Author: Caelin Bragg

Consider this your chance to defy gravity academically. Dive into power, identity and perspective through the lens of Wicked in Wicked: Perspectives from Oz (FYPF 102B), CRN: 24324. If you started after fall 2024, this course can fill Bucket 7 for General Education.

Longtime Wichita State broadcaster Mike Kennedy has been honored with the National Sports Media Association Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award.

Kennedy, the legendary play-by-play Voice of the Shockers, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, marking the close of a historic 46-year broadcasting career with the program.

In Exploring the World of Business (BADM 100), learn more about business innovation, how markets operate, entrepreneurial activities and socially responsible business decisions. Multiple class times are available, including fully online options. You can add classes to your spring schedule now through Monday, Jan. 26.

Wichita State will launch two graduate programs in forensic firearms and forensic biology in fall 2026, expanding the pipeline of trained specialists prepared for careers in federal, state and local crime laboratories.

The programs were developed in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and regional partners at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and they were created to meet a growing national need for examiners who can step into a lab and get to work.

Shop at the Koch Arena Shocker Store during men’s basketball games and receive a free basketball with $100 purchase while supplies last. Merchandise subtotal must be $100 or greater.

Student Health Services has flu vaccines available for WSU students, faculty and staff. Cost is $25 plus administration fee but may be free with your health insurance benefits (all plans are different). Financial assistance for self-pay students may be available for the administration fee. The Student Wellness Center is open for walk-ins 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Wichita State student-athletes recorded the second-highest cumulative grade-point average in school history with a 3.51 for the fall 2025 semester. It was also the 41st-consecutive semester of earning higher than a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average department wide.

“This achievement speaks to the culture our student-athletes, coaches and staff have built together — one that values excellence in the classroom as much as service in the community and competitive excellence,” said Kevin Saal, director of athletics. “Sustaining this level of academic success over more than two decades is a powerful reflection of who we are and what we expect at Wichita State.”

Of the 225 student-athletes on the honor roll (above a 3.0), 55 earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, while 163 were named to the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA) and 209 were named Shocker Scholars (3.2 GPA).

Encourage your undergraduate student researchers from all disciplines to submit their application for the annual Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol poster symposium. Participants must:

• Be undergraduates during the 2025-26 academic year
• Have completed research under the guidance of a faculty mentor at a Kansas four-year public institution
• Follow the appropriate methodology of their academic discipline
• Have research of sufficient quality to be presented at a professional academic meeting
• Produce a professional academic poster
• Rehearse their presentations prior to the Capitol event

Applications are due at midnight Jan. 26, 2026.

The Wichita State University Police Department is calling on Shocker Nation to help spread the love for Valentine’s Day this year by stocking the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker.

Now through Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, UPD is stuffing a squad car at the University Police Department building at Mid Campus Drive and Research Place, where you can drop off your donations for the locker.

Don’t know what to donate? The following are common, in-demand items at the locker:

• Canned foods and other easy instant meals
• Fruit products like applesauce and juice, vegetables, and cooking sauces like spaghetti and tomato sauce
• Grains and pasta, such as granola bars, rice, macaroni and bread
• Health and hygiene products such as bandages, deodorant, soaps, toothpaste, tampons and pads
• Baby products like wipes, diapers and formula

The Wichita State University Craig W. Barton Speaker Series cordially invites you to save the date for an evening with Lieutenant General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, 25th U.S. national security advisor, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

RSVPs for your free general admission ticket will be available on March 4.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation.