WSU News - All Stories

December 15, 2020 - Joe Kleinsasser, co-director of news and media relations, retires from Wichita State this week and the university will miss his institutional knowledge, his experience and trust with the media, his patience and his kindness. He started at Wichita State just in time for a news conference called to announce the end of the football program. He remembers the visit of Russian president Boris Yeltsin to campus in 1992 as one of his most interesting assignments. He lists his work with Dean Headley, emeritus professor of marketing at Wichita State University, on the Airline Quality Rating as a highlight.

December 11, 2020 - Dawna Raehpour is the recipient of the Stanley Z. Koplik Memorial Scholarship for 2020-21. She will graduate in May with major in public health science and a minor in sociology. The $1,200 scholarship is in honor of Koplik, who served as executive director of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1982-93.

Dec. 10, 2020 -- The Kansas Board of Regents has approved the creation of the newest department at Wichita State University’s College of Engineering – the School of Computing. Dean Dennis Livesay called the establishment of the new school a significant marker of the university’s commitment to producing digital-skilled workforce needed by industry.

Dec. 7, 2020 — Amy Schafer, director of advertising at Wichita State, will retire this month. She takes with her 32 years of institutional knowledge, her signature Wisconsin twang, and her dedication to Shocker Nation.

November 23, 2020 - Jay Price, a history professor at Wichita State, is honoring Wichita State’s birthday by creating a graphic novel of Wichita State's history.

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. 17, 2020 – Kylie Cameron chose to attend Wichita State after learning about the abundance of opportunities offered. While pursuing degrees in journalism and political science, Kylie was involved in The Sunflower student newspaper and the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College. Kylie is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State, and read some advice she has for current students.

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.

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. 12, 2020 — The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received another $13.7 million contract from the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to extend the Modeling for Affordable, Sustainable Composites (MASC) research program.

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.