Category: News

The March 2026 issue of Teaching Tomorrow is now available. This month’s newsletter highlights ongoing conversations around accessibility, technology and higher education.

The contributors of this month’s issue moved beyond just how to do accessibility and touch on the larger ideas of shared culture and community. Heather Merchant shares how small, intentional accessibility practices can positively impact student learning, while Krystal Iseminger invites readers to rethink accessibility as shared culture. Both pieces offer valuable insights, especially with new ADA Title II changes approaching.

Also included are Blackboard features that spotlight these ideas as well as resources for extending this learning. You’ll find perspectives that connect mindset, technology and accessibility that present practical ideas you can apply in your teaching right away.

Wichita State’s College of Education, Wichita Public Schools, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Board of Regents have partnered to launch a pilot program focused on strengthening early childhood literacy for Wichita students.

During a Wichita Public Schools press conference held March 10 at Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary School, Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld, WPS Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services Holly Ingram and Dr. Kimberly Moody from the College of Education shared information about the four-week program that will serve kindergarten through second-grade students.

The pilot program will take place at Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary, Spaght Science and Communications Magnet Elementary, and Washington Accelerated Learning Elementary School. The initiative will combine literacy instruction, high-dose tutoring and enrichment activities designed to support early reading development.

Wichita State teacher candidates will serve as tutors throughout the program, gaining hands-on classroom experience while supporting young learners.

Wichita State’s Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) announced today the launch of the Kansas Data Trust, a new statewide, university-based initiative designed to bring data together from multiple sources to better understand issues, understand impact and strengthen evidence to inform decisions to improve the health of communities across the state.

Led by the PPMC, the Kansas Data Trust serves as a trusted platform for responsibly bringing information together across public agencies, nonprofit organizations and researchers to help paint a more complete picture of the challenges facing Kansans and the progress that’s being made.

Owen and Ellery Prothro consider sports a bond. Older brother Owen roots for the Kansas City Chiefs. Ellery, the younger sister, is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Nuggets. They talk about the NFL, the NBA and, above all, college basketball and their jobs covering Wichita State.

The Prothro siblings, from Wichita, are enjoying an up-close look at their favorite sport and working together in a different setting from the usual brother-sister relationship. They are charged with chronicling Wichita State University’s most successful men’s basketball season since 2021 for The Sunflower, WSU’s independent, student-run news source.

“It’s fun, and (Owen) knows a lot about it and will answer any questions I have,” Ellery said. “We could talk about it for a long time, all the technicalities and what makes it so awesome. There are times I can say that Owen is my best friend.”

On Thursday, March 12, the College of Engineering will host about 200 high school students for the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED) event, commonly known as Girl Day. The event will be from about 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the majority of the event will be in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom. The second floor of the RSC will also be utilized from about 11 a.m. to noon. Although a private event, WSU students, staff and faculty are encouraged to have positive interactions with high school students, educators and event volunteers when in common areas.

IGED is a national event that takes place during or near National Engineers Week. IGED events inspire and encourage young students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields through mentorship with professional and collegiate role models.

Wichita State is excited to announce that the State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds are now open for applications for the fiscal year 2027.

Who can apply?

Wichita State colleges and departments are invited to submit proposals. Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities.

What are the funding priorities?

• Areas of greatest need: Priority will be given to proposals that expand paid applied learning opportunities in fields with limited access to paid experiences and strengthen the Kansas talent pipeline.
• Academic alignment: The work-based experience should connect with your academic program, ensuring students are building valuable bridges between theory and practice.
• Data-driven approach: The ability to collect data on your program’s effectiveness is crucial. This helps us ensure these funds have a lasting positive impact on student success.

To submit your proposal, visit wichita.edu/ALfund.

Barton School of Business’ Spero Program at Wichita State has reached another significant milestone with the graduation of its second class. A total of 80 alumni, including 43 students graduating in the second class, have successfully completed the world’s first TrustEd microcredential program of its kind, establishing Spero as a national model for innovative workforce development.

Launched to bridge the gap between education and employment, Spero integrates academic instruction, professional development, employer engagement and personalized coaching to prepare participants for success in both careers and entrepreneurship.

The Barton School of Business is proud to announce that Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board. As the newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening, enriching and elevating the student experience.

“Aaron is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with an unwavering passion for growing and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His deep commitment to Wichita and to the future of business leadership makes him an outstanding addition to our Dean’s Advisory Board. I look forward to working closely with him.”

Today is last day to enter to win either a red parking spot for an entire semester or a $250 GreenPhire VISA gift card, among other prizes, by completing the confidential National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey that was sent to your Wichita State email address on March 5 by WSU’s HOPE Services department.

For questions about the survey, contact Cora Olson, assistant director of HOPE Services, at 316-978-4792 or cora.olson@wichita.edu.

Jordan Devoy is a College of Fine Arts alumna who majored in filmmaking and graduated in December 2025. Before earning her bachelor’s degree in media arts with a filmmaking concentration, she had on-the-job training at Shocker Studios. Devoy gained experience in solo and collaborative projects throughout the production process. As a studio videographer, she shot and edited videos for Shocker Studios and its clients.

As a studio videographer, Devoy primarily handled production for Shocker Studios’ social media and live event videos. Devoy had opportunities to shoot and edit client projects and commercials that Shocker Studios contracts as a production facility. Other projects included video promotion for the school and behind-the-scenes content.

In these varying projects and production levels, Devoy advanced her professional skills.