Author: Jamie Stoskopf

Earlier this semester, WSU nursing faculty members Christina Glennen, Dorene Owen and Veronica Ramos-Blanford led a hands-on childcare class for members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. The session aimed to introduce students to the fundamentals of infant care, equipping them with the skills and confidence to care for a child.

Participants learned essential topics such as feeding, swaddling, diapering, car seat safety, how to take an infant’s temperature and more. The interactive class included practice with newborn-size manikins to simulate real-life scenarios.

The class was part of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s “Challenge Class” series, which are events designed to equip members with practical life skills that support their personal growth and independence after college. Other topics in the series include cooking, automotive maintenance, time management and goal setting.

The College of Health Professions invites high school health science teachers to its fourth annual Health Science Teacher’s Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 23.

The health science workshop features cutting-edge health science presentations led by expert faculty and interactive skill-building exercises in the college’s state-of-the-art laboratories, including the Gross Anatomy, Human Simulation and School of Nursing Simulation labs. Teachers will receive valuable resources and information to take back to their classrooms, with the goal of inspiring students to pursue careers in healthcare. The workshop is also a unique opportunity for health science teachers to network with fellow educators from across Kansas.

“I have attended every health science teacher’s workshop, and each year I look forward to another one,” said Stanley May, St. Gianna Health Academy director. “Not only do I get to hear directly from leaders in the field of Health science but also get to network with other Health Science teachers who might be struggling with some of the same issues I am having. The WSU staff really rolls out the red carpet for high school teachers and makes this conference worthwhile.”

High school teachers can register at wichita.edu/HSworkshop.

Are you interested in a career in nursing? The School of Nursing is hosting an information session at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6 in 110 Ahlberg Hall. Join to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at Wichita State, admission requirements and ask questions directly to nursing faculty. Register now at wichita.edu/nursinginfosession.

Two Wichita State University nursing students have been awarded the Charles E. Bell Nurses Training Scholarship by Forty & Eight Voiture 58 du Wichita, Kansas — a charitable organization of military veterans.  

Gabriella Kriegisch and Elisha Haws, both in their third semester of the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, each received a $500 scholarship during a special ceremony held on May 23. 

The event was attended by several members of the Forty & Eight organization, including Ronald Purdie, Grande du Kansas director of nurses training; Jay Kidder, chapter representative; and Timothy Evans, national director of child welfare. 

Forty & Eight was established in 1920 by U.S. veterans who served in France during World War I. Its name originates from the “40/8” markings on French boxcars used to transport 40 men or eight horses during the war. Membership in the organization is by invitation only. 

Dedicated to supporting education and service, Forty & Eight is committed to advancing education for registered nurses and addressing the nursing shortage in the U.S. 

The Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Wichita State offers free hearing evaluations to faculty and staff. During the evaluation, a graduate student — under the direct supervision of a licensed audiologist — will test the patient’s hearing to determine if there is hearing loss and the type and severity of the loss. Hearing evaluations will last approximately one to two hours. If a patient does appear to have hearing loss, the appointment may last longer.

To schedule an appointment, call 316-978-3289. The clinic is located at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex at the intersection of 29th and Oliver streets.

The Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Wichita State offers free hearing evaluations to faculty and staff. During the evaluations, an audiologist will test the patient’s hearing to determine if there is hearing loss and the type and severity of the loss. Hearing evaluations will last approximately one to two hours. If a patient does appear to have hearing loss, the appointment may last longer.

To schedule an appointment, call 316-978-3289. The clinic is located at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex at the intersection of 29th and Oliver Streets.

The Kansas Center for the Advancement of Healthcare (KCAH), a statewide collaborative managed through KUMC and WSU and dedicated to transforming healthcare through data science, convened a pivotal retreat recently in Kansas City bringing together leaders from across the healthcare ecosystem. The event marked a significant step toward achieving KCAH’s vision: to improve the health of all Kansans through data science.

The retreat gathered representatives from hospitals, higher education institutions, health-focused foundations, insurance and biotech industry leaders, government agencies, and national consultants. This cross-sector collaboration is at the heart of KCAH’s mission to advance healthcare by aligning expertise, sharing data and driving systemic change through evidence-based approaches.

Discussions at the retreat focused on pressing healthcare challenges as well as innovative approaches to the use of health data analytics. Participants worked together to identify key priorities for the coming year, including expanding data-sharing initiatives, supporting workforce development in health analytics and launching pilot projects to improve health in Kansas.

KCAH’s statewide approach ensures that the voices of Kansans — urban and rural alike — are represented in shaping the future of healthcare in the state. The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to work collaboratively toward a strong collaborative and a healthier Kansas.

KCAH is a groundbreaking collaborative designed to meet the need for a systematic, statewide approach to health data management and analytics across Kansas. By leveraging advanced data science techniques, KCAH will support a wide range of healthcare activities — from generating new ideas and evaluating clinical practices, to disseminating information that leads to improved patient care and enhanced disease prevention at both individual and population levels. This transformative initiative has been in development since 2022, and the recent leadership retreat marks a pivotal step toward building a healthier Kansas.

The Wichita presence of KCAH will be in the Wichita Biomedical Campus building, with other locations across the state.

The College of Health Professions is pleased to announce Jason Ladner as the new chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, effective April 25. The college extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pamela Clancy Ammar for her leadership as chair over the past four years. Her vision, dedication and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on the college, and her service is deeply appreciated.

Ladner is a Wichita State and College of Health Professions alumnus, graduating in 2001 with his degree in healthcare services and organizations and policies. He has worked in several high-profile roles and businesses throughout his career, including medical sales for Covidien, Johnson & Johnson and other top medical device companies. He later joined IMA Wealth as vice president of customer relationships. His work in business development, strategy and relationship building brought him to his current role as a business development executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

A proud Shocker, Ladner has remained actively involved with his alma mater. He continues to advocate for Wichita State and the College of Health Professions through ongoing projects focused on philanthropy, workforce development and strategic partnerships.

WSU General Dentistry is open to the public and accepting new patients. WSU General Dentistry offers a full range of services, including cleanings, fillings, teeth whitening and dental implants.

Specialized care in periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics is also available. The clinic offers a discount for dental care to WSU students and their spouses and children. Call 316-978-8350 or visit wichita.edu/WSUdentalclinic to schedule an appointment.

The College of Health Professions and Delta Gamma are proud to sponsor motivational speaker and Wichita State alumnus Jared Estes for his presentation, “Fire Back,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 at the CAC Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

“Fire Back” is a motivational talk that ignites positive changes in the listeners and equips them to combat life’s toughest challenges.

Jared Estes graduated from Wichita State in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in integrated marketing communication. In 2005, Estes barely survived a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver, which tragically took the life of his wife after only six months of marriage. Now, Estes travels around the country to share his inspiring story about overcoming tragedy and loss.