KBOR announces Dr. Andy Tompkins as Interim President at WSU
Andy Tompkins
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Andy Tompkins as Interim President at Wichita State University (WSU). This will be Dr. Tompkins’ second time serving a KBOR university in this capacity, having previously been Interim President of Fort Hays State University from December 2016 to November 2017.
“Andy Tompkins is very well thought of at Wichita State by those of us who have worked with him,” said Lou Heldman, vice president of Strategic Communications. “Dr. Tompkins was CEO when the Kansas Board of Regents selected Dr. Bardo as WSU’s president in 2012. Dr. Bardo spoke highly of Dr. Tompkins, consulted with him regularly about WSU plans, and relied on Dr. Tompkins’ expertise to help shape the university’s affiliation with WSU Tech.”
Rick Muma will continue as Acting President until Tompkins begins work April 8.
New partnerships ease Butler students' transition to WSU
Wichita State and Butler Community College joined together to sign 17 articulation agreements that will provide a seamless transfer for Butler students wanting to earn their bachelor's degree at WSU.
“We are the number one transfer destination for all students in the state of Kansas – eight years running – and our biggest transfer partner is Butler,” said Richard Muma, WSU provost and acting president.
WSU is the No. 1 transfer destination for community college transfer students, again
Once again, Wichita State has been named the No.1 transfer destination from Kansas community colleges to public state universities. Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) recently released its annual Transfer Feedback Report, announcing that WSU remains the No. 1 transfer destination for eight years in a row.
First of three spring sculpture dedications is today (Tuesday, April 2)
The Ulrich Museum of Art will add three sculptures to its renowned Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection in the spring of 2019. A dedication of the “The Celestial Mechanic” by Randy Regier, will be held at 3:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, April 2) on the north lawn of Ahlberg Hall.
The reveal and remarks will be held at 3:30 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. reception on the north lawn of Ahlberg Hall. An artist talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Ulrich Museum of Art.
Established in 1972, the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, part of the holdings of the Ulrich Museum of Art, is a WSU treasure recognized nationally and internationally as one of the finest collections of its kind. An integral part of the daily life on campus, it has shaped WSU’s sense of place for nearly 50 years, offering moments of contemplation, learning, empathy, and joy to countless students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The collection is a source of immense and justified pride for the university, the city of Wichita, the state of Kansas, and the Great Plains region. It is, therefore, deeply exciting that following 10 years of research, fundraising, and planning, the collection will expand to 80 pieces this year, with new works continuing to broaden our understanding of what contemporary public sculpture can offer.
Upcoming dedications
Elyn Zimmerman – Font
Tuesday, April 23
3:30 p.m. Reveal and Remarks
4 p.m. Reception – Shocker Hall Plaza
5:30 p.m. Artist Talk – Ulrich Museum of Art
Tom Otterness – Shockers
Sunday, May 12
3:30 p.m. Reveal and Remarks
4 p.m. Reception – South Lawn of Duerksen Fine Arts Center
Take 25 percent off at the Shocker Store today (Tuesday, April 2)
To celebrate the Shockers big game in the NIT, take 25 percent off your total purchase at the Shocker Store today (Tuesday, April 2), at both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations. Some exclusions apply. Not valid with other discounts. Good luck, Shockers!
Moody’s improves WSU financial outlook
We’re pleased that Moody’s Investors Service has revised WSU’s financial outlook to stable from negative. Vice President for Finance and Administration Werner Golling spoke at length with Moody’s lead analyst for higher education, who developed the report issued this week.
This excerpt shows the Moody’s analyst clearly understands what we’re striving to accomplish: The university distinguishes itself from competitors through its comparatively low cost tuition pricing structure, comprehensive programming and extensive applied learning opportunities through its corporate partnerships. Its Innovation Campus provides for close strategic ties to the city of Wichita, serving as a key driver of economic activity and applied research. While competitive challenges persist, a well-managed enrollment strategy will support continued steady student demand and net tuition revenue growth above inflation.
Moody’s announcement can be found at https://wsu.news/moodys.
Wednesday’s in Wiedemann performance tomorrow (Wednesday, April 3)
The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series will continue with Wednesday’s in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis playing the great Marcussen organ at 5:15 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, April 3) in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free.
Legislative update from Zach Gearhart
Read the current legislative update from Zach Gearhart, director of Government Relations at WSU.
See Legislative Update No. 10.
Opera Theater to present double-bill
Wichita State University Opera Theater will present two masterpieces in one night, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, to Saturday, April 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.
Each opera lasts less than one hour.
Ravel’s “L’enfant et les Sortilèges” tells the story of an unruly child who is forced to face all he has harmed when animals and household objects come to life.
“Gianni Schicchi” brings us the story of the Donati family who try to change the will of a dear departed, only to be outwitted by the wily Gianni Schicchi. The opera will feature WSU legend Samuel Ramey.
WSU Opera Theater is under the direction of Alan Held. Mark Laycock will lead the WSU Orchestra. Tickets are available online at WSU Fine Arts Box Office or call 978-3233. WSU students receive a free ticket with their Shocker ID.
First WSU Computer Careers Day called a success
An event designed to promote Wichita State’s seven degrees that lead to computer and information technology-related careers drew nearly 125 high school students from six Wichita high schools on Tuesday, March 26. It was the first WSU Computer Careers Day sponsored by the university. Organizers are declaring the event a success based on post-event surveys in which 100 percent of participants said they would recommend it to others.
The event was designed to help students understand what kind of education you need for the many different kinds of jobs computer and IT jobs available. Attendees heard from Wichita State faculty, students and industry professionals from a dozen different companies about how they found their way into their respective fields.
Held in the Rhatigan Student Center, the event featured nine panels focused on nine different career tracks: software development, computer hardware engineering, network architect, cybersecurity, database management and data analysis, web design, video game design, multimedia graphic artist and IT Specialist. Each student was able to select three of nine panels to attend.
Students came from Wichita’s Northeast, Heights, Northwest, South, Southeast and West High schools. Wichita Public Schools has more than 1,000 Wichita high school students currently enrolled in computer-related career and technical education (CTE) courses, which include classes in programming, hardware support, networking and routers, digital graphic design, web design, information security and IT support. Organizers intend to open the event to additional schools in the future.
The event was coordinated by the College of Engineering, in partnership with the Barton School of Business, the College of Fine Arts and WSU Tech, Undergraduate Admissions, and the Career Services Center.
“We wanted an event broad in scope that could introduce students to all the options at Wichita State, and we were pleased to be able to work with other divisions of the university to highlight all our programs,” said Polly Basore Wenzl, youth outreach coordinator for the College of Engineering.
Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees are offered by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering. These degrees are appropriate for students who aspire to work software development, network management, and hardware design and computer science research.
Also within the College of Engineering is the Engineering Technology—Cybersecurity degree, sponsored by the Engineering Technology (ET) Department. This degree is appropriate for anyone who wants to work in information security, network security or cyber-defense in the military.
The Barton School of Business offers the Information Technology and Information Management Systems bachelor’s degree, appropriate for careers in computer systems administration, database management and data analysis.
The College of Fine Arts hosts the Applied Arts in Media Arts bachelor’s degree, appropriate for people who want to work in computer animation, videogame design or other multimedia graphic arts careers.
Finally, WSU Tech offers associate degrees in both Digital Marketing and Information Technology, which provide preparation for careers as web designers and IT support specialists, respectively.
“Not only are these careers extremely different, they have wildly different math requirements – with some degrees requiring only algebra while others require advanced calculus and beyond,” Wenzl said. “We wanted to help students to find the degree that is right for them.”
In the post-event survey, 82 percent of high schoolers who attended said they were more interested in computer-related careers than before, and 56 percent said they were “likely” or “definitely” now planning to become a Shocker.
Corporate sponsors of the event were NetApp and Wolters Kluwer.
Want to learn more? WSU has published a Computer and Informational Technology Careers guide with details about computer-related careers and the WSU degrees that can get you there. Read it here.
Performance in the Plaza coming April 10
Performance in the Plaza brings dance, music, and performance art to you! Student Activities Council is hosting a showcase of performances from noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the WSU Plaza of Heroines in front of Ablah Library. This energetic event will immerse you into the craft, sophistication, and allure of dance, singing, and art.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to www.wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Updated invitation for Wichita State Night at the K
It’s Wichita State Night at the K. Join Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures team as we watch the Royals take on the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. With it being Wichita State night, you will receive a KC Royals hat with a WSU stamp.
We will have Jimmy John’s boxed lunches on the ride up to Kansas City, arriving at the stadium by 5:30 p.m. ***Food and drinks will not be provided at the game. This will be an out of pocket expense.***
After the game we will head straight back to Wichita. Follow up communication will be emailed prior to the trip. Contact Kaycee Miller at Campus Recreation at 978-5820 or kaycee.miller@wichita.edu for any questions. Register here.
ACT Prep Workshop to be held at Wichita State
Wichita State University's Counseling and Testing Center is offering a workshop to help high school students prepare to take the ACT from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 4. The workshop will provide general test-taking tips and information for all four subjects of the ACT exam – English, Math, Reading and Science.
The cost for the workshop is $32, and registration can be done online at www.registerblast.com/wsu.
The next ACT national test date after the workshop is Saturday, June 8.
Students need to bring a pencil and a calculator to the workshop. All other materials will be supplied, including practice tests. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Kimberly Bailey at the Counseling and Testing Center at 978-5339 or 978-3440 or testingcenter@wichita.edu.
Register for the F45 Playoffs
The F45 Playoffs are back on Friday, April 26. Form a team or compete individually and make your way through 10 stations. Complete the most reps to be crowned the champion and get awesome prizes! Register at the Guest Services Desk in the Heskett Center. Registration is $10.
Not sure what to expect? Don’t worry. Join us from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in 141 Heskett Center, for a practice clinic.
Questions? Contact cr.fitness@wichita.edu.
American and ESPN agree to media rights extension
American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco and ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming and Scheduling Burke Magnus have announced that The American and ESPN have reached agreement on a 12-year media rights extension beginning in 2020-21. ESPN has been the Conference's principal media rights holder for football, men's and women's basketball and Olympic sports since the league's reconstitution in 2013-14. Financial terms of the contract, which will run through 2031-32, were not disclosed.
With the new agreement, The American will have a stronger and more extensive presence on ESPN's primary TV networks – ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU.
WSU Summer Camps information now available online
The updated list of 2019 Summer Camps at WSU is now online.
Celebrate Holi – the Festival of Colors
People of all ages and backgrounds take to the streets to celebrate this colorful festival. The same air of celebratory fun and friendship will be felt in our event from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, on the east lawn of Hubbard Hall. The color, noise, and entertainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi will bear witness to a feeling of oneness and a sense of brotherhood.
Entry is $5. Dress in white to enjoy the colors.
Enjoy the Burger of the Month in Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Stop by the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in April to try their Burger of the Month- the Hangover Burger! It’s topped with an egg, bacon and American cheese. Only available this month, so swing by today!
Sign up as a WSU Heart Walk Coach or join a team
Heart disease is the #1 killer in the nation and stroke is #5. Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by one of these. Help support the American Heart Association by signing up as a Heart Walk Coach for the Wichita State University team.
The Heart Walk will be held Saturday, June 8 on the Wichita State campus. If you are interested in being a WSU Heart Walk Coach, you can create a team or join an existing team here. If you have any questions, contact Trish Gandu at trish.gandu@wichita.edu.