A homegrown Wichitan and first-generation college student, Joshua Villa’s journey at Wichita State was marked by extensive leadership, service and advocacy across campus.
Joshua is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2026 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
Ph.D. in educational leadership and psychology
What is your hometown?
Wichita
What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?
- Wichita High School North
- Butler Community College
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be an actor. I loved music and theater. I thought it was so much fun.
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State because it was close to home. I also always knew I wanted to be a Shocker. I think that going to school somewhere close to home helped me with the support from my family and close friends.
Did you receive any scholarships to attend Wichita State?
Yes, I received three scholarships while attending WSU. They included the Klepper Community Leader Scholarship, Virgil and Audine Bargman Scholarship, and the McNair Scholar’s Educational Opportunity Scholarship. These scholarships helped with paying for school. As a first-generation college student, navigating finances was one of the hardest things. It was a huge stress relief knowing that I was going to be able to finish and not have the burden of the uncertainty of how I was going to pay for school.
What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here?
There were several applied learning experiences or organizations that I was a part of during undergrad and graduate school. Through these organizations, I was able to learn, grow and offer various community service opportunities, as well as hold leadership positions within some of them.
- Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity
- Hispanic American Leadership Organization
- Future Health Care Professionals
- Multicultural Greek Council
- Ambassador for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Student Government Association
- Senator for the College of Health Professions
- Order of Omega Honor Society
- McNair Scholar Program
- Black Student Union
- CutH8 Wichita State
- Student Advisory Board
- Wichita State University President’s Diversity Council
- Assistant to the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Psychology Graduate Student Organization
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Be unapologetically yourself. Get involved, take chances and make college one of the best seasons of your life. Lean into uncomfortable moments. They’re where growth and connection happen. Talk to people. Get curious about their stories, and you’ll find friends who feel like home. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Lastly, you are exactly where you’re meant to be. You belong here.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation aren’t set in stone yet, but I’m passionate about working in public policy. I’m especially interested in supporting underserved populations in small towns, where I believe there’s a real gap between community needs and available resources. I’m still figuring out what that work will look like exactly, but I’m excited to explore it and hopeful to have more clarity soon.
Fun question: You suddenly find yourself in the middle of a dance battle. What's the first move you're gonna hit 'em with?
Subtle shoulder bounce. Then hit them with the heel, toe and Dougie. I grew up in the 90s and early 2000s. What can I say!
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (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 National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.
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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