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2026 Wallace Scholarship Winners

Feb. 19, 2026 — Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has named the latest group of high school seniors to join the Wallace Scholar program.

John Tomblin stands between two men with an award.

Feb. 5, 2026 — At this week’s 10th annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM) in Tampa, Florida, John Tomblin was honored with the MILAM Lifetime Achievement Award. Tomblin is Wichita State University’s executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and executive director of the WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research.

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.

NSF ranks Wichita State No. 1 in aerospace engineering R&D and No. 9 in overall engineering R&D from all funding sources

Jan. 12, 2026 — Fueled by a boost in contracts from federal agencies and various military branches, Wichita State University continues to hold strong in its standings in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey, reporting $392 million in research expenditures in the latest survey.

Dr. Ali P. Gordon

Jan. 7, 2026 Dr. Ali P. Gordon has been named as the next dean of the Wichita State University College of Engineering, effective June 7.

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.

Isabella Winter

Dec. 8, 2025 — Isabella Winter enjoyed earning her undergraduate degree so much that she came back and earned her graduate degree in engineering management. Her advice to other students is "step out of your comfort zone and talk to people in your classes."

Natalie McConico

Dec. 8, 2025 — Natalie McConico is a homegrown Wichitan who was already well-versed in the many attributes of Wichita State University. She was particularly impressed by the opportunities available to engineering students.

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.

Lisa Parcell and Blake Benson

Oct. 13, 2025 — Dr. Lisa Parcel, Kansas Health Foundation Director of the Elliott School of Communication and professor of communication, was named Kansas Board of Regents’ Tenured Faculty of the Year in September.

Christopher Leonard

Oct. 13. 2025 — Christopher Leonard, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Wichita State University, has been named Staff of the Year by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) — an honor he says reflects the hard work and dedication of his entire team.

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.

Erin O'Bryan and Harold Regier

Oct. 13. 2025 — Erin O’Bryan, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at Wichita State University, has been named Tenure-Track Faculty of the Year by the Kansas Board of Regents.