Author: Caelin Bragg

General education with a creative twist: From Dance Appreciation to Scriptwriting, the School of Performing Arts has exciting courses for all students to take in spring 2026:

• Wicked—Perspectives from Oz (FYPF 102B, 24324) – If you loved the movies, you’ll love this class. Explore themes of perspective, morality, power and identity through music, film and storytelling. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. T/R.
• Dance Appreciation (DANC140, 22596) – Explore the art, history and cultural impact of dance from the comfort of your home. Online.
• Dance History: 20th–21st Centuries (DANC325, 22603) – Discover how dance shaped culture in the 20th and 21st centuries. Online.
• Theatre Appreciation (THEA143, 22614) – Learn what makes theatre timeless. Online.
• Improvisation for the Actor (THEA241, 22578) – Build confidence, creativity and quick thinking. 3-4:50 p.m. T/R.
• Acting I (THEA243, 22580) – Learn performance basics and stage presence. 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. T/R.
• Scriptwriting II (THEA517, 22594) – Write stories that come alive. 9:30-10:45 a.m. T/R.

Register now.

What seems to be a random set of three columns on the southwest corner of campus actually hold a unique piece of Wichita State lore. The columns were originally part of the Carnegie/Morrison Library, which were part of the 1964 fire that hit the campus.

As the building, where the Ulrich Museum of Art is today, was being razed, Wichita State alumna Kathlien Edmiston staged a protest by sitting on one of the columns to prevent them from being bulldozed and led the campaign to preserve them. Thanks to her efforts, students today can see a bit of Wichita State history every time they come to campus.

Shocker Athletics announced that Mike 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.

Kennedy began calling Shocker men’s basketball full time during the storied 1980-81 Elite Eight season and has since become one of the most enduring and respected voices in college athletics. On Nov. 17, 2023, he reached a remarkable milestone, calling his 1,400th consecutive Wichita State men’s basketball game — a streak that stands as one of the longest in the nation.

“This has not been an easy decision, as you can imagine, but after a great deal of thought and consideration, I know in my heart, it’s the right time to take this step,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy made an appearance on “The Roundhouse” podcast with Paul Suellentrop to discuss more about his decision to retire, look back at his career and remember some of his favorite moments.

Wichita State will celebrate Kennedy’s career during the upcoming season, with additional recognition plans to be announced.

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. Walk-in to the Student Wellness Center 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday for your flu vaccine before cold and flu season.

Student Health Services is also hosting two upcoming pop-up flu shot clinics: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 and Thursday, Nov. 20 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center

The Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance (CTAC) welcomes Krystal Iseminger as its new director of ADA and Section 504 compliance. In this role, Iseminger will coordinate and monitor the university’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and other federal, state, and local laws pertaining to accommodations and accessibility.

Her formal education background is a Master of Arts in English language and literature and a Bachelor of Arts in secondary English education, both from Wichita State. She has also earned a Master Reviewer certificate from Quality Matters. Iseminger had previously served as the director of accessibility at the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) and as an instructional designer and online lecturer at WSU.

While Wichita State is on winter break Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026, Braeburn Square will continue operations.

Enjoy dining, shopping and other services at our numerous partners:

• Shocker Store
• Meritrust Credit Union
• Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
• Social Tap Drinkery
• Starbucks
• Sungrano Pizza
• Wheatly’s Burgers
• Jersey Mike’s
• Two Hands

Individual businesses may have holiday hours that differ from normal operations. Consult each business’ individual websites and social media channels for more information, and be sure to follow the Braeburn Square Facebook account for updates and special offers.

Road striping work will continue on campus starting at 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, weather permitting. One lane traffic will remain open, but expect delays and plan ahead if you will be on campus during this time. The following are areas that will be impacted:

• Perimeter Road at Shocker Hall to Mike Oatman Drive and near the Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex
• North Yale Avenue
• Harvard Avenue and 17th Street

For questions regarding the road work, contact DeeDee Estill-Matos, manager of Building Trades, at daraleen.estill-matos@wichita.edu.

Get fresh coffee from local Reverie Coffee Roasters in addition to a small convenience store with the basics at Market at GroundHouse, located in Shocker Hall just next to the Shocker Dining Hall. GroundHouse is open from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday-Friday and 7-10 a.m./8 p.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday for early days and late nights.

Grammy award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato has performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages, including La Scala in Italy, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London. But before her 24-carat gold voice stole the hearts of audiences across the globe, she was a Shocker. Listen as Joyce chats with Wichita State President Rick Muma on the “Forward Together” podcast.

Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts or Apple Podcasts (iTunes).

Subscribe to be notified when new episodes are available.

The new Scholars Walk on campus, located between the Plaza of Heroines and Heskett Center, celebrates faculty excellence in research and classroom accomplishments. The campus community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting event at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Scholars Walk is a series of banners along the northeast walkway from the Plaza of Heroines highlighting faculty from the academic colleges. Each banner includes a QR code that links to a short biography and additional information on their scholarly work.

Attendees will meet at the Plaza of Heroines, and the ribbon cutting will feature remarks from Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, and deans of the colleges will also be present.  Refreshments will be served.