WSU News - All Stories

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. 

Nov. 16, 2020 — Zane Storlie has not only dedicated his time at Wichita State to learning everything he can about computer science, but he’s also been an advocate for computer science education for elementary and middle school students in the area. Zane created a three-unit curriculum to teach Scratch coding to more than 750 students in Wichita Public Schools, and the Derby school district asked him to present a teacher training course to its librarians.

November 16, 2020 - Kirsten Long, from Haven, came to Wichita State University to start her career in education. She credits her field experiences and helpful teachers with preparing her for teaching. Kirsten 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.

Nov. 16, 2020 — Both Samuel Pittman’s parents work at Wichita State University, so he spent a good amount of time on campus as a child. But what really drew him to become a Shocker was the university’s strong sport management program.

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.

Nov. 10, 2020 — Incoming freshmen and transfer students have an opportunity to receive up to $20,000 as part of Wichita State University’s new Shocker Adelante Scholarship.

November 9, 2020 - KPTS recognized Wichita State University Military & Veteran Services with its Distinguished Veterans Coming Home Business Award in a special program that aired on Nov. 5 on Channel 8. WSU’s Military & Veteran Services provides assistance with Veteran Affairs educational benefits, provides counseling, testing and other service. It connects military students with opportunities for campus involvement. Larry Burks Sr., is the director of Military & Veteran Services.

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.

Nov. 5, 2020 -- BAASE started in 2018, and the partnership between Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State began in fall 2019 with the goal of creating a stronger system of support for African American and Hispanic students who want to pursue post-secondary education.

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.

Rachit Rajput, from Shimla, India, came to Wichita State in 2015 on faith in the engineering program. He leaves with a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Rachit 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.

Oct. 28, 2020 -- There are several artists with Wichita State University connections involved in the public art projects in and around the Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wichita Wind Surge minor-league professional team. Several of the public art projects are visible outside the stadium and more are scheduled for installation in the coming months. All of the artists are local or regional.

Inneke Vargas, from Houston, appreciates the interdisciplinary approach of her liberal arts degree from Wichita State University. After graduate school, she wants to work on policy changes to help eliminate health disparities. “My research broadly focuses on the effects of mental health stigma, particularly among African Americans, across the lifespan,” she wrote. “More narrowly, I am currently interested in the ways mental health care inequities disproportionately affect minority men during adolescence and very late adulthood.”

Oct. 9, 2020 — Thousands of school principals are faced with a challenge no other living school leader has faced: leading their schools through a pandemic. We're featuring two principals with roots in Shocker Nation.

Oct. 6, 2020 -- Students who graduated from Wichita State University this past spring and summer will finally get their chance to walk across the stage to be recognized in a formal commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in Charles Koch Arena.