Category: News

Wichita State University’s Physical Education program made a strong impression at the 2025 Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention.

Senior Ian Stevens was named Future Professional of the Year, WSU students won first place in the College Bowl competition and Team K-12 presented an engaging session on “Cross-Curriculars for Elementary K-5.”

Led by Olivia Butler, program chair, 22 students attended the event, supported by funds from their annual Cornhole Tournament and Ablah Library sponsorship, gaining valuable professional experience and proudly representing the College of Applied Studies.

After more than 14 years of dedicated service, Jeanne Patton will be retiring on Dec. 5.

Jeanne began her journey with Wichita State in July 2011 as an administrative assistant in the Provost Office, where her attention to detail and commitment quickly earned her a promotion to budget analyst. In 2018, she transitioned to Information Technology Systems, taking on the role of director of ITS business and finance operations. Her leadership and financial insight have played a vital role in strengthening ITS operations and advancing key initiatives.

Jeanne is widely admired for her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. She never hesitates to assist anyone who reaches out to her, consistently sharing her deep knowledge of the university’s business processes with new business managers and helping them feel supported and confident in their roles. Her willingness to mentor, collaborate and uplift others has made her a cherished coworker and friend.

Jeanne’s contributions have left a lasting impact, and colleagues throughout Wichita State will deeply miss her.

Save the date for a come-and-go celebration and farewell event for Jeanne from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. Share your memories, express your appreciation and wish Jeanne well in her next chapter.

Wichita State University observes Veterans Day as a paid holiday, but since the university remains open and classes are in session, time and leave reporting may vary. Benefit-eligible exempt and non-exempt employees follow different guidelines, and not everyone observes the holiday on the designated day.

Dr. Mathew Muether, professor and graduate coordinator for physics, has been selected as associate vice provost for faculty affairs.

Muether has been with Wichita State since 2014, first as an assistant professor, then an associate professor in 2019. He was also president of the Faculty Senate last year.

“I’m honored to serve as Wichita State’s first associate vice provost for faculty affairs and help launch this new office, which will bring dedicated focus to the needs and success of our faculty,” Muether said. “We have exceptionally talented faculty, and I’m excited to help unlock their full potential.”

In his new role as associate vice provost for faculty affairs, Muether will provide strategic leadership and oversight for faculty appointments including scope of work as well as faculty-related policies, programs and initiatives at Wichita State. The role supports the advancement, retention and excellence of faculty through collaborative governance, equitable workload and compensation practices, and robust evaluation and recognition systems.

“Dr. Muether cares deeply about creating an environment where faculty feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work,” said Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost. “His leadership will strengthen our ability to attract and retain outstanding faculty — which directly benefits our students.”

Muether will begin his new role on Jan. 3, 2026.

The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP)— recognized by the Wichita Business Journal with its Innovation Award—celebrated the launch of its fifth cohort during a dynamic welcome event at Wichita State University. The new class features 12 exceptional students representing the Barton School of Business, the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Fine Arts.

This year’s group marks a new era for WGLP — the first cohort under its expanded mission to provide students with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience that empowers them to thrive as the next generation of global leaders.

A team of five undergraduate students from the Barton School of Business earned finalist recognition at the Cornhusker Business Case Competition, a prestigious national event hosted by the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Representing Wichita State’s newly launched Consulting Club, the team included Abrielle Zuniga, Isabella Evans, Isabel Fulkerson, Rene Luna-Reyes and Scott Recheck. After two rounds of rigorous presentations and Q&A sessions judged by industry professionals and academic leaders, the Barton School team was named one of only four finalists — out of 14 teams representing 13 leading universities, including the University of Maryland, Texas A&M, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Vermont, Kansas State University and Texas Christian University. 

For more than 50 years, Wichita State through federally funded TRIO and GEAR UP programs continue to play a vital role in supporting students across Wichita and the state of Kansas helping them prepare for, enroll in and succeed in higher education.

This year, WSU celebrates the expansion of its outreach with 17 active programs, including four new additions:

• Veterans Student Support Services
• Student Services STEM
• Wichita GEAR UP Heights and Southeast
• Wichita GEAR UP West and South

Wichita State’s comprehensive network of TRIO and GEAR UP programs includes Disability Support Services, Student Support Services, McNair Scholars Program, Talent Search, Talent Search South, Upward Bound Wichita Prep, Upward Bound Math and Science, Communication Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers, Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP, Haysville GEAR UP and GEAR UP@ Haysville.

Collectively, these programs will bring in over $12 million this school year to serve WSU students and youth throughout Kansas.

Open Streets ICT: WSU and Shocker Neighborhood is coming back to 17th Street (from Oliver to Volutsia) April 19, 2026. Join a virtual informational session at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 and hear how you can get involved, engaged and join in on the fun. Last April, more than 10,000 attendees filled 17th Street to celebrate Shocker Pride.

If you have ideas, questions, would like to contribute to the fun or sponsor, reach out to Naquela Pack at naquela.pack@wichita.edu

Wichita State University’s Corbin Education Center, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction reserved for America’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks. 

Dedicated in 1964 and named for former University of Wichita President Harry F. Corbin, the building embodies Wright’s creative genius and his philosophy of blending architecture with nature. 

Today, Corbin is the home of Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies, classroom space and advising offices.  

Six student leaders from the Barton School of Business’s Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund (CSMIF) recently traveled to Chicago for the 2025 Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC) Conference, where they engaged with industry leaders, expanded their professional networks and explored new strategies to strengthen the fund.

“These types of experiences go far beyond the classroom — they’re transformational,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “They provide our students with unique access to the financial world and allow them to represent the Barton School on a national stage with confidence and professionalism.”