Category: From the President

Hello, Shockers.

I can’t wait to see all of you back on campus for the beginning of the 2024 academic year at Wichita State. We have a lot of exciting new buildings and areas on campus for you to explore, with some completed over the summer, including the Milly Marcus Annex at the Marcus Welcome Center — home of the Shocker Career Accelerator; the Shocker Success Center in the former Clinton Hall; the Digital Research and Transformation Hub on the Innovation Campus; and the new Adelante Juntos (Forward Together) mural at the Duerksen Amphitheater.

I encourage you to take the opportunities available to you at Wichita State to foster innovation, collaboration and personal growth.

Let’s make this a year of discovery, connection and achievement.

Go Shockers!

Hello, Shockers.

I can’t wait to see all of you back on campus for the beginning of the 2024 academic year at Wichita State. We have a lot of exciting new buildings and areas on campus for you to explore, with some completed over the summer, including the Milly Marcus Annex at the Marcus Welcome Center — home of the Shocker Career Accelerator; the Shocker Success Center in the former Clinton Hall; the Digital Research and Transformation Hub on the Innovation Campus; and the new Adelante Juntos (Forward Together) mural at the Duerksen Amphitheater.

I encourage our faculty and staff to take the opportunities available to you at Wichita State to foster innovation, collaboration and personal growth.

Let’s make this a year of discovery, connection and achievement.

Go Shockers!

Hello, Shockers. On behalf of all of us at Wichita State University, I extend our warmest congratulations for your achievements. Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this moment, and we couldn’t be prouder.

As you step into the world, know that all of us at Wichita State stand firmly behind you, to support you and champion your ambitions as you become the leaders of tomorrow.

Join Wichita State for our spring 2024 commencement ceremonies, held on Saturday, May 11 in Charles Koch Arena.

Dear colleagues,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the upcoming retirements of Dr. Shirley Lefever and Werner Golling. Both Shirley and Werner recently informed me separately of their plans to retire.

After nearly 20 years at Wichita State, Shirley will retire as provost and executive vice president at the end of the calendar year. And Werner, who has been at WSU for more than seven years, will retire as vice president of finance and administration in July.

Please be assured that while they are leaving WSU in the same year, the timing is coincidental. I am truly happy for Shirley and Werner as they move on to this next phase of their lives. I’ll miss their influence at Wichita State and the pleasure of working with them each day.

I am starting the process of forming search committees to conduct open national searches to replace both positions. I’ve asked Shelly Coleman-Martins, vice president of Strategic Communications and Marketing, to lead the search committee for the provost position and Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of Government Relations, to lead the search committee for the finance and administration position.

Stay tuned to WSU Today for announcements about the next steps in the search process and plans to celebrate Shirley and Werner’s time here.

President Rick Muma

Hello, Shocker family. Growing up in Houston and attending college in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is widely celebrated as a day of remembrance to commemorate the day enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom. General Order No. 3 was issued on June 19, 1865, in the City of Galveston informing the people of Texas that enslaved people were free.

In 2021, President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday; and earlier this year, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced it as a state holiday. Along with other KBOR institutions, Juneteenth (on June 19) will be an official university holiday, starting in 2024.

The university will be closed every June 19. Anyone with questions about how this might affect your work schedule can reach out to their supervisor or read the frequently asked questions.

As we celebrate Wichita State’s first official Juneteenth holiday in 2024, it’s my hope that we reflect on the significance of this day in our shared history.

President Rick Muma

Share a few laughs with President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case as they share their holiday greeting with Shocker Nation.

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case cordially invite you to the Wichita State Winter Party from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Attendees will be greeted by the President’s Executive Team and will receive a complimentary holiday glass — the second in a yearly series of vintage WuShock glasses — while supplies last (one per person). The Winter Party is a come and go event. 

A general arrival time is appreciated to assist our catering staff in preparations.

Kindly RSVP for one of the two time slots to let catering know when you are planning to attend by Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Hello, Shocker family!

Even though it’s only October, I’m likely not the only one who is thinking ahead to the upcoming holiday season. Having a break to rest and refresh — as well as spend time with loved ones — is one of the many perks of working at Wichita State.

And on that note, I’m happy to announce that for this year’s winter break — in alignment with other Regents universities — benefits-eligible WSU employees will also be given Dec. 26-29 without having to use accrued leave time, in addition to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The winter break will look like this:

• Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 (accrued leave)
• Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 (accrued leave)
• Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 (accrued leave)
• Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 (accrued leave)
• Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 (paid holiday)
• Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 (paid day)
• Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 (paid day)
• Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 (paid day)
• Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 (paid day)
• Monday Jan. 1, 2024 (paid holiday)

Please refer to these frequently asked questions for more information on your leave days and what to do if you work during the winter break.

Thank you for all you do to make Shocker Nation what it is. Your efforts, enthusiasm and dedication are truly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the semester and are looking forward to an enjoyable and relaxing winter break.

Go Shockers!
President Rick Muma

Hello, Shockers,

Whether you’re new to Wichita State or a returning Shocker, I welcome you to the start of the fall semester here at WSU. I hope you enjoyed your summer and are refreshed and ready to dive right in.

To our faculty and staff, your dedication to the growth of our students and support of our community inspires me every day.

My hope is that each of you will take with you the excitement and energy that comes with the start of this school year and use that to push you forward throughout the semester.

Go Shockers!

Hello, Shockers,

Whether you’re new to Wichita State or a returning Shocker, I welcome you to the start of the fall semester here at WSU. I hope you enjoyed your summer and are refreshed and ready to dive right in.

Students, you are the heartbeat of our university, and I can’t wait to see what you do this year as you pursue your passions.

My hope is that each of you will take with you the excitement and energy that comes with the start of this school year and use that to push you forward throughout the semester.

Go Shockers!