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Shocker Nation bus

Dec. 1, 2020 — Two new battery-powered buses wrapped in Shocker pride will soon be seen zipping through Wichita’s streets. Wichita Transit recently unveiled the Wichita State University-branded buses, which are ecofriendly, filled with modern conveniences, and will circulate among the university’s main campus, as well as Wichita State South, WSU Tech and the Metroplex.

Isaac Brown

Nov. 11, 2021 -- Isaac Brown is Wichita State's interim men's basketball coach. Brown, 51, joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2014. He has also coached at Arkansas, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech and others.

Martha Backman

Nov. 18, 2020 — There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education. It took 56 years, but the 73-year-old is finally graduating with her degree in aging studies. 

Emma Wiens, 2020 Grad

Nov. 16, 2020 – After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. Emma is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for this future nurse.

Morgan Bretches

November 16, 2020 - Morgan Bretches, from Wellington, recently was offered a position as laboratory assistant at Mayo Clinic, where she will investigate the meningeal lymphatic system and the brain. Morgan is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Wichita State students

Ya-Aida Sillah, a health management major from Wichita, took a lead role in “Mask Up!,” a Department of Public Health Sciences group project designed to help students understand COVID-19 and health protection. Answers revealed four areas commonly misunderstood. • Some students did not know that fleece and gaiter-style masks are not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19. • Some students assumed a person’s vulnerability to COVID-19 would be visible. In many cases, a person’s vulnerability to the virus may be hidden. • Some students were unaware that nausea and vomiting are potential symptoms. • Some students did not know that monitoring for fever and other symptoms daily is recommended.

Kaitlyn Larsen

November 6, 2020 - Kaitlyn Larsen, from Haysville, chose a career that makes her essential to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Dr. Nikki Keen Woods (right) at a conference in 2019.

Nov. 5, 2020 — 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.

CHP Medical Tech student 1974

Nov. 4, 2020 – The College of Health Professions (CHP) is celebrating its 50th anniversary at Wichita State University. Since its founding in 1970, the CHP has been highly renowned for its innovative approaches to education and supplying the health care industry with skilled, passionate professionals.

Brandyn Rathman

Nov. 3, 2020 -- Brandyn Rathman, from Sioux City, Iowa, is excited to start his career in the medical field after graduation. He said he believes his experience at Wichita State University will help him help his patients lead healthy lives. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Woman with rainbow eyelashes

Oct. 28, 2020 — Wichita State University has earned a near-perfect score for its support and inclusion of LGBTQ students from Pride Index, which is a national benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to create safer, more inclusive campus communities.

WSU student walking on campus

Oct. 20, 2020 -- Fall can be a dreary and difficult time for some Wichita State University students. Here are some tips on making it through the season.

Memorial '70 ceremony

Sept. 30, 2020 - The annual ceremony of remembrance for those who died in the 1970 Wichita State University plane crash will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Cessna Stadium. There will be a reception immediately following the remembrance on the Cessna Stadium concourse. Enhancements have been made to Memorial ’70, located near the 18th Street and Hillside entrance to the university. Those additions to Memorial ’70 will be officially be revealed on Oct. 2.

Memorial '70 memorial

Sept. 30, 2020 — Over the years, many hikers have trekked to the crash site of the plane that claimed the lives of 31 souls — including 14 members of the Wichita State University football team, 14 staff and boosters, and three crew members.

Memorial '70 monument

Sept. 30, 2020 - Wichita State athletic trainer Tom Reeves was known as a man devoted to his athletes on the football team. His sense of humor and caring touch helped them through injuries and difficulties. On Oct. 2, 1970, he helped survivors escape the wreckage of the Martin 404 after it crashed in Colorado. Badly burned, Reeves got them away from the plane and down the mountain to help before he fell unconscious. Reeves died on Oct. 5 in a Denver hospital.