Gregory VanDyke Jr. found that becoming more involved in campus activities and leadership helped him get a better sense of who he is.
Gregory is one of more than 2,200 students eligible for spring 2023 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown:
Manhattan, Kansas
Degrees
Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with minors in political science, organizational leadership and learning, and an honors track in leadership
What made you want to attend Wichita State?
I chose Wichita State simply because of all the opportunities it had to offer, including being the most diverse university, living in a bigger city, and many opportunities for new connections. I chose Wichita State because it allowed me to have what I feel was a fresh start.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
At first, I was feeling a little nervous leading up to graduation, but as those feelings start to diminish, I am starting to feel more hopeful and excited as I watch all of my hard work pay off.
What was been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was often feeling lost at a crossroads and not knowing which way to go. I had an overarching idea of who others thought I was and was supposed to be, yet at moments I felt like I didn't know who I was myself. After increasing my campus involvement and my interactions with other students on campus, I was able to overcome this challenge and gain a better sense of who it is I actually am.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at Wichita State?
I will say that meeting Dr. Chelsea (Redger Marquardt) has been the most helpful learning experience here at Wichita State. While I have a strong strong passion for criminal justice, I still felt like there was an ounce of passion for something else that was being left out, and I could not pinpoint it. It was not until Dr. Chelsea took the time to pour into me that I realized that the ounce of passion I was missing was a passion for leadership. Ever since I picked up a leadership minor and leadership track, Dr. Chelsea has not only been beneficial in my learning experience at Wichita State, but she also has been very supportive in helping me to find something in myself that I did not see before.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to return to Wichita State for two more years for a master's in public administration.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
My advice: Breathe. Know that your work is not in vain. Also, know that although it might not look like how you want it to right now, it looks exactly how it should. And now that you know that, know the only person capable of stopping you is you. Keep your head held high, you are almost there!
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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