Wichita State University
April 2022
Wichita State gets a bolder, brighter look
Spring at Wichita State University is always a sight to behold with our signature tulips abloom and colors exploding across our landscape. In my 26 years on this campus, I’ve found that, without exception, each year brings a more spectacular display than the last.

This spring does not disappoint, as you can see from the photo above.

The new signage at the corner of 21st and Oliver streets near the Innovation Campus is larger than life and truly magnificent.

The new signage is not only a bold display to mark our campus borders, but it’s symbolic of the metamorphosis that’s taken place on our Innovation Campus. Just six years ago, that space was a golf course; and now it’s home to almost 50 innovation partners, dozens of state-of-the-art labs and research facilities, and countless applied learning opportunities for our students.
In the News at Wichita State
WSU’s engineering grad program ranked top 60 in the nation and highest in Kansas
In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings of universities offering a Ph.D. in engineering, the College of Engineering at Wichita State University once again was ranked in the top 100 engineering graduate programs in the country and the only institution in Kansas to make it in the top 100.

The 2023 report by US News and World Report — released today — ranks Wichita State’s graduate program in engineering as No. 59 in the United States. That’s up from No. 77 last year and No. 94 the year before.
April's podcast celebrates Innovation Month
In April's "Forward Together" podcast, join WSU president Dr. Rick Muma in a celebration of Innovation Month.

This month's guests are shining examples of Shocker innovation. Dr. Darren DeFrain, associate professor of English at Wichita State, developed Vizling, an app that helps people with visual impairments read comic books and other image-heavy materials. To help further develop Vizling, DeFrain was recently awarded almost $400,000 from various funding sources.

The second podcast guest is Khalid Raza, a Shocker alum and CEO of Graphianta, a next-generation networking technology company based in San Francisco. In December 2021, Wichita State bestowed Raza with an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in honor of his accomplishments.
Matchmaking Program gives entrepreneurs a chance at commercializing WSU technologies
The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization at Wichita State University has launched a program designed to connect experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs with cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to commercialize them.

The new Matchmaking Program links entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with technology, ideas and opportunities developed at Wichita State – paired with the guidance and support necessary to commercialize these marketplace-shaping technologies.
College of Engineering awards $313,500 in Wallace Scholarships
Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has named the latest group of high school seniors to join the Wallace Scholar program.

The 13 Wallace Scholarship recipients will receive $28,500 each to attend Wichita State for four years. In addition, two students receiving other major university scholarships will be designated as Wallace Scholars.
$540,000 gift helps WSU Barton School launch Student Career Development Office
The Wichita State University Foundation has secured a $540,000 lead gift from Meritrust Credit Union to expand the W. Frank Barton School of Business’ career efforts with the formation of the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD).

The OCPD is aimed at linking academic programs to meaningful personal and professional lives by preparing Barton School undergraduate and graduate students to land quality internships and employment in their desired fields.

“This gift is a pivotal piece to the success of the new office and all who will benefit from it,” said Jessie Rainey, WSU Foundation development director, who raises funds for the Barton School. “With the generosity of Meritrust and the diligence of the Barton School, many students’ lives will be changed for the better.”
Students from 11 new cities will soon pay in-state tuition to attend WSU
Further expanding its reach of access and affordability, Wichita State University has added 11 cities to its Shocker City Partnership — meaning eligible students from those cities are offered in-state tuition rates to attend WSU.

Those new cities include:
  • Chicago
  • Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colorado
  • Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska
  • Des Moines and Ames, Iowa
  • Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas
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