Category: News

Do you know a prospective Wichita State student?  Let them know about the new Admissions blog. The blog will serve as a one-stop-shop and a resource for future Shockers.

In the first blog, Bobby Gandu, assistant vice president of strategic enrollment management, shares his expertise on the topic of best cookies on campus.

For more information or to get a department or college in the blog, contact Will Miller, marketing coordinator, at william.miller@wichita.edu.

Deborah J. (Davis) Bardo, former first lady of Wichita State University, died April 15, 2022.

Mrs. Bardo was married to WSU’s 13th president, Dr. John Bardo, for 44 years until his death on March 12, 2019. She is survived by their son, Christopher.

Mrs. Bardo served as Wichita State’s first lady from 2012 to 2019. In that role, she especially enjoyed being around students and supporting the many events that brought the community and university together.

The Kansas Board of Regents’ Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism Program Committee seeking submissions for the annual Tilford Conference Oct. 6 and 7 at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. The theme for the conference is “After Brown v. Board, No Turning Back: The Future of Diversity and Multiculturalism.” Notices of acceptance or decline will be sent by Aug. 1.

Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 1.

Following the unanimous decision by both boards to consolidate the Wichita State Foundation and WSU Alumni Association, a task force has been assembled to determine a transition plan, guiding principles and key initiatives.

The transition task force includes:

• Laura Bernstorf – board member, WSU Alumni Association
• Shelly Coleman-Martins – vice president, WSU Strategic Communications
• Debbie Haynes – board member, WSU Foundation
• Elizabeth King – president and CEO, WSU Foundation
• Caleb Klein – board member, WSU Alumni Association
• Lynn Nichols – board member, WSU Foundation
• Dan Peare – board chair, WSU Foundation
• Mark West – board chair, WSU Alumni Association

Although there are still many details to finalize, the group is targeting to have the transition complete by June 30. The task force is facilitated by Daniel White, a senior consultant with Allen, Gibbs & Houlik (AGH), whose experience in organizational development will help identify opportunities and a path forward.

“The individuals on this task force are all enthusiastic supporters of Wichita State,” said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “As we integrate our two organizations, I am confident that together we are paving the way toward a bright and strong future.”

The Heskett Center will be closed on Sunday, April 17, and will reopen on Monday, April 18 for its regular hours.

The Wichita State and Kansas State Pathway to Nursing Program has been approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This dual-degree program is a unique collaboration that provides students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from K-State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Wichita State.

Both degree programs will be based in Manhattan, Kansas, and the facilities at the K-State campus have been remodeled and equipped with new supplies and cutting-edge simulation equipment. The first cohort will begin in fall 2022. 

“We are very excited to see this program come to fruition,” said Debra Pile, chair and associate dean for nursing practice. “This type of program has never existed in Kansas, and we are pleased to provide more students with a path to education in nursing and positively impact local health care.”  

The Wichita State AmeriCorps program has 20 service positions open to students at this time. These positions include part-time, full-time, summer only and year-long positions which will involve hands-on working with children, office positions, coordinating projects, helping promote nonprofits, or other tasks.

The positions are located in Wichita. Members selected for AmeriCorps service positions receive a living stipend and qualify for an education award upon completing their term of service.

Undergraduate and graduate students who serve with AmeriCorps can apply for a $2,000 scholarship from Wichita State’s Office of Financial Aid or Graduate School.

Since January 2022, six students serving with AmeriCorps were awarded $1,000 spring scholarships. The following members include:

Graduate recipients

• Jessica Cordero
• Gisell Gonzalez
• Tori Davis
• Li Wang

Undergraduate recipients

• Courtney Collins
• Mafiery Holland
• Toyan Sims

In addition to applying for the scholarships, AmeriCorps members who complete their year of service also qualify for a Segal Education Award of $6,000 or a cash stipend.

For more information contact or to apply, contact Angela Gaughan at angela.gaughan@wichita.edu or 316-570-1309.

The WSU Sustainability Council Earth Day Planning Committee invites all WSU students to submit a poster presentation for the second annual Shockers Go Green Earth Day Student Research Competition.

Research topics can focus on any element of sustainability including the following:

• Climate change
• Sustainable manufacturing and building
• Green materials
• Solid waste management
• Social awareness and education
• Urban planning

All abstracts are due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, and video presentations are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 18.

Do you plan to take classes during the summer? The summer 2022 financial aid application is now available. To apply, students need to do the following:

• Enroll in summer 2022 classes.
• Complete the “Summer Aid Application” in your myWSU student portal, under the myFinances tab and “Financial Aid” links.
• Please allow up to three weeks for processing.

For more information about financial aid at Wichita State, please contact 316-978-3430 or chat at Wichita OneStop.

Are you able to access all the medical and behavioral health services available at Wichita State? Let the Kansas Board of Regents know by taking the student Health Center Survey. This digital questionnaire is approximately five minutes and is completely confidential. The survey will be open until Monday, April 11.