April 2021
Strategic priorities fuel Wichita State's growth
With the arrival of spring, our campus has exploded with color. Wichita State’s signature tulips are in full bloom, and they are a breathtaking sight to behold. I hope everyone gets a chance to stop by campus to see our beautiful gardens.

The flowers aren’t the only thing blooming on at Wichita State. WSU itself is thriving with innovation and energy. But as we grow, our roots remain firmly planted in our three institutional priorities, which are outlined in our newly created Strategic Plan and Priorities document.

Supporting families by providing an affordable education and an impactful student experience. This goes right to the heart of our “student-centered” motto. We work to ensure everyone who wants a university education has access to one. Through scholarships and other forms of financial aid, we work with families to make that dream affordable. We’re in the fifth year of our enrollment plan, which has resulted in record freshmen class sizes and a growing diversity in our student body. Additionally, the WSU Foundation just completed its capital campaign, raising more the $80 million in scholarships to support students.
In the News at Wichita State
Panel discussed responsibilities with freedom of expression
On March 31, Wichita State University hosted a panel of academic and legal experts, who discussed the responsibilities and roles of public universities to promote and protect the First Amendment. It was a rigorous discussion of how universities can facilitate important conversations and debate around sensitive and controversial topics. If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, you can visit wichita.edu/speakingfreely to see the recording.
Wichita State mourns death of President Emeritus Eugene Hughes
It is with great sadness that Wichita State mourns the death of Eugene Hughes, former president of Wichita State. President Hughes died on March 10 in Flagstaff, Arizona. 

President Hughes served as Wichita State’s 11th and centennial president from 1993 to his retirement at the end of 1998. When he took office, he began a campaign for “The Metropolitan Advantage,” aimed at redefining Wichita State’s connection to the community – a pillar we hold near and dear to our mission to this day.
Aerospace engineering grad student awarded prestigious NSF fellowship
Brittany Wojciechowski, a Wichita State University Ph.D. graduate student in aerospace engineering, has been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF), which is worth more than $120,000.

“To me, this fellowship means hope,” Wojciechowski said. “It shows me how far I have come and my potential for how far I can go. When I started my college and my research careers, I would not have imagined applying to this fellowship, let alone receiving the fellowship.”
Shocker baseball, softball swing toward record seasons
In Shocker Athletics, Wichita State's softball team registered its highest ranking in program history. With a 24-5 start, the team is sitting at No. 24 in the nation and is on pace to shatter almost every record in the program and the conference. The team was also recently featured on ESPN’s Sports Center’s list of top 10 outfield catches.
Shocker baseball recently played the inaugural game at the newly built Riverfront Stadium in Wichita. The $75 million state-of-the-art stadium was recently opened in downtown Wichita and is home to Wichita Wind Surge double-A baseball team. During last weekend’s game, the Shockers beat Houston 10-1 in front of more than 7,500 fans.
NIAR's ATLAS announces addition of automated thermoplastic welding and tape-slitting capabilities
Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) announces the addition of two new technologies to its Automated Technologies Laboratory for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS): a fully integrated thermoplastic welding system and a prepreg tape slitting and tow-rewinding machine.
Ingram's magazine names Wichita a top brand in Kansas
For the second year in a row, Wichita State University is one of the “Top 25 Brands in Kansas” as recognized by Ingram’s, a Kansas City business magazine.

Ingram’s goal is to “identify brands that have carved out national reputations for excellence by drawing on the best of what the Sunflower State offers in its people and its business leaders.”

Ingram’s wrote: “For Wichita State University -- the brand means accessibility -- it's the state's only urban university -- and it stands for business, thanks in large part to specialty programs that tie directly into the economic strengths of the primary community it serves: Wichita.”
Make48 Invention competition selects WSU’s GoCreate as a flagship event
With the help of Koch Industries, Make48 is bringing its 48-hour collaborative inventor and maker challenge to Wichita. Wichita State University’s GoCreate, A Koch Collaborative will host the event scheduled for June 24-26.  

Using the same blueprint of the PBS Make48 TV documentary, local Wichita teams will be able to participate in the unique fastest-invention competition, which helps attendees discover what is possible in 48 hours.

Make48 is a nationwide, invention-competition docuseries that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video and a sales sheet and present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs that can make almost anything, thus allowing everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win.
Barton School of Business launches immersive Executive Education Programs
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State has started Executive Education Programs (EEP) aimed at bringing world-class resources, training and connections to Wichita’s top executives.

“Traditionally, executives who wanted to grow their skills, knowledge or network would have to spend a large amount of time and resources to accomplish this,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “With our Executive Education Programs, these exclusive opportunities are now available in their own backyard.”
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