Almer J. "Jay" Mandt III

Dr. Almer J. “Jay” Mandt III, associate professor emeritus of philosophy and former director of the Emory K. Lindquist honors program, passed away on June 20 in Wichita. Jay Mandt served 14 years as Wichita State’s Honors director and was active in the regional Great Plains Honors Council and National Collegiate Honors Council.

In addition to numerous articles on topics in German philosophy and philosophy of culture, he published on honors education in the Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council. His broad interest in the philosophy of culture and humanities led him to develop honors seminars on science fiction and in military history.

Dr. Mandt is remembered for the steadfast belief in intellectual curiosity that he shared with generations of students. He steered the honors program through uncertainty, ensuring the future of honors education at Wichita State.

Information about services will be published in his digital obituary.

Students hanging out on campus

Wichita State has released the names of the 3,429 students included in the spring 2024 semester Dean’s Honor Roll list. To be included on the honor roll, students must be a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours) and have at least a 3.5 grade point average on the 4.0 scale.

The Airbus/WSU Aerospace Engineering Wing Box Design Competition gives students and the public an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of structural analyses and design.

There are three categories participants can compete in:

  • High school: Open to high school student teams. Competitors will design and construct wingboxes and also create a poster display describing their design philosophy and contest-related activities.
  • Open category: Open to the public at large. Practicing engineers in the local aviation industries and hobbyists also are encouraged to compete.
  • AE 525 category: Open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in AE 525: Flight Structures I at WSU. The wing-box design challenge will be mandatory for students enrolled in this course.

Reach out to Dr. Suresh Raju at suresh.keshavanarayana@wichita.edu with any contest or technical questions.

The Shockers sculpture sits on campus between McKinley Hall and Duerksen Fine Arts Center

Beyond the classrooms and lecture halls, Wichita State is a hub of vibrant culture, entertainment and adventure all year round. Whether you’re a local in search of new experiences or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the Shocker spirit, WSU offers a plethora of activities that make the summer months shine.

You are hereby invited to a Wichita State-cation: From intriguing museums and picturesque selfie spots to exhilarating sporting events, captivating fine arts performances and delectable dining options, Wichita State is the place to be. Join us and see why our campus is a welcoming, must-visit destination.

Wichita State University’s campus will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19.

Eligible employees will have the paid holiday off, and the day will automatically be filled out in eligible employees’ timesheets/leave reports.

President Biden initially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced in 2023 that Juneteenth would be a state holiday.

Wichita State systems and internet are fully restored.

If you continue to experience any technical issues, contact the ITS Help Desk at 316-978-4357 (HELP).

Dean Andrew Hippisley

Andrew Hippisley, dean of Wichita State’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has accepted a position as vice provost for Academic Affairs at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). His last day at WSU will be July 2.

David Eichhorn, associate dean of the Fairmount College, will fill in as interim dean while the university conducts a national search for Hippisley’s replacement.

Hippisley has been dean at Wichita State for six years. During his time as dean, the Fairmount College has seen unprecedented growth in research, with proposal dollars nearly doubling from $22 million to $40 million a year and external dollars received increasing from $7 million to more than $13 million a year. Research strategies developed in this time include a discipline-specific workload policy and a buy-out policy.

In his time at WSU, Hippisley also helped launch new programs such as the master’s in mathematical data science, bachelor’s in applied linguistics, bachelor’s in American Sign Language, Associate of Sciences, and certificates in sustainability studies, ArcGIS and space sciences. In addition, he helped create new academic pathways through the Law 3+3 program with University of Kansas School of Law, a 4+3 pathway with the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and articulation agreements with multiple community colleges.

“Under my leadership, the college has overhauled its requirements to reframe them as competencies that are outcomes of a liberal arts education in order to make explicit the career-readiness value of a liberal arts and sciences education,” Hippisley said.

Community engagement has also been one of Hippisley’s priorities as he made strong efforts to strengthen the college’s ties with its alumni base. In partnership with the WSU Foundation, Hippisley has helped secure $24 million to support the mission of the Fairmount College and has developed new industrial and business partnerships, including a legal professions advisory board and an industrial math clinic.

“It has been a pleasure working with Dean Hippisley as both a fellow dean and as a colleague over the years,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president of Wichita State. “He has brought a vision of collaboration and strategic thinking during his tenure that has resulted in more interdisciplinary programs and increased research productivity across several departments in the college. We wish him well in his new role.”

Pierre Harter

Wichita State University announces the appointment of Pierre Harter as interim associate vice president for Research.

In this position, Harter will focus on faculty-led academic research, aiming to enhance WSU’s applied research efforts and align both with its vision for applied learning.

Harter also serves as associate vice president of research operations for Industry and Defense Programs. He returned to the university in 2021 after spending 21 years in various executive leadership, research and engineering positions at Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier Learjet and Adam Aircraft Industries. In his current position, Harter oversees some programs within the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation and the National Institute for Aviation Research, engaging multiple university departments and IDP labs in interdisciplinary research.

Harter reports to John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director.

“I am confident Pierre will be an ideal leader for WSU research,” Tomblin said. “He has a passion and track record for bringing together multiple departments to accomplish a broader goal. This will serve WSU well, not only in efforts to increase WSU research programs, but also to grow applied learning and enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs.”

Tomblin resumed oversight of the division of Research in March.

Harter completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from Wichita State. As a student, he worked in the Advanced Materials Lab at the National Institute for Aviation Research. He earned his MBA from Newman University and was a previously an adjunct lecturer for the business school there. He served on the WSU Board of Trustees for nine years and is currently a member of the USD 385 school board and the Industry Advisory Board for WSU’s College of Engineering.

Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to meet with Harter and Research Office staff at an event in early August.

Rebecca Reiling

Rebecca Reiling, director of HR Business Partnering and Engagement, has announced her resignation from her role effective at the end of June. Join in celebrating her time at WSU and help wish her well in her future endeavors at a farewell parting from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 28 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room.

During her time at WSU, Rebecca has made major contributions to the university’s HR department and the overall culture at WSU. She’s had a significant influence transforming the team into one that serves as a strategic partner to help departments achieve their goals while navigating all the opportunities and challenges that come along with leading people.

Rebecca will continue in her role through June 14. A transition plan is in the works, which will include Diana Austin taking on an interim role as HRBP supervisor.

The Office of Financial Aid poses for a photo in their Suspenders4Hope T-shirts

Suspenders4Hope, a program developed at Wichita State University, is highlighting different departments and individuals on campus who are advocates for mental health in hopes that their stories will inspire others to continue supporting one another in the community.

The Office of Financial Aid is being recognized for its efforts in alleviating financial stressors for students and being advocates for mental health awareness on campus and in the community. Hear from Sheelu Surender, executive director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, on how the Office of Financial Aid is supporting mental health.