Author: Trang Bui

Kennedy Rogers has spent nine years helping shape the student experience at Wichita State, serving as the director of Strengths, Leadership and Student Impact and the interim director of Belonging and Experiences. A mentor first encouraged her to join Staff Senate, and five years later – now as past-president – she continues to value the insight, connection and purpose that come from contributing to the campus community. She loves working at WSU because it allows her to serve students alongside incredible colleagues while doing work that feels intentional and meaningful.

Kennedy finds joy in watching people light up – feeling connected, inspired, valued and aligned with their strengths. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, creative projects, puzzles, time outdoors, traveling and cheering on her kids in their activities. She encourages the campus community to plug in and get engaged, reminding everyone that while some things in higher education are outside our control, our influence grows when we show up, connect and lean into our gifts.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Angela Linder has been part of Wichita State for 25 years and serves as the office manager in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. She has spent 15 years in Classified Senate and five years as a USS Representative, driven by a deep passion to serve. Her Air Force background instilled in her a commitment to protect, support and uplift others, and she feels honored to represent her WSU family. Angela finds great joy in working at a highly respected university and takes pride in belonging to a community she has called home for a quarter of a century.

Outside of work, Angela loves roller skating and spending time with her grandkids, two things that bring her energy and happiness. She has truly enjoyed her years in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, especially the opportunity to serve students and help them navigate their educational journey. Angela hopes the campus community remembers that no matter what challenges come their way, they will get through them together.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Dr. Christopher Leonard has been part of Wichita State for more than 11 years and serves as the director of Counseling and Psychological Services. He joined Staff Senate to be of service to the university and his colleagues, hoping to support others and contribute to the greater good. Now serving as vice president, he values the people who make WSU what it is and appreciates being part of something larger than himself. He believes the incredible work happening across campus is possible because of the dedicated individuals who show up for one another every day.

Outside the office, Christopher finds joy in family dinners and the time spent connecting with loved ones. He enjoys running, golfing, watching movies, playing music and catching live performances whenever he can. And of course, he proudly adds, “Da Bears!” These moments of movement, creativity and community keep him energized and grounded in his work at Wichita State.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Kendra Nguyen has been part of Wichita State for nine years and works as the public health program specialist in the Community Engagement Institute. She joined Staff Senate five years ago because she’s passionate about elevating voices that don’t always have a seat at the table and helping staff better understand university processes and policies. She now serves as secretary on Staff Senate. Kendra also loves the people at WSU. She believes the university is strongest when diverse perspectives are welcomed and staff feel informed and included.

Outside of work, Kendra enjoys crafting of all kinds, from knitting and crocheting to cross‑stitching, and she helped start a monthly “Crafternoon” for her department. She also finds energy and joy in live music, especially being in a concert crowd, singing along with her favorite artists. If you’re a crafter and want to connect, she’d love to help build a WSU crafting community.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Dr. Gabriel Fonseca has been part of Wichita State for eight years, helping shape a more connected and inclusive student experience as executive director of Student Engagement & Belonging. He joined Staff Senate four years ago to ensure young professionals were represented and to help strengthen the staff voice across campus. Now serving as president‑elect, he values the opportunity to bring people together, elevate student voices and contribute to a culture of engagement. Gabriel hopes the campus community remembers that one moment, one choice or one connection can have a powerful impact – and that choosing kindness, community and courage truly makes a difference.

Outside the office, Gabriel enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends and building Legos to unwind and stay creative. His niece and nephew are a major source of joy, and time with them keeps him grounded and energized. He believes Wichita State is at its best when people show up for one another and lift each other up.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Dr. Jacob Mendez has been part of Wichita State for nearly eight years, supporting student success in the College of Engineering. Encouraged by a former Staff Senate president to get involved, he joined the Senate in 2023 as a way to give back and build connections across campus. Now serving as president, he values the relationships he’s formed and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who care deeply about students and aren’t afraid to try new approaches to help them succeed.

Outside of work, Jacob stays active through running, coaching and CrossFit. He enjoys supporting others in their fitness goals and is usually training for something himself. A fun fact: he’s always happy to have company — if you ever want to join him for a local 5K, he’d love to run together and make new connections.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Significant changes to federal student aid eligibility and Direct Loan programs will take effect beginning July 1, 2026. The Wichita State Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is closely monitoring these updates and will continue to provide guidance as more information becomes available.

Stay up to date regarding the changes.

Key highlights:

• Parent PLUS Loans (new borrowers): Annual cap $20,000; lifetime cap $65,000
• Graduate PLUS Loans: No longer available to new borrowers starting July 2026
• Direct Loans: Prorated for less than full‑time enrollment
• Pell Grant eligibility:
  • Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) over or equal to twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer qualify.
  • Pell Grants will be reduced if scholarships or grants fully cover Cost of Attendance (COA).
• Professional students (At WSU, only students enrolled in clinical psychology Ph.D. program are considered professional level): Annual limit $50,000; lifetime max $200,000
• Legacy borrowers: Current Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS borrowers may continue for up to three academic years or until program completion

Please note: All information is contingent and subject to change. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will update this resource as federal guidance becomes available. For full details, visit One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student Aid

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will be closed Friday, Dec. 5 for staff development. If you have any urgent questions, call 316-978-3430.

Calling all first-generation students. Join the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for First-Gen Finances, a fun and empowering event designed just for you from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 in the Shocker Hall multipurpose room. The first 20 attendees will snag a free Shocker Financial Wellness T-shirt, so come early.

• Sit down for a mini budgeting session with a peer financial coach
• Create your personalized First-Gen Finances vision board and goals
• Discover how the new CashCourse can help you take control of your money

Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to level up your money skills, this event is your chance to connect, learn and build your financial future with confidence.

Need help with your financial aid? From now through Friday, Aug. 29, advising at the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will be walk-in only, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in 203 Jardine Hall. No appointments necessary — just stop by. You can also visit for financial aid questions at OneStop in the Shocker Success Center for quick support and answers.

• Don’t forget to check your Financial Aid Dashboard in your myWSU to stay on top of your aid status and requirements
• There’s still time to complete your 2025-26 FAFSA — get it done to maximize your aid opportunities
• Need help after hours? Call the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 316-978-3430