Author: Caelin Bragg

Wichita State delivered a third consecutive sweep to cap off a dominant run through the American Athletic Conference (ACC) tournament, defeating Florida Atlantic 25-22, 25-19, 25-19 to secure the program’s first NCAA tournament bid since 2017.

The Shockers (18-13) will learn their postseason destination at next week’s NCAA Volleyball Selection Show, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 on ESPN. The first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament take place Thursday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 7.

The victory represents Wichita State’s second AAC championship and first in a conference tournament. The Shockers won the 2017 regular season title when the conference did not host a tournament. Overall, Wichita State has now won five conference tournaments, with the previous four coming in the Missouri Valley Conference (2004, 2013, 2015, 2016). WSU will be appearing in the NCAA tournament for the 12th time in program history.

Join the rest of the Shocker community, faculty, staff and retirees, to celebrate Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost, and her journey at a retirement reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at Wichita State Connect.

Lefever has been with WSU for over 20 years. Come wish her well as she moves on to this next chapter of her life.

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case cordially invite the Shocker community, faculty, staff and retirees, to the annual Wichita State Holiday Party from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Shirley Beggs Ballroom. Attendees will be greeted by the President’s Executive Team. Faculty, staff and retirees will also receive a complimentary holiday glass — the third in a yearly series of vintage WuShock glasses — while supplies last (one per person).

The Holiday Party is a come and go event, and food and beverages will be available to attendees. RSVP to one of three different times to help catering prepare enough food.

On Nov. 20, the Kansas Board of Regents approved a request from Wichita State to enhance the name of the on-campus baseball stadium to Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park.

The stadium name was enhanced to honor Hall of Fame coach Gene Stephenson who was the head coach at Wichita State from 1978-2013.

“We are grateful to the Kansas Board of Regents for their support of this important honor,” said Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. “Gene Stephenson developed Wichita State into a national baseball power, advanced one of the top facilities in the country and even today, continues his loyal support of this beloved program.  We are proud to enhance the naming of this incredible facility in Coach Stephenson’s honor.”

Rob Gerlach, executive director of the Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization; Zeeshan Khan, IDP program manager, business/innovation programs; and Dr. Jessica Provines, assistant vice president for wellness and chief psychologist sat down with Lisa Mueller for the “AUTM on the Air” podcast Nov. 20.

They discussed Wichita State’s innovative Suspenders4Hope program, including its collaborative nature with industry and how tech transfer helps push the program, and how it is making an impact.

Listen to the episode on YouTube, visit the website or listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Wichita State University has launched the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (IRMAT), an innovative collaboration focused on addressing disease and disability through applied research and technology. IRMAT will serve as a hub for cutting-edge, patient-driven research and development of transformative technologies to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

The groundbreaking collaboration brings together Wichita State’s College of Health Professions, College of Engineering, and Industry and Defense Programs, along with inaugural clinical partners Ascension Via Christi’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Heartspring’s Outpatient Services and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, to accelerate scientific advancements and develop assistive technologies.

Dr. Lyndsey Brown — assistant clinical professor and school counseling program coordinator in the Department of Intervention Services & Leadership in Education — was interviewed by U.S. News and World Report for a story on supporting a child’s learning experience.

Dr. Brown provided insight as an expert in the field and offered advice on the importance of giving written affirmation when kids are learning.

President Rick Muma visited Wichita State Esports during one of the team’s training sessions to recognize the team as the next recipient of Rick Rewards. President Muma recognized the accomplishments and growth of the teams over the past few years, including hosting the successful D-Air Capital Games event that saw nearly 200 people from across the Midwest visit campus; multiple top finishes from the individual teams; and helping middle school and high school students learn about esports with annual summer camps.

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

Research Place will be temporarily one lane traffic as work begins on the concrete of the crosswalk, road panels and sidewalk panels. Parking lots 13 and 15 will be open, but expect delays.

The maintenance is planned to start Tuesday, Nov. 19, weather permitting, between Wichita State Connect and Parking Services. Work is expected to last for a couple of weeks.

Work has been progressing smoothly on construction of the upcoming Wichita Biomedical Campus, a $300 million, 471,000-square-foot joint health sciences center between Wichita State, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas.

Despite the rain, workers began installation of shoring around the elevator pits across the site to prevent dirt from caving in as they dig. The workers will begin forming and pouring concrete pile caps and elevator pit walls, which will continue throughout the week.

You can watch a live broadcast of the construction online at: bigview.ai/wichitabiomedicalcampusliveview.