Picture of the staff of Wichita State's Conferences and Non-Credit Services receiving a visit and cookies as part of the Rick Rewards Presentation on Thursday, April 21.

The staff of Wichita State’s Conferences and Non-Credit Services received a visit and cookies as part of the Rick Rewards Presentation on Thursday, April 21.

Rick Rewards is a program by President Rick Muma that launched in December 2021. The program allows President Muma to show his appreciation for the efforts of a member, or members, of the campus community.

WSU’s Conferences and Non-Credit Services staff was recognized for their efforts to make events, especially commencement, both successful and impactful.

KAKE News recently did a video story about Alba Morales. Morales was sworn in as the Wichita State University Police Department’s first female sergeant since the 1970s, and the first Hispanic female sergeant in March. Morales has been working at WSU for five years.

Graphic image of sunflowers on a background with text Community Engagement Institute and Wichita State University Logo.

Check out the latest news from Wichita State’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI). The April 2022 edition includes a staff highlight, information about upcoming CEI events and recommended reads.

Participate in the Climate Survey | Check your official university email address for more details and share your feedback! | For questions or additional information, contact climatesurvey@wichita.edu.

Wichita State will launch a campus-wide university climate survey today, April 18. The survey will be sent to official university email addresses. All students, faculty and staff are asked to participate in this confidential survey about the campus environment.

This survey will guide Wichita State University as it works to continue its mission of inclusive excellence – a commitment to being an inclusive campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society. Every member of the campus is encouraged to participate.

Students who participate in the survey will be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win one of 10 $50 gift cards.

Wichita State University is embarking on a campus-wide university climate survey. This is an important opportunity to share your perspective and your voice. Climate surveys are key in the journey to establishing equity and inclusivity for any university, and it is critical we are conducting this again. Effecting change requires each member of our community to participate in efforts to build a community where all are welcomed and valued.

How the survey will work
On Monday, April 18, a survey invitation will be emailed directly to all active students, faculty and staff official university email addresses from Hanover Research, an independent market research and analysis surveyor. The survey will be live through April 30. You will be asked direct questions, and you can also fill in open-ended answers of your campus experiences and your thoughts. The study is for research purposes only; all information you provide will be maintained on a confidential basis by Hanover Research and will only be reported to Wichita State University. The survey should only take 20-25 minutes of your time.

The survey will enable WSU to elevate and accelerate the university’s work to ensure we are an equitable, diverse, accessible, and inclusive community. The university encourages you to participate thoughtfully. We are making great strides in inclusive excellence – a commitment to being an inclusive campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society. Wichita State believes that diversity and inclusion efforts are not complete until it addresses the current state of the climate. This survey will help us in our continuous efforts to ignite change and showcase our work. As we get more responses, we will get better results in representing our community. Please check your emails in the next few days for your individual link and take the time to complete the survey.

What staff members should note
On April 6, The Docking Institute of Public Affair sent out a survey to all University Support Staff (USS) and Unclassified Professional Staff (UPS) and representatives with the subject: USS-UPS Staff Climate Survey 2022 a few weeks ago. While they are seeking input on climate, their survey does not talk about the climate on campus. Instead, it discusses the climate of working with the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) system. 

For more information, contact the Climate Survey representative at climatesurvey@wichita.edu.

A Blog for Future Shockers logo featuring text floating above yellow shocks of wheat and a black background.

Do you know a prospective Wichita State student?  Let them know about the new Admissions blog. The blog will serve as a one-stop-shop and a resource for future Shockers.

In the first blog, Bobby Gandu, assistant vice president of strategic enrollment management, shares his expertise on the topic of best cookies on campus.

For more information or to get a department or college in the blog, contact Will Miller, marketing coordinator, at william.miller@wichita.edu.

Graphi image of Former First LadyDeborah Bardo | 1953-2022| WSU logo Wichita State University.

Deborah J. (Davis) Bardo, former first lady of Wichita State University, died April 15, 2022.

Mrs. Bardo was married to WSU’s 13th president, Dr. John Bardo, for 44 years until his death on March 12, 2019. She is survived by their son, Christopher.

Mrs. Bardo served as Wichita State’s first lady from 2012 to 2019. In that role, she especially enjoyed being around students and supporting the many events that brought the community and university together.

The Kansas Board of Regents’ Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism Program Committee seeking submissions for the annual Tilford Conference Oct. 6 and 7 at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. The theme for the conference is “After Brown v. Board, No Turning Back: The Future of Diversity and Multiculturalism.” Notices of acceptance or decline will be sent by Aug. 1.

Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 1.

Following the unanimous decision by both boards to consolidate the Wichita State Foundation and WSU Alumni Association, a task force has been assembled to determine a transition plan, guiding principles and key initiatives.

The transition task force includes:

  • Laura Bernstorf – board member, WSU Alumni Association
  • Shelly Coleman-Martins – vice president, WSU Strategic Communications
  • Debbie Haynes – board member, WSU Foundation
  • Elizabeth King – president and CEO, WSU Foundation
  • Caleb Klein – board member, WSU Alumni Association
  • Lynn Nichols – board member, WSU Foundation
  • Dan Peare – board chair, WSU Foundation
  • Mark West – board chair, WSU Alumni Association

Although there are still many details to finalize, the group is targeting to have the transition complete by June 30. The task force is facilitated by Daniel White, a senior consultant with Allen, Gibbs & Houlik (AGH), whose experience in organizational development will help identify opportunities and a path forward.

“The individuals on this task force are all enthusiastic supporters of Wichita State,” said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “As we integrate our two organizations, I am confident that together we are paving the way toward a bright and strong future.”

The Heskett Center will be closed on Sunday, April 17, and will reopen on Monday, April 18 for its regular hours.

The Wichita State and Kansas State Pathway to Nursing Program has been approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This dual-degree program is a unique collaboration that provides students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from K-State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Wichita State.

The Wichita State and Kansas State Pathway to Nursing Program has been approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This dual-degree program is a unique collaboration that provides students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from K-State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Wichita State.

Both degree programs will be based in Manhattan, Kansas, and the facilities at the K-State campus have been remodeled and equipped with new supplies and cutting-edge simulation equipment. The first cohort will begin in fall 2022. 

“We are very excited to see this program come to fruition,” said Debra Pile, chair and associate dean for nursing practice. “This type of program has never existed in Kansas, and we are pleased to provide more students with a path to education in nursing and positively impact local health care.”