Category: News

The first Teaching Today issue for 2025 is out now. The issue recaps everything that happened at the January Academic Resources Conference, including recording links for the sessions.

This January’s Academic Resources Conference was packed with sessions covering a variety of topics, and each session has a short summary, making it easy for you to pick and choose what you want to watch.

The Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event is an annual opportunity for students to present their research experiences with state lawmakers and campus leaders in Topeka. All currently enrolled undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible. Students in all majors and of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

The event showcases the work of up to 40 Kansas undergraduate student projects representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. The event aims to demonstrate the unique opportunities undergraduate students have to participate with faculty members in research at all state institutions and emphasizes higher education’s role in developing educated citizens and preparing a workforce with the necessary skills to further the economic growth of the state.

The Cohen Honors College will coordinate travel and pay for all expenses. Students are invited to submit a research abstract or brief description of creative activity here by 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

For questions, email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn a $500 stipend by participating in a water science communications fellowship. The program will allow you to learn about careers in environmental science and communication, enhance your resume and network with professionals in the community.

Participants will attend approximately five to seven project meetings and three field trips, and they will complete a capstone communications project on a water topic of their choice. Students are encouraged to submit applications in both STEM fields and the humanities, and all undergraduates are welcome.

For more information, attend the Q&A session starting at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 in 256 Rhatigan Student Center, Edmiston Room. This is a come-and-go event where you can stop by to learn more and ask questions.

Dr. Mike Ross has been named associate dean for faculty and staff affairs for the College of Applied Studies, effective June 23, 2025.

A first-generation WSU graduate, Dr. Ross has been part of the university community for more than 25 years, serving as a student, staff member in WSU Athletics, CAS lecturer and assistant professor. He is recognized for his leadership in mentorship programs, community partnerships and teaching excellence, making him well-prepared to take on this important role.

Erin Cummings, a Barton School of Business alumna, has used knowledge gained at Wichita State to open an online semi-fine jewelry brand, Armine + Ambrose.

“My time at the Barton School taught me the power of mentorship and collaboration,” she said. “Those lessons laid the foundation for Armine + Ambrose, a brand brought to life by the remarkable women on my team — Michelle Hsiao, Ashlyn Verrette and Jenn Morrison — whose passion and expertise made this dream possible.”

Cummings is serial entrepreneur, author and angel investor. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in real estate in 2009 from WSU. Joining the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board in 2020, she assumed the presidency in 2022. Under her leadership, the board has strengthened partnerships and expanded outreach, positively impacting students, alumni and the community.

The Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event is an annual opportunity for students to present their research experiences with state lawmakers and campus leaders in Topeka. All currently enrolled undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible. Students in all majors and of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

The event showcases the work of up to 40 Kansas undergraduate student projects representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. The event aims to demonstrate the unique opportunities undergraduate students have to participate with faculty members in research at all state institutions and emphasizes higher education’s role in developing educated citizens and preparing a workforce with the necessary skills to further the economic growth of the state.

The Cohen Honors College will coordinate travel and pay for all expenses. Students are invited to submit a research abstract or brief description of creative activity here by 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

For questions, email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is preparing to host its sixth annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Every year, the ALOTY awards recognize an outstanding adult student at Wichita State, a WSU partner and a community partner who support these adult learners on their journey towards a degree. To qualify for the ALOTY award, a student must be 24 years or older, have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership, Shocker Pride and perseverance towards obtaining a degree.

Nominations are now open for the ALOTY awards. To learn more about the ALOTYs and see some of the past recipients, go to wichita.edu/aloty. For any questions, call 316-978-8315 or email Pamela O’Neal at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

The Center for Management Development and Executive Education at the Barton School of Business has announced Denise Sherman as its new director. For the last six years, Sherman has served as the executive director at the Kansas African American Museum.

“Denise has been a pillar of professionalism, an advocate of cultural arts and a leader of community building, education, development and strategy,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “She is the ideal person to amplify and innovate the work of CMD.”

The table below is to assist instructors with certain dates regarding CES. The dates shown are for the spring 2025 semester.

• The first column includes the various start/end (part-of-term) dates for spring semester courses.
• The second column includes dates meant for instructors. This is the timeframe when instructors will receive emails about the CES process and procedures that they should complete. Instructors will receive additional emails during and after the student CES access dates.
• The last column includes the dates that CES will be available for the students to complete course evaluations.

If your course is in bold, then your spring 2025 CES evaluation process will start soon. Review the start/end dates in each column so you know when your access to the CES system will start and end.

The table below is to assist instructors with certain dates regarding CES. The dates shown are for the spring 2025 semester.

• The first column includes the various start/end (part-of-term) dates for spring semester courses.
• The second column includes dates meant for instructors. This is the timeframe when instructors will receive emails about the CES process and procedures that they should complete. Instructors will receive additional emails during and after the student CES access dates.
• The last column includes the dates that CES will be available for the students to complete course evaluations.

If your course is in bold, then your spring 2025 CES evaluation process will start soon. Review the start/end dates in each column so you know when your access to the CES system will start and end.