Category: News

Wichita State’s Academe newsletter, highlighting faculty and staff achievements, is back after a five-year hiatus. The first edition published Oct. 9 and features faculty and staff from across the university over the last year, with a message from Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost.

Academe is published four times a year, and submissions from faculty and staff are always open. Visit wichita.edu/academesubmission and follow the instructions to submit items for Academe. The deadline for submissions to the next edition of Academe will be shared in a future edition of WSU Today.

If you have questions regarding submissions to Academe, reach out to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu or 316-978-3013.

The Department of Sport and Leadership Studies is delighted to announce the launch of the Journal of Contemporary Issues in Sport (JCIS), a scholarly peer-reviewed journal established by Dr. Wonyoung Kim. It is published by the Department of Sport and Leadership Studies in collaboration with Dr. Susan Matveyeva and University Libraries.

JCIS is committed to exploring and disseminating research, critical analysis and thought-provoking discussions on contemporary issues within the field of sport management and related topics. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, educators, students, sport industry professionals, policymakers and anyone interested in understanding the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the sport industry.

The inaugural issue of JCIS is now accessible online. The Department of Sport and Leadership Studies warmly invites scholars, practitioners and students to explore the journal and consider contributing to its future volumes.

When Wichita State physical therapy students strapped on sunglasses smeared with petroleum jelly, ankle weights and a stiff neck collar, the laughter came quickly. They shuffled around the room, testing their balance in flip-flops to mimic neuropathy and difficulty with walking, while leaning on friends as they struggled through simple tasks.

But as the exercises wore on, the fun gave way to frustration. Hearing became muffled under earmuffs. Vision blurred. Knees stiffened. Students who had just been joking about their new look began to feel something else: the physical and social isolation many older adults live with every day.

That shift — from amusement to awareness — is exactly what Dr. Justin Smith, assistant professor and board-certified geriatric clinical specialist, hoped for when he built a homemade geriatric-simulation suit and launched a pilot study to measure its effect on empathy in physical therapy students.

Niki Noland is a spring 2025 Wichita State graduate who majored in studio art, concentrating in print media. Before leaving Wichita State and the College of Fine Arts, Noland directly impacted Wichita’s art scene, interning for the City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department and public art manager, Jana Erwin.

As a student, Noland was active on campus and in the art, design and creative industries program. They were a mentor for the College of Fine Arts You Belong Here: Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program. As a mentor, they developed leadership qualities by assisting mentees with academic and professional work. Noland, true to their major, was also a member of the printmaking club. Additionally, they were involved in the Shocker Sound Machine and the Model UN Board. Active within Shocker Nation’s arts and clubs, Noland’s internship for City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department was a perfect match.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is thrilled to announce that its graduate student team took home the first place trophy from the 2025 Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) Prairie Cup competition.

The annual knowledge bowl was held Sept. 29 at the KSHA Convention, hosted this year in Manhattan, Kansas. The team won by an astonishing 45 points; representing an almost five-question advantage over second place, an extraordinary feat.

CSD could not be prouder of its clinical scholars team: Sabrina Gooch, Alice Keithly, Kayenta Frye, Courtney Toner and Lauren Stephenson (not shown). Congratulations on a well-deserved win.

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) Ambassadors serve as a resource for the college, prospective students and their families. The CAS Ambassadors also serve as representation for their specific academic programs, exemplifying a broad knowledge of CAS culture, programs, and practices.

The Shocker Store is selling a new T-shirt in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For each one sold, $1 will be donated to Victory in the Valley, who provides support to cancer patients, survivors and their families in the area. The tee is available at both the Rhatigan Student Center and Braeburn Square stores and online. The offer is good while supplies last. No discounts accepted on this merchandise.

Graduating students, if you are a member of and would like to order a stole for either the Japanese Culture Association or University Innovation Fellows, pre-orders must be completed by Oct. 15 at shockerstore.com. They will arrive the first week of December in time for commencement. These stoles are only available by pre-order, they will not be carried in store later. For questions, call 316-978-7021 or email shockerstore@wichita.edu.

The Barton School of Business proudly welcomes Lynda Jackson, an England-based communications expert, as its fall 2025 J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence. Jackson is a distinguished communications specialist and strategist, organizational psychologist, global speechwriter and public speaking coach. She brings a wealth of global experience to her clients and has advised presidents, prime ministers and Fortune 500 executives.

“I love working with others and helping people of all ages gain confidence as communicators and leaders,” said Jackson. “I am honored and excited to work with Barton School students, faculty, staff, and the local community as the newest Executive-in-Residence.”

In this role, Jackson will engage students through mentoring and networking sessions, while also collaborating with the Barton School’s leadership team and faculty throughout the semester. Her residency will culminate in a public keynote address as part of the James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series during the fall 2025 semester titled: “Leading with Impact: The Power of Communication to Connect, Inspire, and Transform.” This dynamic presentation will explore the power of effective communication in leadership — highlighting strategies for driving change, inspiring teams and leading with purpose. The keynote will take place at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 29 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. RSVP to the keynote.

As part of the Kansas Board of Regents’ Apply Free Days, prospective students who are Kansas residents can submit an application for free to Wichita State now through Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The application is for degree-bound, undergraduate admission. Fill out your application now, or submit a previously started application, to have your application fee waived until Oct. 8.

Learn more about Apply Free Days from the Kansas Board of Regents. The fee waiver is for Kansas residents only.