Category: News

Parking is still enforced over fall break, so plan accordingly for parking on campus during this time.

As a reminder, parking lot signs feature big block letters and colors to denote who can park there:

• “V” and white for visitors
• “S” and green/”H” and orange for students/Shocker Hall residents
• “F” and yellow for faculty and staff

Reserved lots and parking spaces are marked with red signage.

The Barton School of Business has named Shawn and Shawna Lancelot co-chairs of its 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame celebration. The Lancelots will help lead preparations for the Barton School’s third Hall of Fame gala, which recognizes individuals whose leadership, achievements and contributions have made a lasting impact on the Barton School, Wichita State and the broader community.

The 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at Mark Arts, which also hosted the event in 2024 and 2026.

Nominations for the 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame class will open soon, with additional details to be announced by the Barton School. Organizations and individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame celebration may contact Corey Saleh, interim associate vice president of development at WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at 316-978-4483 or corey.saleh@wichita.edu.

Wichita State and McPherson College have launched a new Guaranteed Admission program for eligible McPherson College students seeking admission to Wichita State’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. 

The agreement guarantees admission for McPherson College’s top five qualified students who meet MSAT program requirements, creating a direct pathway into the profession. 

Wichita State’s MSAT program combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on clinical experiences across a variety of healthcare, athletic and manufacturing settings. The program recently joined the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Professions, creating new opportunities for students and faculty to advance interprofessional collaboration, research and applied learning. Beginning in summer 2027, the program will be housed in the new Wichita Biomedical Campus in downtown Wichita.

The Physician Associate Program is celebrating PA Week Oct. 6-12. Events for the week include presentations from the Kansas Academy of Physician Associates, American Academy of Physician Associates and University President Richard Muma, along with an ice cream social and fun themed days in class.

Along with being the first and longest running PA program in the state of Kansas, the PA program is also celebrating recent achievements including:

• Establishing the Behavioral Health Physician Associate Fellowship in partnership with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The second fellowship cohort began this week and will receive specialized training in Behavioral Health over 13 months.
• Development of rural hubs at Clara Barton Hospital and Southwest Medical Center. These rural hubs allow students to complete multiple rotations at each site, letting students build relationships with the sites and communities and supporting the program guiding principle of encouraging healthcare for rural, underserved and diverse populations. Rural hub development has been generously supported by the Patterson Family Foundation.
• Distribution of over $175,000 in scholarships and 300 textbooks and reference guides to decrease student financial burden.
• Interviews for the class of 2029 will begin next month with an impressive 1,127 applicants.

November is a time of celebration as both National Distance Learning Week and National Non-Traditional Student Week are recognized. During OAL Week, Nov. 9-13, the Office of Adult Learning will spotlight outstanding Shocker students whose dedication, perseverance and academic success inspire the campus community.

Students, family members, faculty and staff are invited to nominate a deserving student. Adult learners include students aged 24 and older pursuing a bachelor’s degree, as well as students navigating adult responsibilities such as parenting or financial independence. Online students are those enrolled in a fully online degree program, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Whether a student has overcome challenges, achieved an important milestone or serves as an inspiration to others, OAL wants to hear their story.

The interview was off to a rocky start. Or at least the Zoom connection was.

While I was troubleshooting frozen screens and audio glitches, Kevin Kelly had already shifted into problem-solving mode. He suggested alternatives, tested possibilities and methodically worked through solutions.

Within minutes, the issue was resolved.

It was a fitting introduction to an engineer whose career has been defined by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of answers.

“A typical day ends in ‘why?’” said Kelly, research manager at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). “That’s about all that each day has in common.”

For more than 20 years, Kelly has been asking that question at WSU’s Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel, where he has grown from a student worker into one of the facility’s leaders.

Shockers Vote! Coalition wants to remind students, faculty and staff who wish to vote in the upcoming midterm elections should be aware that the deadline to register to vote in Kansas ends on Oct. 14. Shockers who do wish to vote in the Kansas midterms should note that they may register online through the Sedgwick County website or the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

In addition, students who wish to register through other means can do so in person at their local election office or through the mail. It should be noted that out-of-state students should check the registration deadlines for their respective states and know that they may register to vote in Kansas if they choose to do so.

If students or faculty wish to check their registration status, they may do so by going to vote.gov or wichita.turbovote.org.

For any questions email civicengagement@wichita.edu.

The WSU Child Development Center has a preschool opening. To determine eligibility and to get more information, email Amy Mease at amy.mease@wichita.edu.

A portion of Lot 24, the parking lot along 17th Street, will be closed Friday, Oct. 9 for an event in the Rhatigan Student Center. Faculty, staff and students that typically park in this lot may need to park in other lots as allowed by their ePermit.

The purpose of lot reservations is to help accommodate large groups of guests visiting campus for events or the event itself. Lot reservations are not to be used for WSU affiliates. Remember, visitors to campus can park without an ePermit up to three times each semester.

Red reserved and ADA stalls are not subject to lot closures and proper use is permitted during this time.

The URCA Hub Grant is $1,500 per applicant and is eligible for sophomores and up. For more information about the grant, visit this website. For questions, contact undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.