Author: Kennedy Rogers

The Division of Student Affairs proudly announces the recipients of the inaugural Divisional Staff Excellence and Pillar Awards, honoring the exceptional individuals who embody the heart and mission of Student Affairs through their unwavering dedication to student success and community impact.

These awards are more than recognition — they are a celebration of the passion, perseverance and purpose that drive staff to connect every student through the division’s guiding pillars: equip, educate, empower and engage. In launching the Divisional Staff Excellence Awards, Student Affairs is elevating a culture of appreciation and belonging.

This year’s honorees were selected from a highly competitive group of nominees, each representing diverse roles, departments and contributions across campus. These individuals inspire all to lead with integrity, show up with heart and serve with excellence.

Staff Excellence Award recipients

• Rising Star Award: Clarence Albury
• Milestone Award: Tia Hill
• Outstanding Supervisor Award: Samantha Rowan
• Unsung Hero Award: Kimberly Vermillion
• Transformational Leader Award: Dr. Christopher Leonard
• Excellence in Belonging Award: Caitlin Nolen

Pillar Award recipients

• Equip: Emily Zimmerman
• Engage: Vanessa Bell
• Empower: Kennedy Rogers
• Educate: Cora Olson

Honoring a legacy: The Dr. Teri Hall Connecting Every Student Award

In tribute to a legacy that has shaped the very foundation of Student Affairs at Wichita State, the Division of Student Affairs is honored to present the inaugural Dr. Teri Hall Connecting Every Student Award. For years, Dr. Teri Hall has led with fierce compassion, intentional care and a deep-rooted belief in the power of connection. Her commitment to inclusion, balance, student-centeredness and staff well-being has touched every corner of the division.

This award, named in her honor, celebrates a leader whose heart, vision and advocacy have made a lasting impact. Because of Dr. Hall, Shocker Nation is more connected, more courageous and more committed to the mission of serving students with empathy and excellence. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of student affairs professionals for years to come.

The Division of Student Affairs celebrated these outstanding team members during its annual summer retreat on June 18, with a special presentation by Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, who joined in honoring the award recipients.

Whether you’re looking to make new friends or wanting to strengthen your existing relationships, ProjectConnect is the perfect opportunity to enhance your college experience through connection. RSVP on ShockerSync and come out at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn and grow together.

ShockerStrengths is proud to celebrate its fifth year at Wichita State. Help celebrate by participating in its campus-wide survey to learn when, where, how and why faculty, staff and students are engaging with their natural talents and strengths. As WSU prepares for growth and continue its progress towards a Strengths-Based Institution, your input and stories are impactful.

Also, don’t forget to plug strengths into your courses, groups and teams by requesting one of the workshops. All workshops include the inventories and materials.

For more information and to request the inventory or a workshop, visit the ShockerStrengths webpage.

Join HOPE Services for its #WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide Training from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 17 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

Learn about tools to support the community and assist someone in need. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up for the training.

Sign up on myWSU under the myTraining section or on the registration website. All participants will receive a free suspenders #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt.

In a partnership and collaboration between Faculty Senate and Staff Senate, the 2024 Stock the Shocker Support Locker Challenge has launched. The winter months tend to bring heavier foot traffic and need to the locker, so this year’s drive will take place between Oct. 14 and Nov. 1.

Last year, the senates collectively donated 4,328 items and $155 to the locker. Their goal this year is beat those numbers by donating 5,000 items and $500 to support Shockers in need. Details on how and where to donate are below.

Donating items:

• All donations need to be dropped off at the Student Government Association office located in 219 Rhatigan Student Center. This change in the collection process will allow for easier tracking and processing of the items so they can be inventoried and shelved faster.
• The Shocker Support Locker has a wish list posted on its website to guide your shopping. These are highly sought and requested items needed at the locker. When in doubt consider donating anything that is non-perishable and supports basic needs including:
  • Hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo)
  • Cleaning products (all-purpose cleaners, Clorox wipes)
  • Family items (diapers, wipes)
  • Basic pantry items (flour, sugar, spices)
  • Condiments (ranch, salad dressing, ketchup)
  • Microwave dinners, meals and items
  • Rice and pasta

Monetary donations:

• All money donated is used to purchase items directly for the locker, which helps supplement low-donation periods and high-traffic times and needs.
• Visit the giving website to donate financially.
  • In the comments section include: “University Senate Challenge” so that your donation can be attributed to the goal.
• Thanks to Shelli Herman, alumna, donations through the above link will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. The goal is $500, potentially resulting in a $1,000 overall contribution.

While the “competition” will run through Nov. 1, know that you can also donate to the locker any time throughout the year. Read more about the mission and operation of the Shocker Support Locker.

The Shocker Support Locker is more than just a food pantry; it is a testament to the strength of the community and the compassion that defines the Shocker family. Your gift to the Shocker Support Locker is instrumental in ensuring no student faces the challenges of hunger while pursuing their education.

Join ShockerStrengths 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 in 264 Rhatigan Student Center, Spencer Room, to identify and explore your strengths.

Take the CliftonStrengths assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder 2.0) to reveal your top five strengths that are unique to you. Once you know which of the 34 themes you lead with, ShockerStrengths will show you how to use your top strengths for your growth and application. This engaging and interactive training session will help you identify your natural talents; develop them into strengths; and enjoy consistent, near-perfect performance in your personal and career success.

Search for “Discovering Your Strengths” in myTraining through your myWSU and register.

Join HOPE Services for its #WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 18 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room.

Learn about tools to support the community and assist someone in need. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up for the training.

Sign up on myWSU under the myTraining section or on the registration website. All participants will receive a free suspenders #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt.

Sign up to attend a workshop to name, claim and aim your natural talents from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room. Lunch is provided, and there will be awesome prizes looking for new owners.

Reach out to shockerstrengths@wichita.edu or visit the ShockerStrengths webpage for any questions!

Attend the #WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide in the LGBTQ+ Community training 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in Rhatigan Student Center’s Spencer Room (room 264).

Learn about tools to support the community and assist someone in need. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up for the training. All participants will receive a rainbow suspenders #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt at no additional charge.

Sign up on myWSU under the myTraining section or on the registration website.

Join HOPE Services, following the Mini-Wellness Fair, for its #WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 in 261 Rhatigan Student Center, Olive Room.

Learn about tools to support the community and assist someone in need. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up for the training.

Sign up on myWSU under the myTraining section or on the registration website. All participants will receive a free suspenders #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt.