Category: News

The Barton School of Business is proud to announce that Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board. As the newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening, enriching and elevating the student experience.

“Aaron is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with an unwavering passion for growing and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His deep commitment to Wichita and to the future of business leadership makes him an outstanding addition to our Dean’s Advisory Board. I look forward to working closely with him.”

Today is last day to enter to win either a red parking spot for an entire semester or a $250 GreenPhire VISA gift card, among other prizes, by completing the confidential National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey that was sent to your Wichita State email address on March 5 by WSU’s HOPE Services department.

For questions about the survey, contact Cora Olson, assistant director of HOPE Services, at 316-978-4792 or cora.olson@wichita.edu.

Jordan Devoy is a College of Fine Arts alumna who majored in filmmaking and graduated in December 2025. Before earning her bachelor’s degree in media arts with a filmmaking concentration, she had on-the-job training at Shocker Studios. Devoy gained experience in solo and collaborative projects throughout the production process. As a studio videographer, she shot and edited videos for Shocker Studios and its clients.

As a studio videographer, Devoy primarily handled production for Shocker Studios’ social media and live event videos. Devoy had opportunities to shoot and edit client projects and commercials that Shocker Studios contracts as a production facility. Other projects included video promotion for the school and behind-the-scenes content.

In these varying projects and production levels, Devoy advanced her professional skills.

The Barton School of Business raised more than $1 million to support student success with the sold-out “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala, which officially launched the Barton School’s 100th anniversary celebration Feb. 21.

More than 300 alumni, business leaders, university officials and community partners gathered for the event, which honored three transformative leaders: Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier.

In honor of the Barton School’s centennial year, proceeds from the gala will support scholarships, applied learning opportunities, global immersion programs, career development initiatives and student support services – ensuring today’s students are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing economy for years to come.

The Service-Learning Showcase is a unique opportunity for students who participate in service-learning through applied learning opportunities to showcase their experience through a research or reflective poster about the application of their course work to current community issues.

The showcase is an open forum for students to interact with faculty/staff, community partners and other students to engage in conversation about Wichita State’s commitment to the public good. Awards are presented in the following categories:

• Outstanding Overall Service-Learning Project: $550 scholarship to winning entry
• Innovation and Creativity in Problem Solving: $350 scholarship to winning entry
• Community Impact/ Community Choice: $350 scholarship to winning entry
• Collaboration and Leadership in Service-Learning: $350 scholarship to winning entry

And new this year are the Faculty Mentoring Awards, which will be provided to the sponsoring faculty of students awarded in the above categories.

Submissions are due on April 8. For more information and to submit, visit the showcase website.

RSC Engraving is ready to assist with all your award needs for the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Even if you are not sure who your winners are, the team can assist with getting your awards selected, in stock and ready to personalize as winners are announced.

Production times average one to two weeks during the end-of-year rush, so it’s suggested to start the process early. To get started, simply stop by the engraving shop located inside the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in the lower level of the RSC, email rsc.engraving@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7048.

The College of Education and Wichita Public Schools received the 2026 Exemplary School-University Partnership Award from the National Association for School-University Partnerships (NASUP).

The award was presented Feb. 13 at the NASUP Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. and recognizes sustained impact in educator preparation. The WSU and WPS partnership was established in 1995 and is one of the longest continuously operating collaborations of its kind in the region.

Each year, more than 450 Wichita State teacher candidates complete clinical experiences in USD 259 classrooms, supported by hundreds of cooperating teachers and school leaders. The partnership strengthens the educator pipeline and prepares professionals to serve Wichita’s schools.

Stacy Chestnut, English teacher at East High School and WSU mentor teacher, received the NASUP Mentor Teacher Award.

Wichita State student Lauren Hughes has been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

Hughes is majoring in biological sciences with minors in chemistry and American Sign Language.

Wichita State Rocket League qualified for the College Rocket League main event for the first time in program history Feb. 28.

The 16-team season culminates in the College Rocket League National Championship. Wichita State earned its spot through the second open qualifier after narrowly missing qualification in the first. The team defeated Virginia Tech, Davenport, The Autonomous University of Nuevo León, No. 22 Columbia College and No. 11 Oklahoma Christian.

“It’s been an extremely long time coming. After four years of improving, it’s an honor to have the opportunity to finally represent Wichita State on the biggest stage in collegiate esports,” said senior and team captain Brooks Valdez.

Matches are broadcast on Twitch, with links available on the esports program’s X account, @esportswsu.

Enter to win either a red parking spot for an entire semester or a $250 GreenPhire VISA gift card, among other prizes, by completing the confidential National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey sent to your Wichita State email address by WSU’s HOPE Services department.

For questions about the survey, contact Cora Olson, assistant director of HOPE Services, at 316-978-4792 or cora.olson@wichita.edu.