Category: News

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

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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 106.

After two years of success, the Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP). led by the Barton School of Business, will continue for the next five years. The continuation of the program is made possible by a $300,000 gift from Peri Widener, the visionary behind the program.

WGLP is an interdisciplinary program designed to create a transformational experience and foster an inclusive community for women majoring in business, communication and fine arts. The integration of the three disciplines reflects the skillset of Peri Widener, who utilized her background to thrive in the international business world.

Dr. Daniel Bergman, professor and chair of science education at the College of Applied Studies, is set to release his debut book, “Teaching is for Superheroes!” on Wednesday, May 31. The book combines his passions for teaching and superheroes to inspire educators of all levels.

“Teaching Is for Superheroes!” provides practical classroom applications using superhero examples and analogies. It caters to new, veteran and aspiring educators, empowering them to create an engaging learning environment.

For more details, visit the book’s website. Attendees in the area can join the family-friendly book launch party on Friday, June 2 at Norm’s Coffee Bar in Newton, 613 N. Main St.

The Wichita State photo bank now includes a photo album of recently added photos on its homepage. To view it, hover to “Photo Collections” and select “Recently Added.”

The most 10 recent photo albums added will be present on the album.

Wichita State’s Master of Science in mathematical data science produces professionals who can communicate the principles of data science statistics and analytics, and assist with the design and implementation of data systems.

Formerly the master’s in mathematical foundations of data analysis, graduates of the program will possess an in-depth mathematic and statistical understanding of data analysis methods as well as a broad skill set that can be applied to tech-related careers such as data analysis, data engineering and data architecture. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of data scientists to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Ablah Library will be closed Thursday, May 25 for essential fire alarm upgrade testing. The E.K. and Kathlien Edmiston 24-Hour Study Room will remain open, but will still be tested.

Ablah Library will resume regularly scheduled hours Friday, May 26 and appreciates your patience.

The Barton School has announced the formation of its new Marketing Advisory Board. In conjunction, 15 marketing leaders from across the country have been selected to serve on the board.

The Marketing Advisory Board serves to advance the mission of the Barton School and the strategic vision of the Marketing Department. By sharing ideas and making recommendations, each member will work to enrich the student experience and shape the future of the department based on industry projections and insights. This includes advising on curriculum, department initiatives, business partnerships, outreach and student opportunities.

The roster of board members stretches the country and encompass leaders from numerous industries including banking, technology, aviation, restaurant management, professional sports and more.

The College of Health Professions (CHP) announced the second annual workshop for high school teachers focused on the health sciences July 26 in Ahlberg Hall. The event will provide extensive hands-on training in activities that teachers can use in their high school classroom setting.

The previous workshop held in the summer of 2022 included presentations of cutting-edge research and simulation technology by faculty in CHP as well as faculty from the College of Engineering.

Feedback from the attendees indicated that the event was a great opportunity to network with other health science teachers from around Kansas. Teachers interested in attending can contact Coni Nutter at coni.nutter@wichita.edu or 316-978-5661.

Dr. Heidi Cornell has been appointed as the new associate dean and accreditation officer for the College of Applied Studies (CAS). Her extensive experience with assessment and dedication to academic excellence make her the ideal candidate for this pivotal role.

Since joining Wichita State in 2016, Cornell has showcased exceptional leadership and fostered educational growth. Her most recent roles as associate professor of special education, program chair for the Master’s in Special Education: High incidence alternative certification program, and founder/director of ARISE Research Collaborative highlight her significant accomplishments with grant writing and community engagement.

In her new position, Cornell will collaborate with faculty and program chairs to oversee the implementation of continuous improvement practices, ensuring that program standards are met and in compliance with accrediting bodies. With her knowledge of higher education and accreditation processes, she will contribute greatly to the college’s ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence.

“The CAS is thrilled to welcome Dr. Cornell in her new role,” said Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean, CAS. “I am confident that she will work with diverse stakeholders to ensure that each of our programs meets and exceeds all accreditation standards.”

The College of Health Professions (CHP) has announced Aisha Waite as the chair for the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences effective in May. Waite will supersede Dr. Voncella McCleary-Jones, associate dean of the CHP, who was serving as the interim chair.

Waite brings more than twenty-four years of experience in clinical laboratory sciences with her, including recent positions at the Kansas Medical Center and Kansas Heart Hospital. Waite is a proud Wichita State alumna and has been board certified as a medical laboratory scientist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology since 2001.

Waite joined the College of Health Professions in 2021 as an Assistant Professor and will continue her current teaching responsibilities in the areas of clinical immunohematology, transfusion medicine, immunology, clinical laboratory management and impact of disease on global events as well.

“We are very pleased Aisha has moved into this department chair role for medical laboratory sciences,” said Greg Hand, dean of the CHP. “Her extensive experience in the field aligns with her student-centered perspective that will be critical in continuing to build a nationally recognized program in such a critical discipline of health professions.”