Category: News

Applications are now open for the Wichita State Mortar Board Honor Society. Accepted juniors and seniors can creative positive change on campus through scholarship, leadership and service.

Since its founding in 1918, Mortar Board has recognized students who exemplify excellence and dedication to helping others. The WSU chapter has been active since 1954, with over 1,590 WSU alumni who have embraced this legacy. Becoming a member of Mortar Board comes with many benefits, including recognition for achievements and leadership abilities, development for the Wichita community and fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance make the most of your impact on campus. Apply by Jan. 17, 2025.

Faculty, review the final exam schedule available on the Registrar’s website.

Final exams should be held in the same room assigned to the class during the time slot listed on the final exam schedule. Any deviation from the room or time should be coordinated with the Registrar’s Office ahead of time to avoid conflicts with other classes. Contact michele.august@wichita.edu if you have any questions or need to make alternate arrangements.

In November every year, the Teaching Today newsletter takes a moment to give thanks and recognize the value of connection. In this year’s Thankful edition, OIR staff shares what they’re thankful for at Wichita State. You will also find a piece on connection and loneliness that encourages you to think about how you are connecting with others. There is also a piece on Blackboard Annotate and all of the tools available for instructors to use there

The December 2024 Food For Fines will take place Dec 2-6. Food for Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker while providing a cheaper alternative to pay parking citations. All donations for Food for Fines can be dropped off at the Student Government’s Office in 219 Rhatigan Student Center or the Parking Services building.

Note that donations can only be accepted during the donation period and that citations can not be more than two months old. Questions can be directed to sga@wichita.edu.

The College of Applied Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Thiele will serve as the new chair of the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathways, Literacy and Special Education (TALS) Department. Dr. Thiele brings experience in education and leadership, and successfully funded research initiatives, making her a valuable addition to the college.

As department chair, Dr. Thiele will focus on enhancing student success, fostering academic excellence and promoting faculty development and scholarship. She is committed to strengthening partnerships with educational organizations and ensuring that programs such as the Teacher Apprentice Program are aligned with the evolving needs of schools and communities. She also plans to focus on the enhancement of collaborations between faculty within TALS to create pathways from CAS undergraduate programs to TALS graduate programs including, ME.d in special education and literacy certificates.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Thiele to this important leadership role,” said Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean of the College of Applied Studies. “Her commitment to our students and her expertise in the field of educator preparation will help advance our mission and support our students, faculty and staff in achieving their goals.”

Wichita State students and faculty made a strong impact at the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention, held from Nov. 6 to 8 at Emporia State University. During the convention, 21 WSU physical education students participated, presenting interactive sessions on physical education games that combined fun and learning.

Ian Stevens was elected chair of the Future Professionals Committee, and faculty member Olivia Butler was voted president-elect of KAHPERD for the 2024-25 term. At just 29, Butler will be the second youngest president in the association’s history.

The convention featured over 80 sessions on health, physical education, recreation and dance. WSU students and faculty contributed to the event’s success, showcasing leadership and advancing the fields of health and physical education in Kansas. University Libraries and the School of Education sponsored the trip, enabling student participation and learning.

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce Dr. Bekah Selby-Leach as the new director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR). Dr. Selby-Leach, an accomplished researcher and leader in economic analysis, previously served as interim assistant provost, director of institutional research and accreditation, and associate professor of economics at Emporia State University. She succeeds Jeremy Hill, who directed CEDBR since 2009 and recently joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as assistant vice president and regional executive.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bekah to the Barton School of Business,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Her extensive background in economic research and her proven leadership skills make her an ideal choice to drive the Center for Economic Development and Business Research forward. Her expertise and vision will benefit our stakeholders immensely, furthering the Center’s mission to deliver vital economic insights for the region and beyond.”

Order a WuShock bowling ball as a holiday gift and support the student athletes of the men’s bowling program. They are available in 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16 lb. options online or in-person at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.

All proceeds go towards the Shocker Men’s Bowling Scholarship Fund.

Spring 2025 Welcomefest takes place Jan. 20 through Feb. 15 and features dozens of activities. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus and find ways to connect with the community.

If your department or organization plans to host an event during this time, you can submit it to be included in the official Welcomefest schedule. The deadline to register your event for inclusion in Welcomefest marketing is Friday, Dec. 6.

Welcomefest is sponsored by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more information on events like this, email us at SEB@wichita.edu or visit the website at wichita.edu/SEB.

Few sculptures have captured hearts quite like the iconic “LOVE” series. The “LOVE” series is a collection of sculptures by Robert Indiana, an American artist. Characterized by large-scale letters stacked to spell out the word “LOVE,” these sculptures add a pop art touch to their surroundings, from bustling city corners to busy college campuses.

There are 50 LOVE sculptures installed around the world, one of which is on Wichita State’s campus, now between the Ulrich Museum of Art and McKnight Art Center. WSU and the Mechanical Maintenance department at Facilities Services were glad to make a spot to display it. Thank you to Christian White, Dan Reader, William Wray and Carl Hearn for their work on making this happen.