Author: Julia Wright

Credit Union of America (CUA) and the College of Applied Studies (CAS) have partnered to launch the “Credit Union of America Teacher Licensure Test Program Fund.” This initiative aims to provide financial support to Wichita State students pursuing teaching careers by covering the costs of mandatory licensure exams. Over the next four years, CUA plans to contribute $33,000 annually to assist eligible students during their final semester.

Eligible students will receive invitations to apply for funds during the final semester of their educator preparation programs.

Available funding will be awarded with a priority distribution approach as follows:

• Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP) students
• Initial Teacher Licensure Program students with demonstrated financial need
• Initial Teacher Licensure Program students without demonstrated financial need

The fund helps alleviate the financial burden of Praxis tests required for Kansas licensure, making it easier for aspiring educators to access these vital examinations and achieve equitable access to their teaching aspirations.

In 2022, CAS observed a significant number of graduates completing Praxis tests for initial teacher licensure in Kansas, resulting in estimated annual testing expenses exceeding $60,000. The Credit Union of America Teacher Licensure Test Program Fund addresses this financial barrier, providing essential support to aspiring educators. Approximately 50% to 60% of WSU’s pre-service teacher candidates have a low Expected Family Contribution below $3,000, and this fund aims to promote equitable access to teacher licensure for all students.

Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean, College of Applied Studies, will throw out the first pitch at the Wichita Wind Surge baseball game against the San Antonio Missions at around 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 at Riverfront Stadium to kickoff Educator’s Night sponsored by Credit Union of America.

The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.

Don’t miss the Corbin Connect Speaker Series: “Cultural Institutions & Educator Support Panel Discussion” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 in 105 Heskett Center.

Hosted by the College of Applied Studies and sponsored by Credit Union of America, explore insights from speakers representing prestigious organizations like Wichita Art Museum, Music Theatre Wichita, Exploration Place, Credit Union of America, Storytime Village and others sharing their impact on local schools. Discover partnership opportunities, engage in interactive discussions, and enjoy light appetizers.

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) announced the selection of five distinguished individuals to be inducted into the class of 2023 CAS Hall of Fame. The inductees come from various backgrounds representing several departments within the college and are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to their field.

The class of 2023 CAS Hall of Fame inductees are Dr. Marcus Ballenger, Dr. Jeri Carroll, Dr. Orpha Duell, Rick Pappas and Dr. Michael Tilford.

The college will celebrate the inductees with a banquet from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 on the Wichita State campus

Dr. Bobby Berry, assistant dean for diversity and outreach in the College of Applied Studies and assistant professor in the Department of Sport Management, has been chosen as one of the select participants for the 2023 Leadership Wichita Class.

This year’s class, consisting of 31 emerging leaders from South Central Kansas, coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Leadership Wichita program, an initiative by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Designed to nurture community engagement, the immersive program provides in-depth insights into crucial areas such as local governance, economic development, education and media.

Wichita State Esports received several awards and nominations at the 2023 National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) 2023 National Convention, held July 11-13 in Indianapolis.

• Japheth Briney, student-athlete: Super Smash Bros Ultimate, player of the year and first-team All-NACE
• Justyce Briney, coach: Super Smash Bros Ultimate, NACE coach of the year nominee
• Jake Kurtz, student-athlete: Call of Duty, second-team All-NACE
• Travis Yang, director: NACE Hero Award nominee, re-elected to the board of directors

Know of any students entering grades 6-12 that are interested in esports? If so, the Wichita State esports summer camp from July 24-28 is for them.

Students will embark on a transformative journey guided by seasoned esports professionals and coaches who will provide expert training and mentorship. This immersive camp is designed to cater to all skill levels. Participants can expect a blend of intensive gameplay sessions, strategic workshops and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art gaming equipment throughout the camp.

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) is looking for a graduation coordinator and administrative specialist to join its team.

The position involves training and supervising student workers, overseeing undergraduate graduation in the CAS and ensuring students are on track to graduate through degree audits. It also includes various administrative tasks to support the CAS advising center. Responsibilities encompass database management, compliance monitoring, event coordination, budget preparation and maintaining graduation records.

The role involves processing degree applications, advising students on academic matters and coordinating commencement ceremonies. It plays a crucial role in supporting department programs and services while ensuring smooth operations in the CAS advising center.

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to join WSU’s Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) podcast discussion group. The discussion group is centered around Dr. Gina Ann Garcia’s podcast, “¿Qué pasa, HSIs?”.

RSVP for HSI’s podcast discussion groups. All discussions are from 3-4 p.m. via Zoom:

• June 15, covering S1E04: “Becoming an HSI as Process,” and S2E08: “Student Perspectives on Servingness”
• July 20, covering S1E09: “Leading and Enacting Servingness con Carino.” and S2E01: “Racial Conflict & Complications of Latinidad in HSIs”
• Aug. 10 covering S2E03: “Campus Climate & Liberatory Outcomes at HSIs,” and S1E10: “Using Strategic Planning to Drive Servingness”

For more information, contact Dr. Sara Mata, executive director of Hispanic Initiatives, at sara.mata@wichita.edu or at 316-978-5712, or contact Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean, College of Applied Studies, at jennifer.friend@wichita.edu or at 316-978-3301.

Dr. Daniel Bergman, professor and chair of science education at the College of Applied Studies, is set to release his debut book, “Teaching is for Superheroes!” on Wednesday, May 31. The book combines his passions for teaching and superheroes to inspire educators of all levels.

“Teaching Is for Superheroes!” provides practical classroom applications using superhero examples and analogies. It caters to new, veteran and aspiring educators, empowering them to create an engaging learning environment.

For more details, visit the book’s website. Attendees in the area can join the family-friendly book launch party on Friday, June 2 at Norm’s Coffee Bar in Newton, 613 N. Main St.