Campus Connection: Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Growing Innovation and Research

Overhead view of Wichita State's Innovation Campus

JetZero to open engineering office on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus

JetZero will open an engineering office in the John Bardo Center on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus near the National Institute for Aviation Research. The new satellite engineering office will focus on advanced materials expertise, digital engineering and certification testing capabilities in direct support of JetZero’s Z4 program.

The Wichita office deepens JetZero’s presence in the U.S. aerospace industrial base, complementing the company’s headquarters and advanced manufacturing and final assembly campus under construction in Greensboro, North Carolina and its Design Center in Long Beach, California.

An overhead photo of Wichita State's campus with the Morrison Hall clock tower in the center

NIAR partnership creates nation’s largest autonomous aviation test ecosystem

The National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems announced July 20 a landmark strategic partnership designed to position Kansas as the nation’s leading hub for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, uncrewed aircraft system testing, advanced aerial mobility and autonomous flight development.

“Kelly Hills offers access to nearly 49,000 square miles of airspace, a robust detect‑and‑avoid architecture, and a growing roster of commercial and government users,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “Combined with NIAR’s engineering depth and industry relationships, we are creating a national asset that accelerates innovation and commercialization.”

NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures form strategic alliance to accelerate aerospace and defense manufacturing

Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Orizon Aerostructures announced July 20 a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating aerospace and defense manufacturing through integrated engineering, research and production capabilities.

The collaboration combines Orizon’s award-winning advanced manufacturing capabilities with NIAR’s world-class expertise in engineering, research, testing, certification and digital transformation. Together, the organizations will support customers in accelerating product development, industrialization, production ramp-up and supply chain readiness.

Operations

Heskett Center pool to temporarily close for maintenance

Starting Aug. 17, the Heskett Center pool will be temporarily closed for approximately four weeks to allow for scheduled maintenance and a comprehensive assessment of the facility. This proactive work is intended to ensure the pool remains safe, reliable and well-maintained for all users.

Depending on the nature and extent of repairs identified during the assessment, the pool could be unavailable for a longer period, especially if major repairs are necessary. In that case, university administration will determine whether major repairs are budgetarily feasible. We will keep campus informed throughout the process.

Heskett Center pool staff are working to inform regular users of the pool. Students who qualify for a YMCA membership are able to use pool facilities at all YMCAs in the Wichita area. For updates on this project, please check out the Heskett Pool website at wichita.edu/heskett.

Volunteer Opportunities and Surveys

Graphic for the 12th Annual Clash of the Colleges with colorful powder clouds in the background. Large text reads “Clash of the Colleges” and “Volunteers Needed” next to a red megaphone icon. WSU Campus Recreation and First-Year Programs logos appear in the bottom corners.

Call for volunteers for 12th annual Clash of the Colleges

The Office of First-Year Programs and Campus Recreation is thrilled to announce the 12th annual Clash of the Colleges, and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever. Organizers are seeking enthusiastic staff, faculty and alumni to help make this event a success.

As a volunteer, you’ll not only play a key role in one of WSU’s biggest campus traditions, but you’ll also receive a special Clash of the Colleges T-shirt and bandanna. Plus, you’ll be entered into a raffle with exciting prizes up for grabs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage with the campus community and be a part of a memorable event. If you’re interested in volunteering, complete the sign-up sheet by 5 p.m. July 31.

Contact Kaelyn Hannah at kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu for any questions.