Category: News

Thank you to all those who volunteered to drive visitors May 29-30 on campus during the high school state baseball, softball and track events and providing guests a welcoming and positive experience. Mark your calendars for next year’s events, May 28-29, 2027.

The Barton School of Business has received a $500,000 commitment from Vicki Decarsky via Derby Community Foundation in support of Spero, a workforce and entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand opportunity across Wichita.

This gift will help sustain and grow Spero’s programming as it continues to connect individuals with meaningful employment pathways and entrepreneurial training.

Wichita State is pleased to announce that Sheila Brown has been named associate vice president of finance and controller.

Sheila brings more than 20 years of professional experience and a strong background in financial leadership, operational excellence and organizational development. She most recently served as president and chief executive officer of a local nonprofit organization, following her tenure as vice president of finance.

Throughout her career, Sheila has focused on strengthening operational standards and compliance, developing effective policies and procedures, and fostering collaboration across departments. She is recognized for her ability to bring people together around shared goals and to build high-performing, collaborative teams.

Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Wichita State and a Master of Business Administration. Her leadership approach is shaped by a natural curiosity and a strong problem-solving mindset, which she applies to improving systems and helping organizations operate more effectively.

A proud Shocker alumna, Sheila is excited to return to Wichita State and looks forward to working with the campus community to support future generations of Shockers.

Anyone on campus this week will notice a large influx of visitors for 5A and 6A state baseball and softball and state track meet May 27-30 at Eck Stadium, Wilkins Stadium and University Stadium

These events are expected to bring a combined total of over 30,000 visitors to campus. State track events May 29-30 will have volunteers helping visitors around campus, but anyone who sees someone looking lost or needing directions can use the campus map to help guide visitors to their destinations or direct people to wichita.edu/state for questions.

Faculty, staff, students and campus partners are encouraged to plan accordingly and arrive early if they come to campus during these events.

Anyone on campus this week will notice a large influx of visitors for 5A and 6A state baseball and softball and state track meet May 27-30 at Eck Stadium, Wilkins Stadium and University Stadium (volunteer opportunities are still open, with a limited number of T-shirt sizes still available).

These events are expected to bring a combined total of over 30,000 visitors to campus. State track events May 29-30 will have volunteers helping visitors around campus, but anyone who sees someone looking lost or needing directions can use the campus map to help guide visitors to their destinations or direct people to wichita.edu/state for questions.

Faculty, staff, students and campus partners are encouraged to plan accordingly and arrive early if they come to campus during these events.

The fall 2026 WSU I-Corps cohort will run Aug. 17 through Sept. 28 on Mondays. This hands-on program is built for researchers and early-stage innovators looking to explore and validate the market potential of their ideas. Participating team leads can receive up to $2,000 in funding for completing the program. To apply, a team’s entrepreneurial lead will need to fill out an interest form.

Shocker Printing and Promo Solutions thanks campus partners for attending its open house May 19 and for getting the chance to share its the space, equipment and capabilities.

Shocker Printing and Promo Solutions also held a raffle during the event, and congratulates the winners:

• Mercedes Shoemaker, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, won the 20×20 personalized canvas print
• Taylin Fox, Cohen Honors College, received the 8×8 “WuShock and WeeShock” canvas print
• Jennise Jenkins, School of Criminal Justice, took home a 12-square-foot poster

Each year, Founders’ Day highlights student organizations and the work they do on campus. If your group wants to participate this year, now is the time to sign up. Foundation and Alumni Engagement provide:

• A fundraising page for your group 
• Promotion tools 
• Social media templates 
• Tips for spreading the word 

Looking to grow your network, build your career and connect with others who care about making a difference in the community? Join ICTNext, a space designed for young professionals in public service to connect, learn and grow together.

Check out:

• Monthly networking and professional development opportunities
• A supportive community of emerging leaders
• Access to exclusive opportunities, events and resources

For questions, contact Kendra Nguyen, Community Engagement Institute, at kendra.nguyen@wichita.edu.

Two graduate students from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs received scholarships from the Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM). Luke Grimes was awarded the Virgil Basgall Scholarship, while Nathan York received the KACM Scholarship.

This achievement marks the third consecutive year that WSU has secured two out of the three KACM scholarships. Additionally, for the second year in a row, a WSU student has been awarded the prestigious Basgall Scholarship.

The KACM scholarships are awarded annually to graduate students who are either interested in pursuing a career in city or county management or currently working in local government in Kansas and aspire to become city or county management professionals. Faculty from KU, K-State and WSU nominate Master of Public Administration (MPA) students for these scholarships, which are presented at the Spring Kansas City/County Management Conference.