January 2021
2021 brings so much for Shockers to celebrate
Welcome to 2021, Shocker Nation! The new year brings so much promise and hope, and I’m eager to see all the opportunity and innovation that comes from Wichita State University.

One bright spot is our broadening digital transformation footprint. The addition of four new curriculum options — Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Science in Mathematical Foundations of Data Analysis — is timely as Wichita State positions itself to become the primary educator and researcher in digital transformation, helping to diversify our state’s economy. 

Additionally, the School of Computing has been established in the College of Engineering. The new school is not only expected to be a powerhouse in computing and data sciences, but its students will support the university’s planned National Institute of Digital Transformation.
In the News at Wichita State
New degree programs and School of Computing fuel WSU's digital transformation initiatives
Wichita State is building on its commitment to diversify the Kansas economy with digital transformation.

“The goal is to align the curriculum across the university to technology that allows students more opportunities to work in fields using data such as aviation, manufacturing, health care, digital advertising, image recognition and gaming, to name a few,” said Dr. Rick Muma, interim president of Wichita State.

Additionally, four new degree options have been added: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Science in Mathematical Foundations of Data Analysis.
Shock the World campaign donors raise $307.8 million
The results are in for the WSU Foundation’s Shock the World Campaign, a seven-year undertaking that ended earlier this year. Alumni and friends of Wichita State University contributed $307.8 million, surpassing the goal of $250 million to help position the university for a successful, innovation-focused future.

“When we began planning for this campaign, the firm helping assess the feasibility of it questioned whether it would be possible to raise even $200 million,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “They didn’t fully understand the loyalty, dedication and excitement our donors and supporters have for Wichita State. We knew our Shocker community was capable of so much more.”
Shocker-branded buses hit the streets of Wichita
Two new battery-powered buses wrapped in Shocker pride can be seen zipping through Wichita’s streets.

Wichita Transit recently unveiled the Wichita State University-branded buses, which are ecofriendly, filled with modern conveniences, and will circulate among the university’s main campus, as well as Wichita State South, WSU Tech and the Eugene M. Hughes Metroplex Complex.
Wichita State, USD 259 partner to help children with Tenacious Men program
Third grade is not too early to learn to tie a tie, discover a love of math and direct a young life on the right path.

“We want to be part of the solution,” said Dr. Kevin Harrison, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Military, Veterans and First Responders at Wichita State University. “We believe there are no bad kids. There may be some kids who have made some bad decisions. There may be kids who have been in bad situations. We want to see if we can help kids change that trajectory.”
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