Author: Abigail Klein

A new, yearlong, interdisciplinary program focused on developing women leaders with a global, innovative mindset will start this fall at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. The Widener Global Leaders Program, made possible by a gift from Peri Widener, is designed to create a transformational experience and foster an inclusive community for women majoring in business, communication or fine arts.

“This unique coalition of business, communication and music is an exciting opportunity for our female students and for the university as a whole,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost at Wichita State University. “When our different colleges put their resources together in programs like this, our students receive a more versatile, powerful and wholistic experience.”

WERX at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received its first Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft.

As part of its rapidly growing Maintenance Repair and Overhaul program, WSU-NIAR WERX, in conjunction with the Kansas Modification Center, will convert the passenger aircraft into a freighter that will be transferred to an external client to meet the growing needs of the e-commerce and express cargo market.

Wichita State invites the local campus and Wichita community to the inauguration ceremony for Dr. Richard Muma at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, located at 29th Street N. and Oliver. A university reception will follow the event.

Members who wish to attend the in-person ceremony must RSVP no later than Friday, Oct. 15. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube and on campus television monitors. The theme for the event is “Inspired by the past. Focused on the future.”

To save the date or for more information, call 316-978-3258 or email inauguration@wichita.edu. You can also visit the link below.

In partnership with the Sedgwick County Health Department, Wichita State University hosts two public walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics. COVID vaccinations are available without an appointment for the J & J vaccine and the first, second and third or booster Pfizer vaccinations at the following times and locations:

• Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays: Steve Clark YMCA, 2060 N. Mid-Campus Dr. on the WSU campus      
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays: Charles Koch Arena, 1845 Fairmount St. on the WSU campus

One of Wichita State’s most entertaining traditions, the annual Yard Show, was held Aug. 24. The annual event is hosted by the WSU Multicultural Greek Council.

Ahlberg Hall on the WSU campus is secure following a report of smoke from an electrical motor. There were no injuries, and damage was minor. 

Elevators are temporarily out of order. Classes normally held on floors 3, 4 and 5 will either be remote, relocated or canceled Thursday and Friday.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Teri Hall will host a come-and-go reception for Nancy Loosle 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the Aster Lounge located on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Brief remarks will take place at 4:15 p.m.

Nancy will be leaving her position as assistant dean of students and director of student involvement for a new position at Radford University in Roanoke, Virginia. Nancy has been an instrumental part of the development of Wichita State’s Division of Student Affairs for almost 20 years. Her role has evolved and developed as WSU Student Involvement changed to adjust to the changing needs of students and the institution. She has been a valued voice on the WSU Student Affairs Leadership Team and within the dean of students area. She has mentored and advised countless students and young professionals. Her steady leadership will be greatly missed.

The WSU Division of Student Affairs thanks Nancy for the incredible work she has done during her time at WSU, and congratulates her for the opportunity to share her skills with a new institution.

“I am vaccinated because I want to feel safe and protect others around me.”

Together, we can help end this pandemic.

Shocker Nation is taking the university’s mission of “being an educational driver” to heart through an outreach initiative aimed at the growing literacy rate among area elementary schoolchildren.  

Supporters and leaders of Wichita State University gathered Tuesday, Aug. 31, to break ground on the Promise Bridge, a walkway that will link the Innovation Campus to the main campus and will be a marquee fixture just south of Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, new home to the W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Now under construction, Woolsey Hall is expected to open in mid-2022. The WSU Foundation and its campus/community partners raised private funds to pay for about half the cost of the new facility and for the entire cost of the Promise Bridge.

In his remarks during the groundbreaking, WSU President Rick Muma described the pedestrian bridge as a major campus landmark intended to be a gathering spot not only for students, but also for the entire community.

“Its location between the innovation and main campus will serve to strengthen our current partnerships and encourage future investment in Wichita State University and its students,” Muma said.

Barton School Dean Larisa Genin said the walkway’s three-pronged shape is not only a distinctive architectural feature, but also a representation of the university’s and business school’s commitment to academics, research and industry.

“The bridge is a physical manifestation of the promise we make to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners,” Genin said in describing why the structure was named the Promise Bridge.

The Promise Bridge will span a large water feature south of Woolsey Hall. It will feature a seating bench along the length of the bridge, with wi-fi provided so that students and visitors can gather and work there. Light fixtures will illuminate the bridge and water at night, and two small lighted fountains will be located at each end of the bridge.