Summer 2024 Paraguay Service Learning study abroad program

Students will have the opportunity to learn from locals and learn more about Paraguayan culture and about South America through observing in a nonprofit during the Paraguay Honors Travel Seminar for Service Learning.

The program will be from June 9 to 22, 2024 with a group of students traveling to Paraguay and enrolling HNRS 398 for one or three credit hours. The program and course is open to any Wichita State student and geared towards students in the Honors College.

This program is eligible for travel seminar scholarships up to $2,000 each. Students who are in the Honors College can apply for the Cohen Enhancement scholarships for up to $4,000 each. The total cost of the program including flights, housing, meals and tuition fees will be under $4,000.

For questions, contact Ann Burger at ann.burger@wichita.edu.

Watermark’s Course Evaluations & Surveys (CES) tool is Wichita State’s new course evaluation tool. Find more information over the coming weeks in WSU Today about CES.

Today’s focus is on the student experience.

  • Students will receive an email and notification on Blackboard when an evaluation is open.
  • Students can access the evaluation through Blackboard and through links provided in an email sent during the CES collection window.
  • When students login to the CES system, they will see a table containing evaluation information. This table will show which evaluations are completed with the date and time. It will also show upcoming evaluations with the dates they are set to open.
  • Students will see regular pop-up notifications on Blackboard during the CES evaluation time window.
  • There is a dedicated CES website that includes additional information.

For questions, contact Sandy Ranney at evaluations@ces.wichita.edu.

The Shocker women's golf team and the Women's Leadership Initiative pose at Willowbend Golf Club

The Shocker women’s golf team and the Women’s Leadership Initiative partnered on Oct. 11 to offer an intro to golf course for women at Wichita State. The course took place at the Wichita State practice facility at Willowbend Golf Course, which brought over 25 participants and taught them the basics of the game. Head Coach Tom McCurdy, Assistant Coach Alejandra Heinen and members of the golf team shared instructions on how to play golf, such as gripping the club, swinging and how to putt.

“The course was a great opportunity for women to learn and play golf in a welcoming and supportive environment,” said Dr. Teri Hall, vice president of Student Affairs. “This was a great way for the Women’s Leadership Initiative to learn from our amazing student athletes and we look forward to doing it again in the future.”

Hosting the intro to golf course was more than just a chance to learn the basics of the game. It was also an opportunity for women to build community through a sport that all individuals can play. This was an opportunity for women to get together, learn a new skill, make new friends and build community.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a network of faculty, staff and students who engage in powerful conversations and provide opportunities that build critical skills that can support women, advancing equity and inclusion.

The Shocker women’s golf team is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Eight golfers make up the roster, including five returners and three new players. These student athletes come from all walks of life and elevate the team to new heights. The 2023-24 season kicked off with the Payne Stewart Invitational in Missouri. The team finished fifth in the Big O Classic with a score of 622 and recently tied for ninth in Idaho.

Supporting the Shocker women’s golf team enables Shocker Athletics to recruit top student-athletes and provide them with the resources they need to be successful in their sport, the classroom and in life. Additionally, the support helps recognize outstanding achievements through initiatives like the Natasha Fife Women’s Golf Scholarship, which is awarded to members of the team. Join in shaping the future of women’s golf at WSU by going to the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement website.

New Barton School Faculty members Ryan Terry, Sina Rahiminejad, Leo Yang, and Na Rea Cho.

The Frank Barton School of Business has hired four new faculty members in the areas of accounting, human resource management and supply chain management who joined this fall 2023 semester.

 “Our new faculty members are brilliant and talented academics with a pivotal grasp on industry needs and innovative research interests,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean, Barton School. “These hirings reflect a concerted effort to help the Barton School and our students bloom to reach the fullest potential.”

Na Rea Cho, assistant professor of supply chain management
Dr. Cho received her Ph.D. in Operations Management at Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama. She received her Master of Arts in Management Decision Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and Business Administration from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea.

Sina Rahiminejad, assistant professor of accounting
Dr. Rahiminejad holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Calgary and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Sharif University of Technology. He also has an undergraduate background in mechanical engineering.

Ryan Terry, assistant professor of human resource management
Dr. Terry holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and Management from The University of Texas at Arlington. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and MBA from Fort Hays State University.

Leo Yang, assistant professor of accounting
Dr. Leo Yang holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Miami and has an undergraduate background in electrical engineering. Prior to joining the Barton School, he was an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University.

Image Contains: 3MT: Three Minute Thesis, founded by the University of Queensland. Wichita State University Graduate School, November 3, RSC 2nd floor. Preliminary rounds, 11:30 AM Final, 1 PM. Wichita.edu/3MT

Join the Graduate School as it hosts the sixth annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) showcase starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Preliminary rounds will be at 11:30 a.m. with the final round starting at 1 p.m.

Competing graduate students will summarize the importance and impact of their original research in just three minutes.

3MT is a worldwide competition, and the winner of this showcase will go on to represent Wichita State at a regional competition in spring 2024.

De-Stress Fest: Chill out with SAC. Submit your events at wichita.edu/destress Deadline: November 3rd

Event submissions are open for the Student Activities Council’s (SAC) annual De-Stress Fest. Submissions must be made by Friday, Nov. 3.

De-Stress Fest will take place from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8. Come chill out with SAC and help make finals week better for everyone.

Yellow background with Women of Wichita State University printed across it.

It’s never too late to join the Women of WSU (WWSU). WWSU serves the university by providing student scholarships and providing opportunities for employees and spouses to connect across campus. It is dedicated to promoting personal growth through social interaction and fostering a sense of community.

Annual dues of $12 include the opportunity to join an interest group (book club, friends & food, lunch bunch, new members and theatre), to participate in social events held throughout the year and benefits the WWSU scholarship.

Membership in WWSU provides many opportunities to connect female-identifying WSU employees, WSU auxiliary employees and spouses with others who love WSU. Attend an event, join an existing interest group or start a new interest group. Members will receive more information about the Lunch & Learn event planned for Nov. 8 on campus, the holiday luncheon planned for Jan. 10 at the Wine Dive, and other day and evening events planned for spring and summer. Fundraising events benefit the WWSU Scholarship. For more details about membership please visit wsu.edu/wwsu.

Collage of black and white photos with white borders from the CAS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony event on a black background

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) hosted the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 20 to officially induct the Class of 2023 selections into the CAS Hall of Fame, and to recognize them for their achievements and impact on the college.

The Class of 2023 CAS Hall of Fame inductees:

  • Dr. Marcus Ballenger – Professor and associate dean emeritus, is an award-winning teacher and scholar who authored innovative language arts textbooks and created the college’s Cooperative Education program.
  • Dr. Jeri Ann Carroll – Professor emerita in early childhood and elementary education, a scholar and leader in professional development schools and program review, and former department chair and president of the WSU Faculty Senate.
  • Dr. Orpha Duell – Professor emerita in educational psychology, is a distinguished teacher and nationally recognized scholar, and former department chair and president of the WSU Faculty Senate.
  • Mr. Rick Pappas – Former educator in physical education, is an award-winning teacher at WSU after a distinguished career teaching in USD 259. He is nationally recognized as a curricular leader for innovative approaches to physical education.
  • Dr. Michael Tilford – Former college faculty and dean of the Graduate School, and a national leader in minority studies. The annual Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism is named in memory of Dr. Tilford.

For more information about the CAS Hall of Fame, including categories and criteria, the nomination process, the selection committee and process, visit the CAS website.

Black and White colored adult learning graduation cord with black graduation robe

Adult learner getting ready to graduate in December are eligible to receive an adult learner cord at no additional charge. Cords will be handed out Nov. 15 during the Office of Online & Adult Learning’s Harvest Huddle event from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Grace Wilkie Annex.

Those unable to attend the Nov. 15 event, but would still like an adult learner cord, can email oal@wichita.edu or call 316-978-8325 to coordinate a time to pick up a cord. Students in TAP will receive their graduation cords at the pinning ceremony.

Applications are still being accepted for the 2024 Alternative Spring Break trip in Boulder Creek, California. The trip will be spent volunteering as camp counselors at Camp Campbell, Outdoor Science School.

The California Outdoor Science Association is sponsored by the California Department of Education. Wichita State volunteers will serve as camp counselors through the week and assist with the camp’s programming. The cost of the trip is $200 per student and includes transportation, airfare to/from, housing, meals and excursions.

To apply, students need to complete an application and essay questions and turn them into the SEAL office by 5 p.m. Nov. 22. Applications and additional information may be found on the Wichita State website. For more information, email Loren Belew at loren.belew@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7016.