Author: Caelin Bragg

Following the recent signing of the state budget by Gov. Laura Kelly, Wichita State is moving forward on several priorities impacted by this year’s legislative session.

• The state appropriated a 2.5%, or $1.7 million, pool to help Wichita State University address market-based compensation. These funds will be distributed based on market-based compensation priorities in alignment with ongoing efforts to support and retain employees.
• Wichita State will also receive approximately $3.3 million from the state’s Campus Restoration Fund. This funding, which is part of a $30 million investment shared across all Kansas Board of Regents institutions, will support critical deferred maintenance projects on campus.
• Although the governor vetoed our request to fund a feasibility and programmatic study for a proposed school of dentistry as part of Phase 2 of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, Wichita State will proceed with the study independently. The university remains committed to exploring how a dental school can help meet the critical oral health needs of Kansans, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Additional details will be shared as plans progress.

Join Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of government relations, for updates on the Kansas legislature relevant to Wichita State at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 18 virtually via Microsoft Teams.

To find a link to the meeting, reach out to Olivia Kerschen, executive assistant to the president, at olivia.kerschen@wichita.edu.

The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students. Legislative updates are held every other Friday.

April 12 was the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Race to Jam competition in which eight MLT/MLS programs signed up to compete, two teams from WSU MLS signed up to represent the college. Race to Jam is a national competition for laboratory science students to show off their knowledge in a bracket-style trivia game. The competition tests students by asking questions for each discipline on three levels of difficulty.

Both teams went into the semifinals, but it was the second team that will be in the finals June 8-12 in Sacramento, California.

The School of Education Spring Colloquium keynote speaker, Dr. Sun Young Lee, will be presenting on “The Question of Equity in the Science of Reading Reforms” from 5 to 6 p.m. May 5 in 110B Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium.

Dr. Lee is an assistant professor in the School of Education. Her research focuses on the politics of educational knowledge in teacher education, literacy education and Asian American education. Using historical, comparative and qualitative methods, she critically examines the paradoxes of well-intended education policies and reforms.

College is the perfect time to create long-lasting memories and friendships. Whether you’re into sports, arts, community service or something super niche, the ShockerSync calendar has events that cater to all interests: wichita.edu/shockersync.

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 CARE Team and Student Outreach and Support (SOS) are being recognized for their proactive support for the campus community. Their work ensures students, staff and faculty alike all have the tools necessary to work and learn at their full potential. Hear from Katie Davidson, director of SOS, on how the teams are supporting mental health.

Brandon Bonta and Spencer Robarge grew up wanting to bowl for Wichita State. Now as they prepare to finish their collegiate careers as Shocker bowlers, they’re thrilled with their experience and happy to join a long line of Shockers guiding the next generation.  

“Leadership is always about, ‘How can I help the next guy up, as well as teach them the ways of Shocker bowling,’” Bonta said. “You become more of an asset to a team. Hopefully, for the guys who are here, I’ve created a path for them that can make them successful [so] they’re on the right track.” 

Robarge had a family connection to Shocker bowling. Even with that background, the transition to college challenged him. As his WSU career winds down, he savors giving advice that helps the freshmen navigate their new world, academically and athletically. 

The College of Engineering is hosting an Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED) event, commonly known as Girl Day, for high school students from Wichita and the surrounding area. The event will be from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

“The purpose of an annual IGED event is to inspire and empower students to pursue careers in STEM fields,” said Ana Montanez Chacon, the director of student support for the College of Engineering. “Surveys after the event last year showed that out of 140 students who attended, more than half ultimately pursued engineering or computing at WSU.”

WSU is planning to have about 200 participants for the IGED event. The students will participate in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, listen to inspirational speakers, and meet mentors from the engineering and computing industries, including local professionals, WSU faculty and students. There will also be an opportunity fair featuring companies from STEM fields. Breakfast pastries and lunch will be provided.

Looking for something fun to do on campus? Check out the ShockerSync calendar for a variety of events hosted by the nearly 300 student organizations on campus: wichita.edu/shockersync.

Shocker women’s bowling’s remarkable first NCAA season came to an end April 11 as the Shockers competed in the NCAA Championship with losses to Jacksonville State and Nebraska at Suncoast Lanes.

The Shockers end their inaugural NCAA campaign with an 87-38 record, a conference championship, and multiple CUSA All-American and NTCA All-American honorees.

Wichita State congratulates the Shocker women’s bowling team for its incredible first season in the NCAA.