Author: Caelin Bragg

We are deeply heartbroken to share with our community and friends that Kiah Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C.

Kiah was a proud alumna of the Barton School of Business and Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, graduating in the spring of 2017 with degrees in international business, economics and Spanish. A recipient of the prestigious Clay Barton Scholarship in 2013, she joined a distinguished group of exceptionally talented students. During her time at Wichita State, Kiah cofounded the Shocker Food Locker, an initiative that continues to support students facing food insecurity. Her unwavering commitment to building more equitable communities is a legacy we can all carry forward within Shocker Nation.

Born and raised in Wichita, Kiah was the daughter of Dr. Maurice and Gwen Duggins, who instilled in her a deep commitment to social justice through their own dedication to serving underserved communities in education and healthcare. After graduating from Wichita State, she went on to earn her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. It was no surprise that after law school, Kiah became an attorney with the Civil Rights Corps in Washington, D.C., continuing her family’s legacy of advocacy and service.

During her tenure as an attorney, Kiah litigated on behalf of movements challenging unconstitutional policing and money bail practices. She studied prison industrial complex abolition and movement lawyering as a Law 4 Black Lives Fellow and integrated those concepts into her daily work.

Her family remains active in the Wichita community, and this tragedy has profoundly impacted all who knew her. Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own. To those who had the privilege of knowing Kiah, our hearts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Kiah was a beacon of light, a testament to perseverance and an inspiration to all who dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. We hope her legacy continues to inspire our students, serving as a reminder of what is possible through determination, passion and purpose.

Shocker Financial Wellness is hosting a come-and-go workshop all about eating on a budget from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room. As a bonus, students who attend the workshops this semester and fill out the entry/exit surveys are entered in a raffle for a full in-state fall tuition scholarship.

The devastating news of the plane crash last night in Washington, DC has shaken our Shocker community. The university anxiously awaits confirmation of the passenger list. Until this list is released, we are unable to confirm if anyone with ties to Wichita State University was on Flight 5342. We are keeping the families and loved ones of those who were on that flight in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

Help Wichita State welcome 12 new faculty members who are joining the Shocker family this spring semester.

They hail from three of WSU’s academic colleges, including:

• College of Fine Arts: 2
• College of Health Professions: 9
• College of Innovation and Design: 1

The campus community will have the chance to hear from Alejandra Campoverdi, author of the awarding-winning memoir, “First Gen,” at a featured speaker event on campus. Campoverdi will discuss her memoir at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 in 141 Woolsey Hall, Fidelity Bank Ballroom.

A best-selling author, Campoverdi has received national acclaim for “First Gen,” including receiving the California Independent Booksellers Alliance Martin Cruz Smith Award. Her memoir was also chosen as the 2024 Opportunity Matters Book Club selection for the Council for Opportunity in Education. Campoverdi previously served as the first White House deputy director of Hispanic media for Former President Barack Obama.

The event is sponsored by the National Institute of Student Success and Academic Affairs.

As you are likely aware, there have been many recent executive orders and federal actions. Our campus leadership is closely monitoring all these actions, and we are evaluating their potential effects on our students, faculty, staff and operations. We are diligently gathering information and assessing the full scope of all orders, proposals and recent developments to determine both the short- and long-term implications to better understand how we will need to respond and, if possible, mitigate impacts.

We understand questions are arising from our campus community. Please understand that executive orders will be followed by government and expert guidance, and possibly court challenges. Therefore, immediate and comprehensive communication is challenging. We value the importance of receiving timely direction, and we are working to balance those needs with providing accurate and meaningful answers and information through the appropriate campus community channels.

Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost

There have been a lot of questions concerning the impact at Wichita State of recent executive orders and federal actions. Please know that we are closely monitoring all actions and evaluating their potential effects on our students and the rest of campus.

This includes reviewing legal and policy implications, engaging stakeholders, promoting open communication and involvement, and working to mitigate operational impacts. Right now, we are assessing the full scope of all orders, proposals and recent developments to determine both the short-term and long-term implications.

Please understand that most executive orders will be followed by government and expert guidance and possibly court challenges. We know how important it is to receive timely direction, but we are also balancing that with providing accurate and meaningful answers and information.

As we work hard to support students, please expect additional resources and communication from the appropriate departments and administrative offices.

Dr. Teri Hall, vice president of Student Affairs

For the Wednesday, Jan. 29 Shocker men’s basketball game, a number of lots in the vicinity of Charles Koch Arena will be reserved for Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization parking beginning at 3:30 p.m. During this time, signage will be in place alerting drivers of the impending lot assignment changes.

Anyone previously parked in these lots will need to move their cars by 3:30 p.m. Any unauthorized parking in a game day lot carries a $50 citation fine.

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 Wednesday, Feb. 12 against UTSA, so come early, grab a dinner and enjoy a round of drinks with friends before hopping on the shuttle to kick off game day.

Heading to Charles Koch Arena for a Shocker men’s basketball game? Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has you covered with new 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 Wednesday, Jan. 29 against North Texas, so come early, grab a dinner and enjoy a round of drinks with friends before hopping on the shuttle to kick off game day.