Lena working on theatre set

As a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in design & technical theatre, Lena Castro has stepped into a leadership role that combines both technical expertise and mentorship. Lena’s applied learning experience as the head electrician and student lighting supervisor has been instrumental in shaping their skills and career aspirations.

Lena’s role is pivotal in transforming design concepts into fully realized stage productions. “My job is to interpret plots given to me by designers and put it on stage,” Lena said. “This process includes organizing, hanging, cabling, powering, addressing, programming, and more to make sure that everything is operational on the day of the show.”

Beyond their own technical responsibilities, Lena also oversees and teaches students who complete hands-on lab hours as part of their practicum. “Since we are a department of two people, practicum students really help with the many-hands-make-light-work aspect to get shows done in a timely manner.”

Wichita State is excited to announce that the State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds are now open for applications for the fiscal year 2026.

Who can apply?

WSU colleges and departments are invited to submit proposals. Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities.

What are the funding priorities?

  • Areas of greatest need: Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities and where further development of a talent pipeline is needed for the Kansas workforce.
  • Academic alignment: The work-based experience should connect with your academic program, ensuring students are building valuable bridges between theory and practice.
  • Data-driven approach: The ability to collect data on your program’s effectiveness is crucial. This helps us ensure these funds have a lasting positive impact on student success.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity. To submit your proposal, visit wichita.edu/ALfund.

Kim Kufahl

Kim Kufahl, assistant director of marketing and communication for the Shocker Career Accelerator, has been named one of the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in major companies for 2025.

The recognition highlights her leadership in campus-wide career development efforts and her work showcasing Wichita State applied learning students through storytelling, media outreach and digital strategy. The Women Who Lead series honors outstanding professionals across a range of industries who are making a significant impact in the Wichita community.

PathwayU

Are you looking for ways to help your students explore career options and make informed decisions about their future? Attend the PathwayU: Overview & Advisor Access Training from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Friday, April 25 virtually via Microsoft Teams.

PathwayU is the comprehensive career assessment tool, utilized by the Shocker Career Accelerator. It is designed to guide students to their purpose, supporting their success and persistence. In this training session, you will learn how to:

  • Navigate the platform’s features, including assessments, career matches, WSU major alignment and military crosswalk
  • Gain valuable insights into student interests and career aspirations
  • Integrate PathwayU into your teaching or advising practices to empower students

Prior to the session, create an account at wichita.pathwayu.com and take the four career assessments. Register on myTrainings via your myWSU.

Wichita State is excited to announce that the State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds are now open for applications for the 2026 fiscal year.

Who can apply?

WSU colleges and departments are invited to submit proposals. Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities.

What are the funding priorities?

  • Areas of greatest need: Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities and where further development of a talent pipeline is needed for the Kansas workforce.
  • Academic alignment: The work-based experience should connect with your academic program, ensuring students are building valuable bridges between theory and practice.
  • Data-driven approach: The ability to collect data on your program’s effectiveness is crucial. This helps ensure these funds have a lasting positive impact on student success.

To submit your proposal, visit wichita.edu/ALfund.

Shocker Career Accelerator staff

Dr. Ashlie Jack, senior associate vice president for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Enrollment Management, and Kelley Smetak, operations and financial director for Academic Affairs, brought the Wu Wagon to celebrate the Shocker Career Accelerator’s (SCA) outstanding teamwork.

They thanked the SCA for their dedication to preparing students for their career journeys, supporting applied learning opportunities and making a meaningful impact on the Wichita State community.

Shocker Career Accelerator, Annual Report, 2023-2024

Take a look at the Shocker Career Accelerator’s 2023-24 annual report. As Shocker Career Accelerator reflects on the 2023-24 academic year, it is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of students, employer partners and the team.

At the heart of everything Shocker Career Accelerator does is the mission to empower Shockers with the skills, experiences and connections they need to thrive in their career journey and beyond. It also wants to express its gratitude to partners and Wichita State faculty and staff.

The Shocker Career Accelerator will be closed from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 to host the Health Professions Career Fair. Students interested in careers in the health professions area can visit the fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Aram Khader

Aram Khader has a strong family legacy at Wichita State, including her four older siblings and mother. Attending WSU was a natural step in her career journey. What she didn’t expect, however, was how the university’s applied learning opportunities would shape her career and lead her to a role as a strategy analyst at Deloitte.

Kelly O. Humphries, Image courtesy NASA

Kelly O. Humphries’ career path is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation and a lifelong passion for storytelling and space exploration. From his early days as a journalism student at Wichita State to becoming news chief at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Humphries has spent decades helping shape how the world understands human spaceflight.