why I’m here as a professor,” Beck said.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) assessments are now in progress. Freshmen and seniors who have been selected to participate can find a link to take the survey on Blackboard.

The NSSE provides Wichita State with important student feedback about campus activities and helps give Shockers the best experience possible. By taking the survey, you will also be entered into a drawing for Shocker Dollar gift cards.

Want to know if you’re eligible to take the survey? Learn more about the NSSE on WSU’s website.

Shocker women’s basketball hosts Rice starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 in Charles Koch Arena in the annual Champions for Literacy game. The partnership with United Way of the Plains will help every child in the Shocker Neighborhood learn to read.

WSU students can claim their student ticket for no additional cost, thanks to the Student Government Association, at any one of eight ticket pick-up locations.

Heading to Charles Koch Arena for a Shocker men’s basketball game? Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has you covered with free shuttle services to and from all men’s home basketball games. Park conveniently and for free at Braeburn Square and let Fuzzy’s do the driving.

The next game is Sunday, Feb. 16 against Memphis, so come early, grab a dinner and enjoy a round of drinks with friends before hopping on the shuttle to kick off game day.

The College of Engineering at Wichita State University is hosting a public 5k run/walk that is open to students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members. The 5k will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 on the WSU campus. Registration proceeds from the 5k will go toward the College of Engineering Needs-Based Scholarship Fund.

“The Needs-Based Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students in need,” said Dr. Jacob Mendez, the assistant dean for student success within the college. “Last year, we were able to raise several thousand dollars to help such students, so we would like to raise even more this year.”

Grace Naylor, senior at Prairie View High School, is the winner of the 2025 Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship at Wichita State.

The Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship awards up to $26,000 over four years to an incoming freshman student who has demonstrated academic excellence, has an academic vision for the future and who expresses an interest in advancing knowledge through individual learning. The McGregor Scholar agrees to maintain active membership in WSU’s Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College.

The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) have recognized Sgt. Efrain Rueda and Officer Tate Tilley-Bedick with Silver Valor Awards, one of the state’s most prestigious awards given to officers for service to their communities.

Sgt. Rueda and Officer Tilley-Bedick will be recognized for their exceptional service to the Shocker community and for keeping students, staff, faculty and visitors safe at a banquet in honor of the 2025 awardees Wednesday, April 16.

Grant Adler is a busy student who is as devoted to baseball as he is his double major at Wichita State. Organization is key, and he admits he needed help to balance practice, travel, games and studies.

Korryn Hackney, his fiancée, is a nursing student at Butler Community College, and she helped him overcome a tendency to procrastinate. She played soccer at Butler, so the demands of athletics and academics are part of her life.

“She is on top of everything,” Adler said. “When I start falling behind and not doing what I’m supposed to do, she will sit me down and give me a talking to.”