Engage WSU displays university's role in public service

Wichita State University has a long history of research and community work in public service. As part of WSU’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE), the Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) works to carry forward this dedication to excellence in public service at WSU. 

PPMC and DDCE will present its public service work and exchange knowledge with invited guests at Engage WSU, a day of public service sharing, from 7:30 a.m.-noon Sept. 13, at WSU’s Marcus Welcome Center.

Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers will give a keynote speech focusing on economic development and the connections between urban and rural success. Retired Sedgwick County undersheriff Brenda Dietzman will offer parting works about staying curious. 

PPMC will share its current research, including a study on frequent utilizers of behavioral health services in Sedgwick County, and initiatives such as local workforce talent attraction, retention and advancement. Judy Espinoza, director of Human Resources at WSU, and Jessica Kilpatric, senior vice president and director of human resources for Fidelity Bank, will participate in the conversation about workforce talent.

DDCE’s Kevin Harrison will present about finding commonalities that make for a cohesive and productive unit or organization, and WSU Elliott School of Communication director Jeffrey Jarman will discuss media coverage of community driven issues.   

Registration is required to attend the event, but media correspondents are welcome. For more information about Engage WSU, please visit wichita.edu/engagewsu. 

The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) at Wichita State University advances public good by strengthening people, organizations and communities. The PPMC provides expertise and support to local governments and nonprofits in the areas of research, talent development and community engagement.


The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good. Wichita State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly 15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and 12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. Wichita State's Innovation Campus is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.