Category: Kudos

Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) is a part of the federally funded TRIO programs. The goal of UBMS is to help students recognize and develop their potential in math and science, and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in those subjects.

The UBMS Scholars are the top at their high school in USD 259 academically and received a recognition dinner at President Rick Muma’s house on Feb. 17.

TRIO’s purpose is to prepare low-income and first-generation college-bound students for success in higher education.

During the recent Wichita State sickle cell awareness blood drive on Feb. 7 and 8, the American Red Cross collected a total of 51 pints of blood against a goal of 62 pints, achieving 82% of its goal. There were 71 donors who registered, including 15 first time donors.

The American Red Cross appreciates all of the donors who came out to give blood.

As a leading business school academic, Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton distinguished chair in international business and Kansas Faculty of Excellence, was recently interviewed by the Financial Times. Professor Haley explained why business school research has not had greater social impact.

Thank you to all students who took the AOD survey and congratulations to red parking spot winner Rueben Scheck.

The staff senate invites the WSU community to submit nominations of outstanding staff members for the President’s Award for Distinguished Service.

These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of WSU employees who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the WSU community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration.

Submit a nomination by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 to jessica.pierpoint@wichita.edu.

Do you know a faculty member who exemplifies any of the traits below? If so, nominate that person for the Wichita State President’s Distinguished Service Award.

• Distinguished service to the university
• Distinguished service to the community
• Notable outreach efforts or forging of connections among WSU and the community
• Long-term commitment to WSU through extensive committee service

Consider nominating them for the Presidential Service Award. Complete a nomination form, attach a CV that includes the nominee’s service activities, and include a letter of support. Previous recipients of this award are not eligible for nomination.

Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Please send your nominations to leeann.birdwell@wichita.edu.

United Way thanks WSU faculty and staff for their generosity and contributions to its United Way of the Plains campaign to improve the quality of life for WSU and the neighboring communities.

United Way of the Plains supports south central Kansas and helps those in need with health, education, financial stability and basic needs. In 2022, WSU faculty and staff raised a total of $29,533.40 and 10% were first-time donors.

Because of its donors, United Way is able to collectively make a greater impact on the community and could not do so without all of its generous Shockers.

Elvira Valenzuela Crocker and Louis E. Sturns will be inducted into the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 in Wiedemann Hall.

Hall of Fame honorees are chosen because they exemplify the merits and advantages of a liberal arts and sciences education. Induction into the Fairmount College Hall of Fame is the highest recognition from the college of outstanding alumni who have had a significant impact on the region, nation and world.

Dr. Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business and Kansas Faculty of Excellence, serves on the panel of judges for the Financial Times’ prestigious annual awards for research that has a societal impact. 

In the Financial Times article, “Academic research award: tipping point for action,” Haley and other judges highlight research aimed at academic acclaim, but also identified ways to turn aspirations into concrete, real-world results.

Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business and Kansas Faculty of Excellence, had her research highlighted in Times Higher Education. Free registration is required to read the article.

Her Sage white paper titled, “Measuring Societal Impact in Business & Management Research: From Challenges to Change,” co-authored with Andrew Jack, education editor of the Financial Times, was discussed in the article.