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McPherson College President Michael Schneider, McPherson VP for academic affairs Matthew Skillen, Provost Lounsbery, and Dean Larisa Genin

March 31, 2026 — Wichita State University and McPherson College have established a new academic partnership that creates an accelerated pathway into the Master of Business Administration program offered through Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business.

2026 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship Winners: Adeline Lank and Gabriel Shaffer

March 25, 2026 — Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business has awarded the 2026 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship to two Wichita-area students: Adeline Lank from Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School and Gabriel Shaffer from Valley Center High School. Each will receive $36,400 spread over four years to attend WSU and study entrepreneurship.

GoCreate

March 18, 2026 - Make48 returns to Wichita State University to launch the 10th season of the invention competition and host teams from its first Classroom Innovation Experience on March 20-22.

Wichita State students

March 10, 2026 - Wichita State University’s First-Year Seminar and Shocker Design Experience are producing impressive persistence increases.This design thinking course focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and developing curiosity. A key component is learning that failure can be the first step toward success.

Alyssa Pace stands with an oversized check for $50,000

Feb. 18, 2026 — On Tuesday, Feb. 17, members of Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business visited Belle Plaine High School to surprise senior Alyssa Pace with the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship. The $50,000 award is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas and will cover four years of tuition support at Wichita State.

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.

2026 Clay Barton Scholarship finalists

Feb. 9, 2026 — The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the largest and most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas.

Wichita State students pose and jump near a Wichita State sign.

Jan. 26, 2026 — Wichita State University is proud to announce a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous 1958 graduate of the University of Wichita to support need-based scholarships in the W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Justin Neel holds a Pizza Shuttle box.

Jan. 22, 2026 — A staple of Kansas college towns is coming to Wichita State University. Pizza Shuttle — along with its signature flavors and lightning-quick speed — will open in Braeburn Square before the end of January.

Katie Galligan

Dec. 16, 2025 - Katie Galligan played four seasons for Wichita State's volleyball team as a defensive specialist and libero. She earned American Conference All-Academic Team honors while helping the Shockers to the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and the NIVC title in 2023.

Tayana Martin

Dec. 10, 2025 — Tayana Martin chose Wichita State for its proximity to home, reputation and the opportunities available to students. She encourages future Shockers to take advantage of all the university has to offer and take time to enjoy the college experience. 

Devika Nekkalapu

Dec. 10, 2025 — When Devika Nekkalapu was a child, she imagined she'd work for the Indian Administrative Service, but her fascination with technology led her down another path. In December, she will graduate with her master’s degree in business analytics. 

 
 

WuShock and Xavier Westbrook

Dec. 10, 2025 — Xavier Westbrook came to Wichita State from Canton, Kansas, to pursue a degree in elementary education. He hopes that his student and substitute teaching experiences will turn into a full-time career with Wichita Public Schools.

A graduate holds up the Shocker hand sign

Dec. 10, 2025 — More than 1,200 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 128th fall commencement ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 14 in Charles Koch Arena. Degrees will be conferred at two ceremonies: 2 p.m. for all graduate students and 5 p.m. for all undergraduate students.

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.