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Employees discussing a presentation they will give

April 22, 2024 Wichita State University has offered the traditional educational pathways for over 125 years, typically ending at the point of graduation, but the need for learning continues throughout a person’s lifetime. In a rapidly changing world, continuing education has never been more important. More and more jobs require skill-based certification of learning, which includes the attainment of validated durable and technical skills. To meet those needs, WSU was the first in Kansas to create badge courses for non-degree seeking students in 2015, after approval from the Kansas Board of Regents.

WSU graphic

Aug. 4, 2023 — Wichita State University and WSU Tech are key drivers of economic growth, fueling job creation, fostering industry partnerships, and supporting local businesses — and the numbers prove it. According to the 2022 Economic Impact Study, WSU and WSU Tech’s total economic impact in Kansas in 2021 was $1.3 billion.

Sheree Utash

March 16, 2023 — WSU Tech President and Vice President of Workforce Development at Wichita State University Dr. Sheree Utash testified before the U.S. Senate’s Commerce Committee on Aviation on Thursday about the growth of the aviation industry and the increasing demand for highly skilled aviation workers.

Aerial of campus

Oct. 7, 2022 — Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research has released an updated employment forecast for Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka and the state of Kansas.

Wichita State performing arts

December 6, 2021 - Arts at Wichita State University benefit the city and state in ways that range from tourism to education to mental wellness. Wichita State’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, part of the W. Frank Barton School of Business, attempted to measure those contributions in its Arts and Culture Impact Analysis for 2021. The study is part of the CEDBR’s series of studies that demonstrate how the university drives the local and state economy.

WSU students at Lockheed Martin

Nov. 10, 2021 -- Building on a 20-year history of collaboration, Lockheed Martin recently named Wichita State University and WSU Tech as a tier one collegiate partner institution, emphasizing collaboration with the institution as an Aeronautics Sector Emerging School to bolster the pipeline for future Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) careers.

City of Wichita

Oct. 13, 2021— Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research has released an updated Kansas, Wichita, Kansas City and Topeka Employment Forecast.

Wichita State campus with water tower and sunflowers

Nov. 4, 2020 -- 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.

College of Engineering graduation, 2019

Oct. 20, 2020 — The Kansas Legislature in 2011 made a commitment to invest $105 million statewide over the next decade with the purpose of increasing the number of engineers available to industry. For its $35 million share of that money – granted under the University Engineering Initiative Act (UEIA) – Wichita State College of Engineering pledged to double the number of bachelor’s degrees it awarded annually. The aggressive goal was surpassed this past academic year as the college awarded 380 bachelor’s degrees.

Visualization tools

April 1, 2020 -- Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) has created three visualizations to help policymakers, businesses and economic developers understand the level of economic vulnerability created by the novel Coronavirus.

Downtown Wichita, Kansas

March 27, 2020 -- Jeremy Hill and Wichita State’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research has identified the number of jobs, establishments, and wages classified as essential and nonessential, following the emergency order in Sedgwick County for individuals to stay-at-home and only leave their residence to perform essential activities.

The Starbucks located in Braeburn Square

March 19, 2020 -- One of the most vulnerable sectors impacted in the United States by the novel coronavirus is food services and drinking establishments, which accounted for 7.3% of all jobs and $1.6 billion in total wages within Kansas in 2018. The following examines the economic value of the industry and the potential impact on the Kansas economy.