Plugged In at WSU Podcast

A podcast for students, by faculty

Plugged In @ WSU is the podcast that connects you to the tools, tips, and support systems that power your success at Wichita State University. Each episode features conversations with campus experts, faculty, and students to highlight resources designed to help you stay on track, stay connected, and make the most of your Shocker experience. Whether you’re just getting started or counting down to graduation, Plugged In @ WSU is here to support your journey every step of the way.

Episode 1 - Meet the Wichita State Success Coaches

Success Coaches: learn more about what Success Coaching is and how it might benefit you. 

Meet the Success Coaches!

What are students saying about Success Coaching?

Picture of students walking in the student center on Wichita State's Campus
Success Coach

A Conversation with Ashok Surender

Danny Bergman talks with Ashok Surender, Student Success Coach for the College of Applied Studies, about how he supports students with time management, accountability, and connecting to academic and campus resources. Learn how Shockers, whether new, transfer, or online, can thrive with personalized guidance throughout their college journey.

Students Walking in Student Center
Success Coach

A Conversation with Caitlin Brunner

Sarah Taylor talks with Caitlin Bruner, Student Success Coach for the College of Health Professions, about how she supports students with time management, study strategies, and campus resources. Caitlin shares tips for managing procrastination, exploring study techniques, and finding ways to succeed with support for neurodivergent students.

Students walking in a student center
Success Coach

A Conversation with Chelsea Dey

Jacie Green talks with Chelsea Dey, Student Success Coach for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, about how she supports students with academic skills and mental health. Chelsea shares tips on time management, study techniques, stress management, and campus resources. She encourages students to seek help early and finding strategies that work for them.

Picture of students walking in the student center on Wichita State's Campus
Success Coach

A Conversation with Larry Compton

Irma Puskarevic talks with Larry Compton, Student Success Coach for the College of Fine Arts, about how he helps students build academic skills and navigate college life. Larry describes coaching as a collaborative process with strategies for time management, study skills, and test prep, encouraging students to seek  help early, and use campus resources to stay on track, even when challenges arise.

Students walking in student center
Success Coach

A Conversation with Stefanie Coronado

Lindsay Ott talks with Stefanie Coronado, Student Success Coach for the College of Engineering about how coaching supports students with time management, accountability, and campus resources. Stefanie shares how sessions are tailored to each student's goals, offering guidance on study habits and organization, and encourages students to reach out early.

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Success Coach

Coming Soon!!

 

Episode 2 - Library Resources for Students

University Libraries

Students walking in a student center

 

A Conversation with Fiona Holly

Melinda DeFrain sits down with Fiona Holly, Student Success Librarian at Ablah Library, to explore how the library can be your partner in academic success. From quiet study spaces and tech-enabled group rooms to one-on-one research support, workshops, online tools, and expert guidance the library offers far more than just books to help students thrive daily.

Episode 3 - Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS)

Counseling & Psychological Services

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A Conversation with Dr. Chris Leonard

Daniel Bergman talks with Chris Leonard, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Wichita State University. They discuss how CAPS supports student mental health through individual, group, and crisis counseling—many of which are free or low-cost—and how students can access services both in-person and online anywhere in Kansas. Listeners will also learn about underused group programs, same-day crisis appointments, and ways to get connected and stay well as a Shocker.

 

Episode 4 - Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid

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A Conversation with Sheelu Surender

Jacie Green breaks down the financial aid process with Sheelu Surender, Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Aid and Scholarships. Sheelu shares what students need to know about FAFSA, scholarships, deadlines, and how to maximize every dollar of support available. Whether you’re new to WSU or preparing for another year, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to stay on track and make college more affordable.

Episode 5 - Shocker Career Accelerator

Shocker Career Accelerator

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A Conversation with Sara Leftwich

Sarah Taylor talks with Sara Leftwich from the Shocker Career Accelerator about the many ways WSU supports students' career development. Sara shares quick, practical tips on resumes, interview prep, LinkedIn, and navigating applicant tracking systems. She also highlights key resources like PathwayU, Shocker Centra, the Career Closet, professional headshots, and the JC Penney Suit-Up event.

Episode 6 - Shocker Success Center

Shocker Success Center

Picture of students walking in the student center on Wichita State's Campus

 

A Conversation with Aaron Hamilton

Sarah Taylor talks with Aaron Hamilton, Director of the Shocker Success Center and OneStop, about how bringing 18 support offices into one accessible building helps students with tutoring, study spaces, basic needs, and accommodations. Aaron explains how warm handoffs and centralized resources make it easier for Shockers to get help and stay on track.