WSU News - All Stories

June 18, 2025 — Hexcel Corp., a global leader in advanced composites technology, is expanding its long-standing partnership with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research by establishing a Hexcel Application Center inside NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems.

June 12, 2025 — Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received a patent for VISION, an AI-powered composite inspection robot designed to detect and repair damage on aircraft parts autonomously. Developed at NIAR’s Automation Research Center and recently installed at a U.S. Army facility, the system uses machine learning to analyze inspection images and speed up aircraft maintenance.

June 9, 2025 — Shocker Composites, founded by Wichita State alum Vamsidhar Patlolla, transforms carbon fiber waste into high-performance, sustainable materials using a recycling method he developed during his graduate research. With support from Wichita State’s NIAR and Innovation Campus, the company is scaling up its impact and demonstrating how university-backed startups can drive real-world innovation and sustainability.

June 9, 2025 — The Shocker Store is being recognized as a Mental Health Advocate for its support of the Suspenders4Hope program by offering the Suspenders4Hope T-shirts for sale, with proceeds directly benefiting HOPE Services, and by serving as a hub for resources for Shockers on campus.

May 29, 2025 - Ridge Estes, from Bucklin, used his study time and his athletic time wisely during his Wichita State University career. He majored in exercise science with minors in health science and entrepreneurship and graduated earlier this month with a 3.473 grade-point average.

May 15, 2025 - Earlier this month, “Gene Stephenson Park” was added to Eck Stadium, home of Tyler Field, at a ceremony and unveiling. On Friday, his jersey No. 10 will be recognized on the stadium’s Wall of Honor in left field.

May 8, 2025 — Yumi Kikuchi first came to Wichita State University as part of an exchange program and decided she wanted to pursue her graduate studies at the College of Innovation and Design. Her advice to other students? “Take chances. Life is an experiment, and college is the perfect time to explore, get involved and discover what truly excites you.”

April 28, 2025 — When the email notification popped up, Dr. Mary Liz Jameson, professor of biological sciences, thought there must have been a mistake. It must have been for someone else at the university or perhaps another Mary Liz at a different university. Once the shock wore away, Jameson realized it was true: She had been elected to the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Fellows, class of 2024, for her integrated work on entomology.

April 10, 2025 - Wichita State's motto for their postseason run is "Stay in our house." "The concept started from not letting outside things affect us," senior Piper Reams said. "We can only control so much. We say, 'Everybody stay in your house.' It's helped all of us stay level and focus on what we can control."

April 4, 2025 — Wichita State University students are learning the importance of teamwork and communication in order to handle the pace and conditions working in paid applied learning jobs for the athletic department’s creative team. Knowing they are serving as a conduit from all 16 Shockers sports to their fans makes it a job they enjoy.

March 18, 2025 - More than 50 Wichita State students will work behind the scenes at the NCAA Tournament on March 20 and 22 at Intrust Bank Arena. Students will help the teams, coaches, families and media. They will put up NCAA signs, set up and tear down locker rooms, hand out credentials and more.

March 14, 2025 - The NCAA’s main event is back in Wichita to continue a long history of Wichita State University bringing this bracket-busting event to the city. Intrust Bank Arena is the site for men’s first- and second-round games on March 20 and 22.

Feb. 13, 2025 - Shocker pitcher Grant Adler, who attended Derby High School, will graduate in May with a general studies - chemistry degree while continuing to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He will intern at Spirit AeroSystems for a second summer.

Feb. 7, 2025 — Former Shocker baseball player Sean Johnson is assistant general manager for the Minnesota Twins. His time at Wichita State, as a player and director of operations for the baseball team, launched his career in professional baseball.

Feb. 5, 2025 —Former Royals star and future Shocker baseball dad Mike Sweeney talked baseball, raising children, nature, leadership and much more as the keynote speaker for Wichita State's annual baseball dinner. MJ Sweeney, his son, committed to play baseball for the Shockers in 2026 after spending this season at Grossmont (Calif.) College.