Author: Caelin Bragg

Welcome home, Shockers!

Whether you’re kicking off your first semester or your final lap, we’re glad you’re here. Wichita State just isn’t the same without you.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and we all bring different backgrounds and perspectives to this campus. That diversity is part of what makes Shocker Nation so vibrant.

Watch President Muma’s full welcome back

Thank you for reading the first Shocker Blast of the fall 2025 semester. This special edition features everything you need to start your semester off on the right foot.

There’s a lot of information in Shocker Blast that’s useful to you as a student, like your special Shocker perks, hidden gems on campus, events with your peers, important deadlines and more, so be on the lookout every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

And keep an eye out for Wuber today and tomorrow to get a ride around campus. If you catch one, be sure to snap a photo and tag or DM us on Instagram and we will share your photos: @wichitastateu.

Welcomefest is the official welcome campaign for new and returning Shockers and features events, activities and services designed to help everyone have a successful transition to life at Wichita State. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include Clash of the Colleges, Involvement Fair and much more.

Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus and find ways to connect with the community. View the schedule of events at wichita.edu/welcomefest.

President Rick Muma with other university leadership held the 2025 Fall Address Aug. 13 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Speakers discussed what’s coming up for the university and the campus community’s efforts that have led to tremendous progress on the university’s priorities:

• Helping families through access and affordability
• Supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets employer needs
• Increasing economic prosperity with higher education that benefits the Kansas economy

If you were unable to catch it live, you can find the livestream archive on Wichita State’s YouTube channel.

Shocker Nation would like to wish Dr. Linnea GlenMaye a happy retirement after her 27 years of service to the university and community, 14 of which were as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

The Strategic Planning Committee is working to reimagine Wichita State’s Strategic Plan, including refining our core and distinctive values as one set of guiding values. These values serve as the foundation for our decisions, priorities and culture as a university community. Please fill out the Strategic Plan survey at wichita.edu/values by the end of the day Sept. 19 and help shape the next five years.

For those who aren’t able to attend in person, you can watch the livestream of the 2025 Fall Address later today starting at 2:30 p.m., where President Rick Muma, Provost Monica Lounsbery, Kevin Saal, Jenn Friend, Ashlie Jack, Chris Stone and Jacob Mendez will outline key focus areas for the coming year.

You’re reading Shocker Blast, Wichita State’s newsletter made just for students. Shocker Blast gives you regular updates about Shocker Nation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, sent directly to your official student email.

We know no one likes to read emails — but there’s a lot of information in Shocker Blast that’s useful to you as a student, like all your Shocker resources, special deals on campus, events with your peers, important deadlines and more.

Stay tuned for the Aug. 18 edition for everything you need to know to start your semester off on the right foot. And keep an eye out for all of the Welcomefest events happening this semester.

For more information about Shocker Blast, reach out to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor in the Office of Strategic Communications, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu.

Gabey Norris grew up watching her father work as a K-9 unit officer for Saline County in central Kansas. That upbringing sparked her interest in law enforcement and led her to Wichita State. 

“I love listening to my father tell his stories from work,” she said. “I have always been intrigued by investigations and all kinds of murder mystery shows. My biggest motivation is being able to help the public and bring closure to families who have lost a loved one or had one injured.” 

Gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system with the Introduction to Criminal Justice series of Badges at Wichita State. This Badge series, designed for full-time professionals, covers law enforcement, the courts, corrections and juvenile justice.

Wichita State has been a national leader in creating a standard for microcredentials, allowing employers to be confident that meaningful learning has occurred, so you can confidently list a badge you’ve earned from WSU on your resume.

To learn more about Badges, including how to enroll for the fall 2025 semester, visit wichita.edu/badges.