Wichita State University news releases, media contacts and resources

The Strategic Communications news and media relations team supports the university and its many departments and centers with news coverage, from announcing major news to promoting upcoming events, all with an eye on the mission and vision of Wichita State.

 

All Media Releases

News and Media Relations staff

Lainie Mazzullo-Hart

Director of Communication (Primary media contact)

lainie.mazzullo@wichita.edu

316-978-3409

Sara Tank-Ornelas

Speechwriting and Copywriting Manager

sara.ornelas@wichita.edu

(316) 978-7287

Paul Suellentrop

Senior Communicator

paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu

(316) 978-5536

Caelin Bragg

Newsletter Editor

caelin.bragg@wichita.edu

(316) 978-3013

Resources and links

All Media Releases

 

 

Oct. 1, 2026 - Wichita State University is taking part in the statewide free college application period — Apply Free Days — Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 9. During this period, any Kansas resident who applies for degree-bound undergraduate admission to Wichita State can do so without paying the application fee.

Oct. 1, 2026 — The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has named Wichita State University as a finalist for its 14th annual Innovation & Economic Prosperity Awards. The awards recognize innovative projects or programs in economic engagement.

Sept. 30, 2026 — Driven by the largest freshman class in university history, combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2026 is 24,640 , according to annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents.  

Sept. 28, 2026 — The annual remembrance of Memorial ’70 will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at the memorial sculpture at the university entrance at Memorial Drive and Hillside (18th and Hillside).

Sept. 24, 2026 — Wichita State University invites the community to show its black-and-yellow spirit during 2026 Shocktoberfest, a weeklong tradition of Shocker pride from Monday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 3.