Category: News

To help guide the new Wichita State Connect space located in the heart of campus, Wichita State has hired Dr. Alicia Thompson, former superintendent of USD 259, as the associate vice president of preK-12 connections and special projects.

In this role, Thompson will direct the new Wichita State Connect, which will serve as a hub for preK-12 field trips, mixers and professional development opportunities for educators and to provide WSU academic colleges and programs chances to engage with schools, industry and community partners.

“I am excited to join the Shocker Nation family as its new associate vice president of preK-12 connections and special project,” Thompson said. “I’m looking forward to continue building connections between the university and our community, including our public schools, to help elevate educational opportunities for all.”

Thompson brings with her 31 years of experience working in service of students during her time at USD 259. She will start on Feb. 19.

“Dr. Thompson’s extensive experience as the former superintendent of Wichita Public Schools provides a unique opportunity to capitalize on her wealth of knowledge and deep commitment to educational excellence. Her experiences in preK-12 education will enhance our ability to offer relevant and dynamic programming for the intended audiences,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president. “Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our partnerships with local schools and enhance opportunities for students across the region. We look forward to the impactful contributions she will make to our university community.”

February’s issue of Teaching Today is now available. This month focuses on the many things to love about teaching.

There’s lots more to love in the issue. In addition to the love-fest, it takes a little time to introduce the Office of Instructional Resources’ newest newsletter, Quiet Time.

To subscribe to either newsletter and not miss an issue, let the Office of Instructional Resources know via email: OIR@wichita.edu

The College of Engineering has announced that Dr. Anil Mahapatro will serve as its associate dean for undergraduate and graduate programs. A similar position, associate dean of undergraduate studies, finance and administration, was previously held by Dr. Steven Skinner, who returned to teaching and research within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering this past June. The new associate dean role will involve enhancing curriculum relevance, refreshing the Engineering+ program and expanding current programs to train workforce-ready students.

Before accepting the associate dean position, Dr. Mahapatro served as a professor in and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Within his role as a department chair, he fostered its growth from an undergraduate program to offering both master’s and doctoral degrees, demonstrating his ability to envision, create and execute strategic growth plans. According to Dr. Anthony Muscat, the dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Mahapatro’s collaborative spirit and dedication will be instrumental in helping the college become even stronger.

The Shocker Career Accelerator is excited to announce that it will host the Fairmount College Career Fair Thursday, Feb. 15. In preparation for the career fair, note that the office will be temporarily closed from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the fair.

Shocker Career Accelerator invites students to take part in this opportunity, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 15 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. The event is a fantastic chance for students to engage and network with over 30 employers.

Begin your leadership journey. Emerging Leaders is a unique opportunity for WSU students to get on the fast-track to student leadership and campus and community involvement at no additional charge.

Students participating in the Emerging Leaders program will have an opportunity to establish a leadership foundation by understanding and developing their capabilities to uncover new and innovative ways to lead, helping students lead with authenticity.

The Emerging Program is great for first-year students with any level of leadership experience. Topics include leadership styles, emotional intelligence, values congruence and leading through conflict.

Emerging Leaders is held from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays starting Feb. 26 Through April 22 (eight sessions) in the Rhatigan Student Center. After the application closes, you will receive the room locations via email.

On Wednesday, February 7, members of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University stopped by Maize High School to award senior Faith Swart the 2024 Clay Barton Scholarship. The surprise, coordinated between the Barton School and Maize High School officials, included an announcement and presentation of a ceremonial check to Swart during one of her classes. The $50,000 scholarship is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas.

“I was not expecting it at all,” said Swart after receiving the exciting news. “Now that I’ve won it, I’m able to do so much more. This will open up opportunities like internships, a sorority and clubs that I wouldn’t have had time for. I’m so happy, I can’t wait to call my dad.”

Swart, who plans to major in marketing, was named the 2024 Barton Scholar after competing against numerous other high school seniors in a series of speeches, group exercises and other activities.

The Sunflower is an entirely student-led newspaper that covers Wichita State and the surrounding area. Its newsletter comes out every Monday, delivering some of the most important news from the previous week straight to inboxes.

To subscribe to the newsletter, visit The Sunflower website and enter an email address. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.

For questions or concerns, contact The Sunflower editor-in-chief at editor@thesunflower.com or visit The Sunflower’s office in the basement of Elliott Hall, room 019.

Four clinical mental health counseling students from Wichita State have launched the “Are You Theorious?” podcast. Greg Chewning, Alec Dulaney, Damian Montanez and Timber Keller aim to foster community and inspire creativity in clinical mental health.

Covering topics like counseling theories, emotions, diagnoses, relationships and client experiences, the podcast seeks to spark wonder, aid in personal growth and empathize with listeners. Drawing from their Wichita State experiences, the podcast serves as a platform to share insights, with weekly episodes featuring group discussions, smaller formats and insightful monologues.

The Regional Institute on Aging (RIA) at Wichita State is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for graduate student or faculty projects and research, supported by a gift from the estate of Evelyn Cassat, that addresses issues related to facilitating well-being in older adults.

The RIA is currently accepting applications until April 1.

The Barton School of Business has announced that Dr. Seth Cockrell will serve as the next chair of the Marketing Department. Cockrell, who has been working at the Barton School for more than five years as a faculty member, will take over from Duane Nagel, recently appointed as the Barton School’s senior associate dean.

“Seth is well-suited to guide our marketing department to unprecedented levels of excellence, building upon the growth trajectory established by Duane’s leadership,” remarked Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School.

Cockrell has a wealth of experience from working in both corporate settings and academia. He has served as an SAP consultant with HCL AXON where he worked in the areas of logistics, operations management, MIS and CRM on projects for notable companies such as Sikorsky Aircraft, Schweizer Aircraft, TXU Energy and Consumers Energy.