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Campus aerial

April 2, 2021 -- While the future of this pandemic and its effect on our daily lives still remains somewhat unknown, we are pleased to be coming to you with a message of cautious optimism as we continue our transition to a pre-pandemic mode of operation. Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to rescind all local COVID health orders, effectively immediately. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have followed all guidance and orders issued by state and local public health authorities. Accordingly, WSU has rescinded all guidance requiring masks, social distancing and mass gathering limitations on our campus. However, we continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community to engage in these practices whenever possible. We also encourage everyone to get the vaccine when they become eligible.

Students at commencement ceremony

March 17, 2021 — Students who had their graduation ceremonies postponed due to the pandemic will finally get their moment – along with this year’s newest graduates – during Wichita State University commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, at Charles Koch Arena.

Dr. Larisa Genin

March 3, 2021 - Dr. Larisa Genin wants the W. Frank Barton School of Business to be the best business school in the nation. The plan to reach that status starts with creativity, an entrepreneurial mindset and teamwork. “I’m really hoping that anything we do in the Barton School of Business would revolve around three words – innovation, engagement and impact,” she said. She hands out black and yellow rubber bracelets with the words “Happiness” and “Joy” stamped on as a reminder of her philosophy to emphasize a positive mindset and celebrate achievements.

Freedom of Expression graphic

March 1, 2021 - Wichita State University will present a virtual panel on freedom of expression from 3-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 31. The event will be moderated by Lee Pelton, a WSU alumnus who has been president of Emerson College in Boston the past 10 years.

Jade Mursch at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Feb. 22, 2021 – When we last spoke to Wichita State alumna and 2020 graduate Jade Mursch, her internship had been paused due to COVID-19. After being on hold for a month, Mursch’s internship was ultimately cut short. After months of uncertainty, Mursch secured a new full-time role.

Dr. Neal Allen

Feb. 19, 2021 — Dr. Neal Allen is no stranger to controversy, nor are his students. In fact, he prides himself on teaching his students to freely engage in civil discourse on highly contentious topics.

Prince Yengbe

Feb. 18, 2021 — When Prince Yengbe came to Wichita State University from his home country of Ghana in 2007, he wasn’t entirely sure what aerospace engineering was, but he knew he wanted to be part of it. Now, after earning a bachelor’s (2012) and a master’s degree (2015) in the subject, Yengbe is being honored with the Modern-Day Technology Leader Award by the 2021 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) STEM Conference.

Students attend class wearing face coverings.

Feb. 4, 2020 — Amidst the chaos, confusion and grief of the coronavirus pandemic, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty are stretching their teaching skills and using the experience for teachable moments.

Dr. Selena Jackson and Danielle Johnson facilitate Real Talk discussions.

Feb. 1, 2021 — Five minutes of scrolling through social media, and it’s evident that many people need a lesson in civil discourse. Wichita State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is working to change that through Real Talk discussions to promote respectful dialogue among people with varying viewpoints.

Kaisha Batman in the KSN studio next to an image that reads

Jan. 27, 2021— A local TV station recently welcomed a Wichita State grad Kaisha Batman into its newsroom, and now — less than a year after her graduation — Shocker Nation can see her on air.

Sigma Lambda Beta

Dec. 2, 2020 — Wichita State has been successful in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 because college students are following social distancing guidelines. Wichita State’s Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta and the Zeta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta have had no cases of COVID-19.

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.

Kylie Cameron Fall 2020 Grad

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.

Kirsten Long

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.