Category: News

ShockerStrengths is proud to celebrate its fifth year at Wichita State. Help celebrate by participating in its campus-wide survey to learn when, where, how and why faculty, staff and students are engaging with their natural talents and strengths. As WSU prepares for growth and continue its progress towards a Strengths-Based Institution, your input and stories are impactful.

Also, don’t forget to plug strengths into your courses, groups and teams by requesting one of the workshops. All workshops include the inventories and materials.

For more information and to request the inventory or a workshop, visit the ShockerStrengths webpage.

Have you used University Libraries’ resources — like facilities, librarians or equipment — for your research or creative projects? You could earn $1,000 by sharing your experience — even if your project isn’t finished by the submission deadline.

The Library Research Award recognizes how students, like you, have used library resources during the past academic year (summer through spring semesters).

It’s simple: just explain how the library helped you explore ideas, solve problems, or tackle assignments.

Key Dates:

• Application/essay deadline: April 14
• Faculty letter of support deadline: April 16

Questions? Email lib.award@wichita.edu or visit libraries.wichita.edu/lra/home.

The Child Development Center has an immediate PreK opening. This is for a child who will be entering kindergarten in fall 2025. For more information, call 316-978-3109 or email amy.mease@wichita.edu.

Graduate students who plan to complete all degree requirements this semester must file an application for degree and pay the $25 filing fee. This needs to be done no later than Monday, Feb. 17. Submit your application for degree even if you have a plan of study pending to be approved or have not submitted a plan of study.

To submit your application for degree, log into the myWSU portal and click on the myClasses tab. On the right hand side, you will find a section called “Graduation Links,” with the appropriate links to proceed. The $25 fee must be paid using a credit or debit card.

For questions, email the Graduate School at wsugradschool@wichita.edu.

The English Graduate Student Association (EGSA), in conjunction with the Sigma Tau Delta chapter, is currently accepting submissions for the fourth Wichita State Humanities Conference. The conference will take place on campus and is open to undergraduate and graduate students at WSU.

Potential presenters are invited to submit an abstract of approximately 300 words and a short bio of 100 words to the online Google form. If there are questions regarding submissions or the conference more broadly, email: jmanderson14@shockers.wichita.edu.

The abstract submission deadline is Feb. 12 and the event will take place April 4 in the Rhatigan Student Center. Creative writing and art submissions are accepted.

A panel of faculty member judges will award a prize to each of the three top papers/presentations, sponsored by EGSA.

The first Teaching Today issue for 2025 is out now. The issue recaps everything that happened at the January Academic Resources Conference, including recording links for the sessions.

This January’s Academic Resources Conference was packed with sessions covering a variety of topics, and each session has a short summary, making it easy for you to pick and choose what you want to watch.

The Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event is an annual opportunity for students to present their research experiences with state lawmakers and campus leaders in Topeka. All currently enrolled undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible. Students in all majors and of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

The event showcases the work of up to 40 Kansas undergraduate student projects representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. The event aims to demonstrate the unique opportunities undergraduate students have to participate with faculty members in research at all state institutions and emphasizes higher education’s role in developing educated citizens and preparing a workforce with the necessary skills to further the economic growth of the state.

The Cohen Honors College will coordinate travel and pay for all expenses. Students are invited to submit a research abstract or brief description of creative activity here by 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

For questions, email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn a $500 stipend by participating in a water science communications fellowship. The program will allow you to learn about careers in environmental science and communication, enhance your resume and network with professionals in the community.

Participants will attend approximately five to seven project meetings and three field trips, and they will complete a capstone communications project on a water topic of their choice. Students are encouraged to submit applications in both STEM fields and the humanities, and all undergraduates are welcome.

For more information, attend the Q&A session starting at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 in 256 Rhatigan Student Center, Edmiston Room. This is a come-and-go event where you can stop by to learn more and ask questions.

Dr. Mike Ross has been named associate dean for faculty and staff affairs for the College of Applied Studies, effective June 23, 2025.

A first-generation WSU graduate, Dr. Ross has been part of the university community for more than 25 years, serving as a student, staff member in WSU Athletics, CAS lecturer and assistant professor. He is recognized for his leadership in mentorship programs, community partnerships and teaching excellence, making him well-prepared to take on this important role.

Erin Cummings, a Barton School of Business alumna, has used knowledge gained at Wichita State to open an online semi-fine jewelry brand, Armine + Ambrose.

“My time at the Barton School taught me the power of mentorship and collaboration,” she said. “Those lessons laid the foundation for Armine + Ambrose, a brand brought to life by the remarkable women on my team — Michelle Hsiao, Ashlyn Verrette and Jenn Morrison — whose passion and expertise made this dream possible.”

Cummings is serial entrepreneur, author and angel investor. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in real estate in 2009 from WSU. Joining the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board in 2020, she assumed the presidency in 2022. Under her leadership, the board has strengthened partnerships and expanded outreach, positively impacting students, alumni and the community.