Category: Featured Stories

The National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) has awarded a Wichita State University researcher $100,000 for his work on developing an app that allows visually impaired people to read comic books and graphic novels.

Dr. Darren DeFrain, associate professor of English and director of the Wichita State writing program, has been working with former Wichita State student Aaron Rodriguez (who is currently a graduate student at Florida State University) to create Vizling.

Handcycling did not interest Casey Ratzlaff on that hot July day in 2011. Neither did bocce ball.

“Nothing was exciting to him,” said Tammy Ratzlaff, Casey’s mother.

Casey Ratzlaff wanted to join the rest of the family fishing for catfish and crappie at Marion Reservoir. Then, Nick Taylor spoke up, just before Ratzlaff departed a wheelchair sports introductory session in Maize without finding a sport that grabbed his attention.

When Truc Nguyen interviewed for her internship with T-Mobile For Business, she highlighted her experiences with Barton International Group at Wichita State University.

“I came into the interview with T-Mobile with tangible projects I had already worked on,” Nguyen said. “That was one of the very first things they asked ‘Tell me more about Barton International Group. What projects did you take on?’”

A precious piece of Wichita State University’s story was almost lost to the dusty shelves of history — if not for the historical instincts of a faculty member.

In 1934, the class of 175 graduating seniors purchased and dedicated a sundial to Wichita State, which was then known as the Municipal University of Wichita; and it was placed at the southwest corner of Jardine Hall.

According to the Sunflower student newspaper, “The dial was made of white granite and is about 3 feet in height. Brass comprises the material of the top, which is approximately 16 inches in diameter.” 

If you were unable to attend or watch live the 2021 Faculty and Staff Fall Address, you can watch a recording of the entire program.

President Richard Muma, with the assistance of several university representatives, outlined key focus areas for the coming year:

• Access and affordability
• Applied learning and digital transformation
• Interdisciplinary research

The annual faculty and staff fall address is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today at the Beggs Ballroom located in the Rhatigan Student Center. The event will also be available via a YouTube livestream.

President Richard Muma, with the assistance of several university representatives, will outline key focus areas for the coming year:

• Access and affordability
• Applied learning and digital transformation
• Interdisciplinary research

With the start of a new academic year, I would like to welcome each of you to Wichita State University. Whether you are new to WSU or returning, we are happy you are here.

I know the stress associated with the pandemic has taken a toll on many of us. Please know the mental well-being of our students is important to me. I encourage you to protect your mental wellness and the mental health of others by talking openly about mental health, checking in on your fellow Shockers, and taking advantage of university resources. 

One way to do this is to complete the #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide training and becoming a #WeSupportU Mental Health Advocate for mental wellness at WSU. The training is free to all Shockers using a valid WSU e-mail address when creating a login. You will also receive a free Suspender4Hope shirt! Additional resources are available at the following links: 

• Counseling and Prevention Services is the on-campus mental health care provider for enrolled students. 
• The Care Team provides a proactive and supportive multidisciplinary team approach to prevention, assessment and intervention for students or employees. 

Again, welcome to campus, and best wishes for a very successful academic year!

Go Shockers! 

Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost

With the start of a new academic year, I would like to welcome each of you to Wichita State University. Whether you are new to WSU or returning, we are happy you are here.

I know the stress associated with the pandemic has taken a toll on many of us. Please know the mental well-being of our employees and students is important to me. I encourage you to protect your mental wellness and the mental health of others by talking openly about mental health, checking in on your fellow Shockers, and taking advantage of university resources. 

One way to do this is to consider becoming a #WeSupportU Mental Health Advocate. This resource provides the tools you need to help create a supportive mental health culture here at Wichita State. Additional resources are available at the following links: 

• The Employee Assistance Plan provides information, short-term counseling, advice, and referrals from licensed professionals who understand the stresses we all face every day.
• Counseling and Prevention Services is the on-campus mental health care provider for enrolled students. 
• The Care Team provides a proactive and supportive multidisciplinary team approach to prevention, assessment and intervention for students or employees. 

Again, welcome to campus, and best wishes for a very successful academic year!

Go Shockers! 

Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost 

Wichita State has installed new parking signs to clear up confusion about where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can park.

The signs feature prominent block letters: “V” for visitors; “S” for students; and “F” for faculty and staff. Reserved lots and parking spaces are still marked with red signage as before. For the first time, the signs will include lot numbers, allowing for easier wayfinding.

Visitors to WSU may park without an ePermit three times each semester before an ePermit is required. ePermits are only required during the enforcement period: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session.

The inauguration ceremony for President Muma is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, located at 29th Street N. and Oliver. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube and on campus television monitors. The theme for the event is “Inspired by the past. Focused on the future.”

The Kansas Board of Regents appointed Muma as the 15th president of Wichita State University in May. He had been serving as interim president of Wichita State since September 2020.

To save the date or for more information, call 316-978-3258 or email inauguration@wichita.edu.You can also visit the link below.