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Shocker Studios

April 14, 2026 - Shocker Studios Casting wants to grow into Kansas’ source for matching talent with projects of all types. The office is open to WSU students and actors from the community and can match projects that call for actors, voice-overs, motion capture, animation and gaming.

2026 Richard D. Smith Scholarship winners: Caroline Love, Norfolk Senior High School; and Sallie Longwell, Valley Center High School

April 7, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected two recipients for the Richard D. Smith Scholarship, the university's largest scholarship award. Sallie Longwell of Valley Center, Kansas, and Caroline Love of Norfolk, Nebraska, will receive more than $80,000 over four years.

Noah DeVault stands next to WuShock and holds and oversized check for $50,000.

March 18, 2026 — Wichita State University has awarded the 2026 Mike and Mary James Scholarship to Derby High School senior Noah DeVault, who plans to study communication at Wichita State beginning in fall 2026.

Ellery Prothro, photographer

Owen and Ellery Prothro are enjoying an up-close look at their favorite sport. They are charged with chronicling Wichita State University’s most successful men’s basketball season since 2021 for The Sunflower, WSU’s independent, student-run news source.

Lauren Hughes

March 3, 2026 — Wichita State University student Lauren Hughes has been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

Samara Langley

Feb. 16, 2026 — Samara Langley, a Colegio del Sol (Asunción Paraguay) graduate, is the winner of the 2026 Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship at Wichita State University.

Two women work on computers

Feb. 9, 2026 — Wichita State University has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to create the Wichita HIREs program: Humanities Internships Reward Employers, an initiative designed to expand applied learning opportunities for students pursuing humanities degrees.

A graphic announcing the 2026 Gore Scholars from Wichita State University. Three portrait-style photos are displayed in a row against a yellow and black Wichita State background. Below each photo is a name: Mackenzie Bucl, Kayden Lankford, and Samantha McClintock. At the bottom of the graphic is an outdoor image of the large “Wichita State” campus sign under a blue sky.

Jan. 30, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected the 2026 recipients of the $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships: Mackenzie Bucl, Kayden Lankford and Samantha McClintock.

A student dusts fingerprints look sat bullet casings under a microscope.

Jan. 13, 2026 — Wichita State University will launch two graduate programs in forensic firearms and forensic biology in fall 2026, expanding the pipeline of trained specialists prepared for careers in federal, state and local crime laboratories.

Laura Santander Díaz

Dec. 9, 2025 — With a master's degree in biological sciences under her belt, Laura Santander Díaz is fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a scientist.

Cooper J. McWilliams

Dec. 9, 2025 — Cooper J. McWilliams left Bonner Springs to study film at Wichita State. His talent led him to several applied learning experiences in the film industry and eventually a full-time career at NIAR.

Somewhere Works

Nov. 25, 2025 - Wichita State University’s College of Fine Arts is partnering with Movement Musick to offer programing at the Somewhere Works music facility in downtown Wichita. Wichita State University and Somewhere Works will collaborate to open opportunities for innovation, applied learning, new classes and community engagement.

Scholars Walk banner

Nov. 18, 2025 - The Scholars Walk at Wichita State University honors the achievements of faculty and their roles as scholars, mentors and innovators. Installed this month, Scholars Walk is a series of banners along the northeast walkway from the Plaza of Heroines highlighting faculty from the academic colleges.

Marco Hernandez (left) stands with President Muma

Oct. 13, 2025 – Wichita State’s Marco Hernandez has been named 2025 Kansas Board of Regents Faculty of the Year. He was recognized during an event on Sept. 17 in Topeka.

From right to left: Dr. Christopher Leonard, Marco Hernandez, Dr. Erin O'Bryan, and Dr. Lisa Parcell

Oct. 13, 2025 — Four Wichita State University faculty and staff members have been named 2025 Faculty and Staff of the Year by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR), recognizing their excellence in teaching, research, service and student support.