Wichita State mitigates spread of COVID-19 through digital transformation
Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) is digitally transforming the COVID-19 landscape, combining medical laboratory sciences, advanced robotics, and automation to process thousands of tests for Kansas communities each week.
“When so many of our Kansas communities are suffering from the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wichita State is working to mitigate the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Rick Muma, interim president of Wichita State. “Not only is this an opportunity to serve the people of our state, but it’s also part of our mission as the state’s top urban research university.”
Less than two months after its opening, the MDL is serving close to 400 organizations in 16 Kansas counties. The lab is currently testing about 1,500 tests per day with a 24-hour turnaround on results, but it has the capacity to process about 3,000 additional tests on a daily basis. More equipment and staff can be added if testing needs grow beyond the lab’s current capacity.
Wichita State names Steven Skinner interim dean of College of Engineering
Steven Skinner
Steven Skinner has been appointed interim dean of Wichita State University's College of Engineering by Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Shirley Lefever. The appointment is effective Jan. 18.
Skinner is a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering. He has been with Wichita State for nearly 30 years and has held other leadership positions including department chair and president of the faculty senate.
Lefever said: “Dr. Skinner possesses the experience and expertise to provide the interim leadership we need in the coming months as we search for a permanent dean. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity.”
A national search will begin immediately. Andrew Hippisley, dean of WSU’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will chair the search to replace Dennis Livesay. Livesay resigned to serve as dean of the College of Computing at Michigan Technical University, beginning Feb. 1.
“Dean Livesay has done very well in moving the College of Engineering to a new level of excellence,” Skinner said. “I look forward to continuing the momentum until a new dean is hired.”
Shock the World Campaign donors raise $307.8 million for Wichita State
The results are in for the WSU Foundation’s Shock the World Campaign, a seven-year undertaking that ended earlier this year. Alumni and friends of Wichita State University contributed $307.8 million, surpassing the goal of $250 million to help position the university for a successful, innovation-focused future.
“When we began planning for this campaign, the firm helping assess the feasibility of it questioned whether it would be possible to raise even $200 million,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “They didn’t fully understand the loyalty, dedication and excitement our donors and supporters have for Wichita State. We knew our Shocker community was capable of so much more.”
The Shock the World Campaign met or surpassed all of the priorities identified at the start.
Wichita State establishes new School of Computing
The Kansas Board of Regents has approved the creation of the newest department at Wichita State University’s College of Engineering – the School of Computing. Dean Dennis Livesay called the establishment of the new school a significant marker of the university’s commitment to producing digital-skilled workforce needed by industry.
“Computing and data are ubiquitous in modern society and together are transforming every discipline,” Livesay said. “In order to better prepare our students and lead in this transformation, we are integrating all of our computing academic programs and faculty. This high visibility change and the associated new degree programs prepare us to be a major player in computing and data science going forward.”
KMUW talks with experts about how to cope with social isolation over the holidays
The holiday season looks different this year, as the pandemic is keeping families and friends apart. We’ll discuss how to cope with social isolation during COVID-19 with a group of expert panelists. The conversation will be livestreamed on KMUW's Facebook page and EngageICT.org starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. To ask a question, email it to info@kmuw.org or comment on the live Facebook video.
Our panelists are:
- Eric Litwiller, Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas
- Alicia Martinez Newell, Wichita State University CARE Team
- Dr. Michelle Vann, Vanntastic Solutions
Help ODI and the KLC Beat the Virus!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is participating in the Kansas Leadership Center’s statewide initiative to help “Kansas Beat the Virus.” We are tasked with convening and facilitating 20 virtual meetings of 8-12 people to come up with action ideas that will help Kansans stop the spread of Covid-19.
If you are able to help convene a group of your staff, students and friends, please reach out to Alicia Sanchez at alicia.sanchez@wichita.edu to schedule a meeting. The meetings must take place before Monday, Dec. 21.
Stocking stuffer special at the Heskett Center. Buy 2 get 1 FREE!
Need a stocking stuffer? What about a WSU face mask? Right now you can buy 2 get 1 FREE at the Heskett Center. Visit us at the guest services desk to get yours today! For more information call 316-978-3082.
Santa letters available at WSU Post Office
WSU Postal Services is selling letters to Santa now to Wednesday, Dec. 16. The letters will be sent to Santa Claus, Indiana, and will receive a pictorial cancellation when sent to the recipient. The cost per letter / envelope is $1.50 and covers all postage.
Free shipping at shockerstore.com
Not a local Shocker? Don’t worry, the Shocker Store has free shipping with a $75 purchase at shockerstore.com through Dec. 17! Not valid on textbook purchases.
Great prices on last minute gift ideas
Didn’t get a chance to make the Shocker Store’s Shock the Halls Sale? Don’t worry, because they still have some of those great deals available! Items are available in the RSC store and online at shockerstore.com. Choose free in-store pickup or free shipping over $75. Happy Holidays, Shockers!
Save on ornaments and ugly sweaters
Want to get in that Shocker holiday spirit? Take 20% off ornaments and ugly sweaters/tees at the Shocker Store through Dec. 18. Sale is at shockerstore.com and both the RSC and Braeburn Square stores.