Shocker Nation is going strong into 2024

Working alongside the dedicated faculty, staff and students of Wichita State University is not just a job for me — it's a genuine honor and privilege. I'm truly thankful for the chance to play a part in this vibrant community while contributing to the growth of our state's people and businesses.

Reflecting on the year gone by, I'm truly amazed by the milestones we've achieved and the path we're carving for the future of Shocker Nation. I'd love for you to join me in revisiting some of the standout moments from Wichita State's 2023.

We topped ourselves again and achieved our highest enrollment ever in our 128-year history. Combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2023 is 23,203 — 17,548 at Wichita State and 5,655 at WSU Tech. Our enrollment success is attributable to the collective efforts of everyone in Shocker Nation (including you!), and it’s exciting to see that we’re reaching new populations of students who are choosing Wichita State to help transform their lives and achieve their goals.

Some of our enrollment success is a direct result of our efforts to make education affordable and accessible, and we’ve been hard at work to communicate the necessity to increase our need-based financial aid for our students. Clearly, folks were listening. WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement reported that it raised more than $10 million in need-based scholarships. Thank you to all of you. And to top that off, the Kansas Legislature allocated an additional $4.2 million (on top of $2 million the previous year) toward providing ongoing need-based scholarships to Pell-eligible Kansas students.

Meet a Shocker: Fall 2023 graduates

More than 1,400 Shockers were eligible for graduation in fall 2023. As our graduates leave Wichita State, they will share the story of Shocker Nation through their work.

Hear from our talented graduates about their experience and what they have in store for their futures.

Shocker volleyball sweeps UTEP, wins NIVC tournament

Wichita State silenced a raucous sell-out crowd Dec. 12, sweeping UTEP 25-14, 25-22, 25-22 to claim the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) title and the program’s first national postseason title.

The Shockers (26-8) dominated the match virtually from start to finish, trailing just 1-0 in the first set and by just three points in the second on its way to another sweep. Wichita State dropped only one total set in the entire tournament, sweeping four of five matches on its way to the title.

President Muma celebrates campus community with Rick Rewards

Every month, President Rick Muma shows his appreciation for the efforts of the campus community with Rick Rewards.

Multiple departments and teams were recognized in 2023:

The University Police Department was recognized in February for their dedication to ensuring a safe campus for students, faculty and staff.
The Student Government Association was recognized in March for serving and representing the student body.
The Media Resources Center was recognized in April for supporting the campus community’s technology needs.
Performance Facilities was recognized in May for helping manage the performance venues across WSU’s campus.
Shocker Athletics was recognized in August for bringing Shocker Nation together through athletic events.
Building Trades was recognized in September for its work around campus, including the new Forward Together podcast studio.
Housing and Residence Life was recognized in October for supporting Shockers on campus and for helping Shockers during move in week.
The Foundation and Alumni Engagement was recognized in November for its service to Wichita State and the success of its inaugural Heritage Gala.
The Project Innovation Hub was recognized in December for the team’s innovative approach to helping the campus community.

Learn more about the Office of the President

Shocker Nation shares stories of student success and persistence

In January, Wichita State launched its Student Success and Persistence (SSP) initiative, which serves to help students succeed at WSU all the way through their graduation.

In this pursuit, WSU follows three strategies to help advance SSP:

Foster a culture of empowerment, leadership and ownership.
Adopt an equity-first mindset and student-centered approach that leads to increased graduation rates.
Provide strategic education on and promotion of financial wellness.

Shocker Nation has, over the last year, shared stories of success and persistence. From the strategies our faculty and staff employ, to Shockers sharing who have helped them succeed, read how Shockers are working to help each other.

Find more SSP highlights

Wichita State sees big projects coming in 2024

Wichita Biomedical Campus: Wichita State, in collaboration with WSU Tech and the University of Kansas, has announced the Wichita Biomedical Campus in downtown Wichita, and construction is expected to begin next year with an anticipated completion in 2026. The campus will house the College of Health Professions, WSU Tech’s Health Professions program and the KU School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy Wichita campuses.
Shocker Success Center: Renovations are currently underway for the new Shocker Success Center, which is expected to be completed by summer 2024 and will centralize a number of student services under one roof.
NIAR Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research: The new NIAR Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research building will house labs and offices for advanced manufacturing and will be located on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus.
Cessna Stadium: Following the demolition of the east stands earlier this year, 2024 will see the inclusion of a regulation-sized soccer field, track and field facility updates and new bleacher seating on the north and south sides of the stadium.
Wilkins Stadium: The first of four phases for the renovation plan of Wilkins Stadium will begin in 2024. Phase 1 includes locker rooms for teams, coaches and umpires; staff offices; and athletic training, break and work rooms.

Wichita State hosts annual service recognition, Bender of Twigs ceremonies

Earlier this semester, Wichita State recognized faculty and staff who have reached milestones of service to the university.

Employees who celebrated five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service were recognized Oct. 30, and employees celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service to the State of Kansas, Bender of Twigs and retirees were honored Nov. 9.

Wichita State thanks all the honorees for their service to the university. Collectively, 4,914 years of service were recognized at the events.

Learn more about the service recognition

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the United States and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing more than 120 acres, and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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