2021 Wichita State University dynamic impacts across Kansas released
Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research has released an economic impact analysis of Wichita State University. This report gives an analysis of the dynamic impact WSU has on Wichita, the region and the state economies.
WSU was estimated to have contributed $1 billion in economic activity within Kansas. The university and its spending supported more than 4,500 jobs in Sedgwick County, almost 600 jobs in the other nine counties of the Wichita region, and more than 600 jobs in the rest of Kansas.
University tourist activities, such as sporting events and conferences, attracted more than 200,000 tourists to the area and contributed more than $60 million to the local economy. WSU alumni were estimated to have total annual earnings of more than $4.6 billion, approximately $2.4 billion higher than they would have earned with a high school diploma alone.
Read the full Dynamic Impacts Across Kansas report
Wichita State researchers address health disparities, obesity
A team of researchers at Wichita State University is working to promote health equity among vulnerable populations. The all-woman, cross-disciplinary team is focusing its initial efforts on issues related to obesity among underrepresented groups.
This project is one of four awardees of Wichita State University’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, which is an effort to bring together the intellectual curiosity and strengths of faculty and students from a range of disciplines and give them the support to develop research programs that drive the diversity and growth of the Kansas economy while addressing global challenges. Winners of the Convergence Sciences awards will be given $300,000 over three years.
Pictured above: Dr. Nikki Keene Woods, right, is pictured at the Kansas Public Health Association conference in 2019. Keene Woods is part of a team of women at Wichita State University who are researching health disparities, particularly obesity, as part of the university's Convergence Sciences Initiative.
Dennis Livesay accepts dean position in Michigan
Dennis Livesay
Dennis Livesay, dean of the College of Engineering, has accepted a position as dean of the College of Computing at Michigan Technological University.
Livesay will become the second dean of the university’s 18-month-old College of Computing. His last day at WSU will be Jan. 31.
“I love Wichita State and certainly planned on staying here many more years, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up,” Livesay says. “This position will also allow us to be closer to family – a definite bonus.”
Livesay says there’s a lot he’s proud of in his time at Wichita State. That includes such achievements as continuing to increase enrollment in the College of Engineering, creating new programs that support the Kansas economy, growing research and increasing diversity and the number of graduates within the college.
Additionally, the college has responded to the digital transformation happening in many industries by hiring new faculty, and we are in the process of creating the School of Computing.
There are many other achievements to be proud of, Livesay says, and the future is clearly bright for the college.
“Even a pandemic can’t stop us from making progress on our strategic initiatives,” he says. “The College of Engineering is stronger and more important than any one person. I have complete faith that it will continue to evolve, educate and create new knowledge.”
Shirley Lefever, interim executive vice president and provost, will work with college faculty and staff to identify an interim dean, and a national search will be conducted for the permanent position.
Convergence Sciences team helps communities predict, prepare for disasters
A team of interdisciplinary researchers at Wichita State University is using artificial intelligence and big data to digitally transform the way communities predict and respond to natural disasters.
The newly formed Data-Enabled Disaster Resilience Center is part of Wichita State’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, which empowers faculty, staff and students who span the disciplines to form research clusters that address our most pressing and opportunistic challenges. Each of the four projects selected was awarded $300,000 over the next three years.
Pictured above: The team of Wichita State University researchers in the newly formed Data-Enabled Disaster Resilience Center meet via Zoom to discuss their Convergence Sciences project, which will help communities predict disasters and prepare for their aftermath.
BAASE program helps high school students learn and explore Wichita State
- The Better Academics and Social Excellence Learning Lounge offers 34 high school students remote learning at Wichita State University.
- The African American and Hispanic students are selected for the program because of their academic success.
- Students can use Shocker cards around campus at places such as Shocker Hall and Ablah Library.
Virtual panel series tackles social inequality research in relation to the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed several types of social inequality already present in American and global societies. In this panel, social scientists will join with subject librarians in a discussion of approaches and research methods used to explore social inequality in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Find full event information from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and a direct link to the virtual Zoom panel, click here.
No-cost entrepreneurship webinars to help your small business succeed
Give yourself and your business the opportunities to succeed with our no-cost small business webinars.
Register at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops
Startup and Start Right
Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
This workshop will cover the Small Business Administration's 10 steps to start your business. Learn about licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing, and other essentials.
Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training
1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17
Federal, state, and local governments spend more than $800 billion per year buying goods and services. This webinar offers an overview of the critical first steps to becoming a government contractor. Learn to identify opportunities, understand the contracting process, and know the services available to help you.
Institutional ACT Exam Nov. 14
The Office of Admissions is partnering with the Wichita State Testing Center to offer
an institutional ACT Exam. Students can register now for this on-campus exam at 2
p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Scores from this exam can only be used at Wichita State for
admissions and scholarships; scores will be available to be used toward the Dec. 1
priority deadline.
Space is limited and first-come first-served. Students interested in this ACT Exam
can register at registerblast.com/wsu!
For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 316-978-3085 or admissions@wichita.edu.
The KMUW podcast Hindsight: Looking Back at 100 Years of Women's Suffrage is back with a new episode
Hindsight: Looking Back at 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage is a six-episode podcast series from KMUW.
On the latest episode of Hindsight, host Dr. Robin Henry explores women’s activism from World War II to the present day. We examine the ways in which women used war and government work to expand economic and professional opportunities, while others remained unconvinced that equal access would improve their lives.
We discover how a little-known section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provided the opening wedge to end discrimination on the basis of sex. And we see how women of color, lesbians, Chicanas, and working-class women challenged what constituted women’s rights and what was worth fighting for.
Listen at KMUW.org or look for Hindsight wherever you get your podcasts.
Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion today examines 'Last Night at the Lobster'
Looking for a fun distraction? Head over to Watermark Books, pick up your copy of Steward O'Nan's "Last Night at the Lobster," and join the Ulrich Museum for an Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Delve into a discussion with Beth Golay, host of KMUW’s podcast Marginalia, on this poignant and redemptive story set in the workaday world. The book discussion is free and open to all, but registration is required to get the Zoom link.
KMUW Radio is hiring!
KMUW, Wichita's NPR station, is seeking applicants for a full-time Financial Specialist position and Summer 2020 Korva Coleman Diversity in Journalism Internship. Wichita State University does not discriminate in its employment practices, educational programs or activities on the basis of sex, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. To learn more and apply, please visit KMUW.org/employment.
Wichita State's Military & Veteran Services earns award from KPTS
KPTS recognized Wichita State University Military & Veteran Services with its Distinguished Veterans Coming Home Business Award in a special program that aired on Nov. 5 on Channel 8.
WSU’s Military & Veteran Services provides assistance with Veteran Affairs educational benefits, provides counseling, testing and other service. It connects military students with opportunities for campus involvement.
Larry Burks Sr. is the director of Military & Veteran Services.
The program will air again at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 and 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. It is also available at kpts.org.
Drive Thru Free Breakfast for the Brave on Veterans Day!
Amedisys Hospice is offering a Drive Thru Breakfast for the Brave from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Charles Koch Arena (Hillside entrance).
Additional locations include the VFW 7253 in Derby, VFW 6957 in Haysville, and VFW 3115 in Wichita.
Join Military and Veteran Services as we celebrate Veterans Day 2020!
Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Services invites veterans to come by our office between 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, in 105 Grace Wilkie Hall for some punch, a walk-in treat and a warm thank you for service to our country.
Treats will be provided by Military and Veteran Service at WSU, CARE and Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc.
Discount at Shocker Store for veterans
The Shocker Store appreciates the service and sacrifices of our veterans and active duty military! In honor of Veterans Day, on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at our Rhatigan Student Center and Braeburn Square locations, veterans and active duty military can take 20% off one regular priced WSU imprinted item with military ID. Some exclusions apply. Thank you for your service!
Free bowling for veterans, active duty military and their families
The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes thanks our veterans and active duty military! In honor of Veterans Day, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military in the community and their families, can enjoy free bowling! Must show military ID. Thank you for your service!
Facemasks now available for purchase at the Heskett Center
Facemasks are now available for purchase at the Heskett Center. We have these two designs available. For more information, visit the Guest Services desk at the Heskett Center or call 316-978-3082.
Check out this week’s Wellness virtual programs
Please join us for another week of great programs that have gone virtual. Hosted by CAPS, SHS and Campus Recreation.
Free tutoring and academic mentoring for diverse Shockers!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering free tutoring and academic mentoring!
Our tutors help students develop a deeper understanding of class material and gain successful skills that can improve their overall GPA.
Our academic mentors offer biweekly meetings to help you with academic success skills, such as time management, effective studying and note-taking, test preparation and more!
You can drop in any of the listed times or schedule an appointment. See when we are open, what classes are offered, and how to request appointments at wichita.edu/pass!
Thanksgiving Massage Special at the Heskett Center
Don’t miss the Thanksgiving Massage Special! While celebrating the spirit of thanksgiving, make sure to also give thanks to your body.
For the month of November, you can schedule a 90-minute massage for only $50. Gift certificates are available for purchase.
For more information, visit the Heskett Center Guest Services desk or call 316-978-3082.
Please help less fortunate children this Christmas
Our Toys for Tots toy drive is happening now until Dec. 16! We had fantastic support last year ending with a box brimming over with toys. We helped so many underprivileged children in Wichita. Let's shoot to double it this year!
You can stop by the Campus Credit Union lobby between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, to donate.
New clear bag Gameday Bundle from the Shocker Store
The Shocker Store has a new clear bag Gameday Bundle to help you be compliant with Koch Arena’s new clear bag policy! For $25, you’ll get a clear WuShock bag and six disposable WSU masks. Available now at the RSC and Braeburn Square locations and online at shockerstore.com.
Save the date- $14 sweatpants from the Shocker Store
Mark your calendars for the Shocker Store’s next one-day-only sale!
On Wednesday, Nov. 18 starting at 8 a.m., the Shocker Store will have two styles of sweatpants for $14 each, while supplies last. Sale is in store at the RSC location and online at shockerstore.com.
You can order online and pick up whenever you're on campus! Limit five sweatpants per person. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.
Stay up-to-date on the Facebook event page.
Meeting to explore a possible Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club
A Zoom meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, about starting a Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club. Students, faculty and staff are welcome.
Amateur radio is a relevant and important way to communicate over very large distances, even many foreign countries or in local emergencies. The Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club will help you get your FCC license through short training sessions, and with the help of the Wichita Amateur Radio Club conduct an FCC examination.
The club will also participate in long-distance radio communications with other clubs, to the International Space Station, and get involved with upcoming projects such as Cube-Sat communications.
All are welcome to attend at the Zoom room 938 6695 1797 password HAMRadio.
If you have questions, contact nick.solomey@wichita.edu.