2014 was an exciting and hectic year at Wichita State University. Here's a look back at the WSU News top stories of the year.
1. Innovation Campus
Wichita State University President John Bardo outlined a major expansion of the WSU campus to support job creation and a university strategy based on innovation.
2. Koch Industries pledges $11.25 million
In a gift commitment with sweeping impact, Koch Industries and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation pledged $11.25 million to create and advance programs at Wichita State University aimed at helping students excel and become the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders.
3. Undefeated
The Wichita State men’s basketball team became the only team in the nation to go undefeated all season. The Shockers were named the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
4. Shocker Hall
The opening of Shocker Hall -- Wichita State’s new state-of-the-art, centrally located residence facility -- redefined what it means to be a student at WSU.
5. RSC renovation complete
The newly renovated Rhatigan Student Center (RSC) at Wichita State University was officially dedicated Monday, Sept. 15. The RSC is the center of student life and activity -- a gathering place for students, faculty, staff and the community. The Rhatigan Renewal project was a three-year, multi-million-dollar renovation initiative to ensure that the RSC remains the home away from home for Wichita State students now and for years to come.
6. NetApp jumps in
On the heels of the Kansas Legislature’s approval of $2 million to help fund a new Innovation Campus, Wichita State University announced that NetApp is the first partner for the Innovation Campus and new tech cluster.
7. Enrollment rising
Enrollment at Wichita State University for fall 2014 was 15,003 students, an increase of 453 students or 3.1 percent compared to fall 2013, according to the official enrollment report given to the Kansas Board of Regents following the 20th day of classes.
8. Cancer research at WSU
Wichita State University researchers are working on a new system that could decrease the negative effects of cancer drugs on patients.
9. WSU professors collaborate on Fermilab experiment
Three scientists at Wichita State University are involved in a global effort to explore the secrets of the universe.
10. Youngmeyer Ranch
Earl and Terri Youngmeyer always knew that the 4,600 acres of prairie, woodland and streams on their Flint Hills ranch had existed for centuries before them and likely would exist for centuries after. So nearly 20 years ago, the Youngmeyers took steps aimed at preserving and conserving the vast expanse of land after their deaths. They reached out to Wichita State University through the WSU Foundation and began making arrangements to open their ranch to university faculty and researchers whose work could help protect its future.
11. NIAR researchers develop new battlefield splint of DOD
Leg and arm injuries sustained in the battlefield are made worse when splinting devices used by military medics don't provide proper stabilization of the injured extremity. Three years ago, Wichita State University researchers – through a $1.4 million U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command grant – set out to find an innovative solution to that problem.
12. WSU grads in Kansas
Wichita State University graduates working in Kansas had a higher rate of job placement and income than graduates from other traditional Kansas Board of Regents institutions, according to data from KBOR on post-graduation employment in Kansas from 2008-2010.
13. Google Glass research at WSU
The rapid increase in mobile technology such as smart phones and watches, tablets and Google Glass, has resulted in the need for more research to ensure those devices work well.