Category: News

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce the addition of Valerie Corradini to its Dean’s Advisory Board. Corradini is a financial services executive with expertise in investment management, wealth advisory, institutional consulting and fintech. As a Graystone consultant at Morgan Stanley, her team advises roughly 50 non-profit, foundation and endowment clients. Hers is one of fewer than 60 teams accredited to specialize in the fiduciary management of discretionary and advisory portfolios on behalf of hospitals, faith-based organizations, universities, non-profits and complex ultra-high net worth families. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Corradini will join other industry leaders from around the world to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School through strengthening, enriching and enhancing the student experience.

“It’s a wonderfully exciting time to join the Dean’s Advisory Board, with its momentum of growth and innovation,” said Corradini. “I look forward to advancing key initiatives and creating new ones with a combination of perspective, creative energy and work ethic.”

It is a busy time as the university prepares for the 2025 Fiscal Year-End close. The Financial Services department issued an end-of-year memo to budget officers, budget review officers and business managers outlining important tasks and deadlines to assist departments in managing their budgets and ensuring a smooth close. 

The Financial Services department would like to provide additional support by answering any questions that may be helpful during the close process. Review the memo to ensure important deadlines are met and utilize the “Submit Your Questions” link at the bottom of the page to get the answers you need or directly here.

As common questions emerge, Financial Services plans to build FAQs on the page to help others work through similar questions and challenges.

The elevator in Duerksen Fine Arts Center is back in operation after it was temporarily out of commission for part of the spring semester.

The Barton School of Business welcomes Kevin Turpin to the Dean’s Advisory Board. Turpin is the founder and CEO of weavix, a pioneering frontline technology company. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, he will work with other leaders from around the world to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School through strengthening, enriching and enhancing the student experience.

“Kevin is a visionary entrepreneur who built his success on his ability to identify opportunities and drive innovation,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “As a member of our Dean’s Advisory Board, I am excited for him to bring that same forward-thinking approach and expertise to help the Barton School reach new heights of excellence.”

Kimberly Vermillion was recently promoted to assistant director of clinic operations in Student Health Services.

Kim has worked for WSU Student Health Services for 20 years, most recently in the Student Wellness Center’s Business Operations team. She will support the Student Health practitioners and nurses in the daily operations of providing excellent healthcare to students and faculty and staff.

For over 50 years, Shocker Rowing has forged champions, built lifelong friendships and shaped the spirit of determination. Now, as it honor its legacy, Shocker rowing invite you to be part of the future. Learn what it means to be a Shocker rower.

The following faculty were approved for sabbaticals:

• Brian Amos, associate professor – political science
• Moriah Beck, professor – chemistry
• Darren Defrain, professor – English
• Atri Dutta, associate professor – aerospace engineering
• Usha Haley, professor – management
• Gregory Houseman, professor – biology
• Gisuk Hwang, associate professor – mechanical engineering
• Katherine Lanning, associate professor – English
• Yuan Liu, associate professor – mathematics, statistics and physics
• Michael McLeod, associate professor – management
• Mythili Menon, associate professor – English
• Alexandra Middlewood, associate professor – political science
• Lisa Parcell, associate professor – communication
• William Parcell, associate professor – geology
• Jian Wang, associate professor – chemistry

The Office of Academic Affairs has announced new emeriti members. Congratulations to the following emeriti:

• Jeffrey A. Hershfield, associate professor emeritus of philosophy
• Shirley A. Lefever, executive vice president/provost and professor emerita
• Keith H. Pickus, professor emeritus of history
• Kenneth H. Pitetti, professor emeritus of physical therapy

Emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon retirees in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments over their years of service to the university.

Visit the Emeriti Faculty website for a complete listing of emeritus and emerita faculty.

WSU faculty, staff and students who are Sedgwick County residents are invited to take part in the Sedgwick County Budget Simulator. The online tool offers an opportunity for residents to understand more about the county’s budget and operations while providing a platform for them to express their opinions.

Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Dr. David Guo, contributed to developing the simulator, an interactive tool designed to enhance public engagement and transparency in the budgeting process.

The Sedgwick County Budget Simulator serves as an opportunity for citizens to dive deep into the intricacies of Sedgwick County’s finances. Users can explore the allocation of public funds and understand the nuanced trade-offs involved in making budget decisions. The last day to participate in the budget simulator is May 23.

Michelle Locke has been named the associate vice president of Financial Services. She was previously serving in the position on an interim basis.

Locke initially joined Wichita State as university controller in 2021. She earned a Master of Accountancy with a concentration in financial accounting and auditing from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2012

To reach Locke, email michelle.locke@wichita.edu or call 316-978-5103.