Author: Caelin Bragg

Brent Mai has been named the next dean of Wichita State University’s Libraries, effective Oct. 15.

Previously serving as the dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida since 2019, dean of libraries at Fairfield University from 2016 to 2019 and the University Libraries dean of Concordia University from 2003 to 2016, Mai brings nearly 30 years of experience working in academic libraries to WSU.

Mai will replace Kathy Downes, who retires in September. Downes served as dean since 2017, but initially came to WSU in 1979 as a biomedical librarian.

President Rick Muma and Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president, are conducting a town hall for W. Frank Barton School of Business staff and faculty.

The town hall begins at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 and will be conducted via Zoom.

Daniel Bergman grew up in O’Neill, Nebraska, buying comic books at the grocery store.  

“It was hit or miss — if you had money, or if you could beg your parents,” he said. 

Those superheroes stuck with Bergman through his college days at the University of Nebraska and into his career as a teacher. The powers, the costumes, the origins and the variety of story-telling techniques captivated him as graphic novels and blockbuster movies turned the crime-fighters into entertainment powerhouses. 

Thatcher Luginbill-Ruder will see his work in the lab pay off for fans every time the Shockers play in Charles Koch Arena.

Two of those fans are special to Luginbill-Ruder, a senior industrial engineering major from Olathe. Grandparents Errol and Suzanne Luginbill are Wichita State University alums and loyal fans of the Shockers.

When the Luginbills attend games in Koch Arena, the walk to their seats will be safer and easier, thanks to a collaboration between Shocker Athletics, the College of Engineering’s Innovation Hub and the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization. Around 400 handrails are being installed in aisles above the entryways in the upper bowl and in the lower bowl behind the baselines.

The first step to being a Suspenders4Hope mental health advocate is to utilize the “WeSupportU” mental wellness in the classroom cards, which include various exercises for personal wellness, customized for you as a student.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will feature one step every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for the next steps.

The first step to being a Suspenders4Hope mental health advocate is to utilize the “WeSupportU” mental wellness in the classroom cards, which offer guidance on exercises faculty and staff can give to students to help improve their mental health.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will feature one step every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for the next steps.

The Athletics Department was recognized as the next recipient of Rick Rewards on Aug. 31. The staff were honored for their continued excellence in hosting events that bring Shocker Nation together.

Rick Rewards is awarded each month by President Rick Muma to show his appreciation for the efforts of our campus community.

For Shockers, there are seven steps to receive a certificate and recognition as a mental health advocate on campus.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will feature one step every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for how to become a mental health advocate.

For Wichita State faculty and staff, there are seven steps to receive a certificate and recognition as a mental health advocate on campus.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will feature one step every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for how to become a mental health advocate.

Now, more than ever, it is important to make connections with your fellow classmates, instructors and WSU staff.

Some helpful tips:

• Try arriving a little early to class to get to know other students and your instructors. Don’t know what to say to your instructor? Check out this page on the Student Success website.
• And get involved! There are a lot of Welcomefest events this month all over campus, giving you a chance to meet people and learn more about resources and organizations at WSU.