Category: Shared Governance

Kennedy Rogers has spent nine years helping shape the student experience at Wichita State, serving as the director of Strengths, Leadership and Student Impact and the interim director of Belonging and Experiences. A mentor first encouraged her to join Staff Senate, and five years later – now as past-president – she continues to value the insight, connection and purpose that come from contributing to the campus community. She loves working at WSU because it allows her to serve students alongside incredible colleagues while doing work that feels intentional and meaningful.

Kennedy finds joy in watching people light up – feeling connected, inspired, valued and aligned with their strengths. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, creative projects, puzzles, time outdoors, traveling and cheering on her kids in their activities. She encourages the campus community to plug in and get engaged, reminding everyone that while some things in higher education are outside our control, our influence grows when we show up, connect and lean into our gifts.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Nominations are now being accepted for two university-wide at-large seats for the Faculty Senate to serve a two-year term starting in the 2026-27 academic year. University-wide at-large senators represent the faculty of the entire university, not just a specific college or division. The Faculty Senate meets twice-a-month during the regular academic year from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

All faculty are eligible for nominations including current senators whose term expires this year. Use the Qualtrics survey sent earlier this week or submit your nomination directly to Roy Myose, Faculty Senate vice president, at roy.myose@wichita.edu before 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Your participation is essential to a fair and inclusive process of shared governance.

The next University Staff Senate (USS) meeting is scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room, or online via Microsoft Teams. All USS meetings are open to the Wichita State campus community.

Learn more about University Staff Senate, access meeting links and review previous meeting minutes on the Staff Senate website.

Angela Linder has been part of Wichita State for 25 years and serves as the office manager in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. She has spent 15 years in Classified Senate and five years as a USS Representative, driven by a deep passion to serve. Her Air Force background instilled in her a commitment to protect, support and uplift others, and she feels honored to represent her WSU family. Angela finds great joy in working at a highly respected university and takes pride in belonging to a community she has called home for a quarter of a century.

Outside of work, Angela loves roller skating and spending time with her grandkids, two things that bring her energy and happiness. She has truly enjoyed her years in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, especially the opportunity to serve students and help them navigate their educational journey. Angela hopes the campus community remembers that no matter what challenges come their way, they will get through them together.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Faculty Senate and Staff Senate are jointly sponsoring Love on the Locker, an effort to support the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker during these challenging times, in collaboration with the Wichita State University Police Department. This is not a competition, but a collective opportunity for faculty and staff to come together in support of students, faculty and staff.

The shared goal between the senates is to raise 2,000 donated items or $1,000 in monetary donations through combined faculty and staff participation.

Donations will be accepted through Feb. 13. In-kind donations may be dropped off at the University Police Department or at various collection locations across WSU:

• Student Engagement & Belonging in 216 Rhatigan Student Center
• Business Student Success Center in 129 Woolsey Hall
• Financial Aid or OneStop in Jardine Hall
• College of Health Professions Dean’s Office on the fourth floor of Ahlberg Hall
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office on the second floor of Lindquist Hall
• College of Applied Studies Deans Office in Corbin Education Center
• College of Engineering Dean’s Office in Partnership Building 2
• Fine Arts Advising Center on the third floor of the McKnight Arts Center
• Ablah Library Circulation Desk
• Student Government Association in 219 RSC
• Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• First floor of Wallace Hall
• WSU Old Town

Non-perishable items supporting basic needs — such as hygiene and cleaning supplies, family items, pantry staples, and microwave-ready meals — are especially needed. If donating money, be sure to designate yourself as faculty/staff when donating.

Dr. Christopher Leonard has been part of Wichita State for more than 11 years and serves as the director of Counseling and Psychological Services. He joined Staff Senate to be of service to the university and his colleagues, hoping to support others and contribute to the greater good. Now serving as vice president, he values the people who make WSU what it is and appreciates being part of something larger than himself. He believes the incredible work happening across campus is possible because of the dedicated individuals who show up for one another every day.

Outside the office, Christopher finds joy in family dinners and the time spent connecting with loved ones. He enjoys running, golfing, watching movies, playing music and catching live performances whenever he can. And of course, he proudly adds, “Da Bears!” These moments of movement, creativity and community keep him energized and grounded in his work at Wichita State.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Kendra Nguyen has been part of Wichita State for nine years and works as the public health program specialist in the Community Engagement Institute. She joined Staff Senate five years ago because she’s passionate about elevating voices that don’t always have a seat at the table and helping staff better understand university processes and policies. She now serves as secretary on Staff Senate. Kendra also loves the people at WSU. She believes the university is strongest when diverse perspectives are welcomed and staff feel informed and included.

Outside of work, Kendra enjoys crafting of all kinds, from knitting and crocheting to cross‑stitching, and she helped start a monthly “Crafternoon” for her department. She also finds energy and joy in live music, especially being in a concert crowd, singing along with her favorite artists. If you’re a crafter and want to connect, she’d love to help build a WSU crafting community.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Dr. Gabriel Fonseca has been part of Wichita State for eight years, helping shape a more connected and inclusive student experience as executive director of Student Engagement & Belonging. He joined Staff Senate four years ago to ensure young professionals were represented and to help strengthen the staff voice across campus. Now serving as president‑elect, he values the opportunity to bring people together, elevate student voices and contribute to a culture of engagement. Gabriel hopes the campus community remembers that one moment, one choice or one connection can have a powerful impact – and that choosing kindness, community and courage truly makes a difference.

Outside the office, Gabriel enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends and building Legos to unwind and stay creative. His niece and nephew are a major source of joy, and time with them keeps him grounded and energized. He believes Wichita State is at its best when people show up for one another and lift each other up.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Dr. Jacob Mendez has been part of Wichita State for nearly eight years, supporting student success in the College of Engineering. Encouraged by a former Staff Senate president to get involved, he joined the Senate in 2023 as a way to give back and build connections across campus. Now serving as president, he values the relationships he’s formed and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who care deeply about students and aren’t afraid to try new approaches to help them succeed.

Outside of work, Jacob stays active through running, coaching and CrossFit. He enjoys supporting others in their fitness goals and is usually training for something himself. A fun fact: he’s always happy to have company — if you ever want to join him for a local 5K, he’d love to run together and make new connections.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

The next University Staff Senate (USS) meeting is scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room, or online via Microsoft Teams. All USS meetings are open to the Wichita State campus community.

Learn more about University Staff Senate, access meeting links and review previous meeting minutes on the Staff Senate website.