Category: News

Welcome Dr. Tiffany Schmidtberger back to Wichita State as the new director of Student Conduct & Community Standards (SCCS). In this role, Tiffany will provide leadership to the SCCS office, guiding efforts to foster accountability, integrity and community responsibility.

A proud WSU alumna (’05, bachelor of arts in psychology), Tiffany’s leadership journey began right here — serving in SAC, SGA and Housing. Her passion for service led her to AmeriCorps VISTA, a doctorate in education policy and impactful roles in residence life and student affairs.

SPARK (formerly Women of WSU) is now accepting memberships. Membership has expanded to be more inclusive of all the employees at WSU, WSU affiliates and their spouses, regardless of gender. The price remains $12 for a year of “Social, Philanthropic, Activities, Relationships and Kindness.”

SPARK provides scholarships to WSU students and fosters a sense of community through the spirit of friendliness and support. Several interest groups are offered and may be selected for free on the payment page. Proposals for new groups are welcome

Go to the section menu on the SPARK website for details about interest groups, events and membership. Contact Angela Paul, VP of membership, at angela.paul@wichita.edu, spark@wichita.edu or 316-978-5084.

Lucas Garces is a double-alumnus of Wichita State. He first graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s in business administration, then again in 2020 with a master’s in applied economics. Today, he works at Google as a data scientist. 

His degrees reflect his interest in finance and economics. His bachelor’s concentration was in finance and financial management services, and his master’s focused on financial economics. However, Garces was still exploring his ideal career path during college. It was through various internship roles during his studies that he began to uncover it. 

Faculty and staff in the College of Applied Studies will move back into Corbin Education Center throughout the week, starting Monday, Aug. 25.

The building, located on the north side of campus, has been closed since March 2024 after a water line break caused flooding in the basement. Since then, crews have worked to restore and prepare the facility for reopening.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and dedicated in 1964, Corbin Education Center is both a protected historical site and the long-time home of the College of Applied Studies. Named after former WSU President Harry F. Corbin Jr., the center is one of the most recognizable and iconic structures on Wichita State’s campus.

Students have many options for study abroad programs through WSU exchange partner universities and program providers. Study Abroad scholarships are also available. The deadline to submit applications for programs and scholarships is Sept. 15. Learn how to apply for programs and about scholarships on the Study Abroad website.

Contact Study Abroad at studyabroad@wichita.edu.

Do you love Wichita State? Do you love new Shocker gear? Do you enjoy creating engaging Instagram content? If so, apply to become a Shocker Store Brand Ambassador. Selected students will work with the Shocker Store to use Instagram and other avenues to increase student knowledge of Shocker Store products, services and more. As a bonus, you’ll receive free Shocker merchandise. Deadline to apply is Sept. 10.

Staff and faculty who want to learn more about the Navigate platform can explore information, training opportunities, data about usage and other useful information on the Navigate360 website. Find the Navigate Nuggets post at the bottom of the page.

Matilyn “Mati” Newman graduated from Wichita State in May 2025, earning her bachelor’s in integrated marketing communications from the Elliot School of Communication. As a recent graduate, Newman hit the ground running with her role as the digital marketing assistant at the Rotary Club of Wichita. In her role, Newman has witnessed how her classwork intertwines with her professional work.  

“Courses such as Campaigns 626, Ad Copywriting 525 and Communications Strategy 450 have had the most impact on my professional work,” Newman said. “These classes stuck with me, and I find myself referencing to them frequently.” 

Welcomefest is the official welcome campaign for new and returning Shockers and features events, activities and services designed to help everyone have a successful transition to life at Wichita State. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include Clash of the Colleges, Involvement Fair and much more.

Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus and find ways to connect with the community. View the schedule of events at wichita.edu/welcomefest.

The Wichita Eagle has released its 2025 Best of Wichita nominations, and Wichita State has been nominated in several categories. The community can vote once a day for their choices in each category through the voting period until 5 p.m. Friday Sept. 5.

• Eat & drink – All-Around Restaurant: Freddy’s
• Eat & drink – Bar/Tavern: Social Tap Drinkery
• Eat & drink – Beer Selection: Social Tap Drinkery
• Eat & drink – Lunch Spot: Wichita State Food Truck Plaza
• Eat & drink – Sports Bar: Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes
• Eat & drink – Tacos: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
• Education – Childcare: WSU Child Development Center
• Education – College/University: Wichita State University
• Health & beauty – Audiologist/Hearing Center: Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
• Health & beauty – Speech Therapy: Wichita State University (Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic)
• Things to do – Art Gallery: WSU Shift Space, Ulrich Museum of Art, Clayton Staples Gallery
• Things to do – Bowling: Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes
• Things to do – Hotel: Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
• Things to do – Live Theatre: Wilner Auditorium
• Things to do – Museum: Ulrich Museum of Art, Lowell Holmes Museum of Anthropology