Category: Meet a Shocker

Taylor Wallace, a first-generation student from Oklahoma, considers Wichita State home. She enjoys the sights and social life in Wichita and will continue her education at WSU to earn a master’s degree.

When Reid Williams decided he wanted to become a physician associate, he set his sights on Wichita State University. He said the rigorous program was challenging, but “100% worth it.”

Raúl Alejandro Rangel Fernández learned how to juggle his commitments and studies while earning a graduate degree in Spanish.

Viet Le says that returning to college as an adult learner came with its challenges, but he found a supportive community at Wichita State.

Christine Cleary was one of Wichita State University’s 2020 Rudd Scholars. From Clearwater, Kansas, she moved to Wichita for college, which required her to adjust to living in a city, but thanks to the Rudd Scholarship, she was able to fully devote herself to college life and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.

As a first-generation student, Marco Villela had to learn his way around the college life, from enrollment to moving to a new city, but he was able to persist and earn his bachelor’s degree, with plans to continue his education by pursuing a Master of Arts in criminal justice at Wichita State University.

Om Hitendra Mahajan’s goal is to continue his education in sport management as he prepares to revolutionize sports and sports careers in his home country of India. He is getting his start working with professors and mentors at Wichita State University.

Wichita State’s affordability and location brought Jordan Cline to campus. He will use his major in criminal justice to attend graduate school.

Desmond Cockrell, from Tulsa, advises fellow Shockers to take advantage of people on campus who offer advising, counseling and career help. He is the first of four siblings to earn a bachelor’s degree and hopes his story can encourage others to succeed in college.

Micheal Sengvilay always wanted to help people, which is why he came to Wichita State University to pursue a career in oral health. While at WSU, he persevered through challenges and is now graduating with his bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and plans to attend dental school.