Shocker Blast: June 10, 2019

 

In search of strong candidates for WSU President

Presidential Search 2019

The job facing the Presidential Search Committee has begun in earnest. The 20-member committee is charged with identifying the best three-to-five candidates from a national search and forwarding an unranked list to the Kansas Board of Regents, whose members will make the final decision on the right person to lead Wichita State.

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In what was largely an organizational meeting on Thursday, June 6, search committee chair Steve Clark outlined the role of the committee. KBOR has been asked the committee to signify a candidate’s strengths in the following areas: (1) leadership and decision making; (2) strategic planning and vision; (3) innovation; (4) attracting and retaining students; (5) partnering with business and industry; (6) ability to create applied learning opportunities; (7) cultivation of a positive, professional and productive campus workforce; (8) fundraising and financial stewardship; and (9) supporting the role of faculty.

The committee received more than 400 survey responses to review before its first meeting. Transparency and diversity were significant themes among survey respondents. However, there was a long list of ideas or preferences, which included choosing a president who is frequently seen on the campus and in the community and who is warm and approachable.

Other preferences included choosing a president who appreciates academia, is a relationship builder, understands the business community, and can be a leader in economic development.

Survey respondents and the search committee members also desire an effective communicator who is kind, motivated, honest, ethical, courageous, and who has a lot of energy. 

At one point, a committee member observed that all we want is “Superman or Superwoman,” a comment that drew laughter.

An executive search firm experienced in higher education CEO searches was hired by the Regents to assist in the search.  Representatives of the firm, Wheless Partners, attended the search committee meeting and conducted four public forums later in the day. They said their intent is to bring the best pool of candidates to the attention of the committee.

Faculty, staff and students on the committee actively participated in the discussions.

The committee spent considerable time outlining strengths that would attract presidential candidates to Wichita State.

The list (in no particular order) included business, engineering, healthcare, innovation campus, devoted alumni, faculty and students, quality of life in the community, vibrant research facility, great partnerships, entrepreneurial activity, resurgence of community pride, rich history of applied learning, global focus with international students, diversity of student population, Upward Bound, students services and support, veterans program, new residence halls, attitude of listening to students, mix of commuter and traditional focus, no rush hour, vibrant arts community, cultural opportunities, appealing cost of living, and a fiscally stable university.

Another aspect that could be appealing is the governance structure in Kansas, where KBOR is responsible for six public universities, rather than a board focused on a single university, as in some other states.

The next step is for the search firm, with committee authorization, to prepare a presidential profile for approval from KBOR later this month.

Candidate applications will be accepted during July and August, before the committee begins the task of narrowing the pool in September. After the Regents receive the committee’s recommendation of three-to-five unranked candidates in October, KBOR members will undertake their own candidate interviews before making a decision and announcing a new President for WSU.

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About 100 people attended one of four forums held Thursday afternoon June 6, with the vast majority of those attending either the faculty or staff forums. Each forum was opened by Search Chair Steve Clark, who encouraged participants to submit names of promising candidates, or encourage promising candidates to apply. The forums were led by Michael Ballew, from the Wheless Partners search firm.

More than 420 completed surveys were submitted to the search committee.

Faculty Forum

Nearly 50 people attended the faculty forum Thursday afternoon. Attendees expressed the following thoughts:

  • Want a president who understands what it means to be a university and understands that Wichita State is not a vocational-technical college that serves business. Understands that WSU can serve the needs of business by producing well-rounded students who can change and adapt as business changes. For example, the student might not know the software used presently in business, but should be able to learn that software and the software that is used in four years, six years and 10 years.
  • Understands the importance of research at Wichita State and the growth of that research. That is needed to attract quality graduate students, who teach and research.
  • Academic qualifications, mainly a PhD., and understands how faculty work, the process and importance of tenure and tenure-track positions. Understands the need to invest in faculty.
  • Understands transparency and communication when dealing with changes around the university.
  • A president should operate on campus and in the community with equal skill in order to work with students and faculty and fund-raise, build links with business, alumni and civic leaders.
  • A president should understand and promote academic programs outside of STEM and highlight innovation happening in those areas.
  • Wichita State is the state’s only urban school and its most diverse university. A president must embrace those factors, and Wichita State’s desire to attract and educate first-generation students.
  • Fund-raising to counter the drop in state funds. Working with industry so that industry will speak up for education to help with state funding.
  • Understands the importance of sustainability, energy production.
  • Lowering tuition to help students.

Staff Forum

 About 45 staff attended a forum Thursday afternoon. Search committee chair Steve Clark encouraged attendees to refer potential candidates to the committee.

Attendees expressed the following thoughts:

  • Concerns over the lack of representation for USS on the search committee.
  • The need for a president who will be out on the campus and take part in campus life and activities.
  • Tap into the talent on campus; more team leadership, student focus and attentive to student demographics / tuition costs / best use of current resources.
  • Invest in our buildings and our people - talent development.
  • Invest in our IT systems.
  • Willing to take risks.
  • Pay attention to trends and industry so that we offer programs our students needs and will be interested in.
  • Values diversity - specifically within faculty.
  • We need a president who understands what being an economic driver looks like for the state and local community
  • Must attend sports / activities.
  • Someone who is proactive vs reactivating (example of our accessibility efforts).
  • Champion for voices not always heard - mental health; be inclusive in the decision.
  • Sense of humor; can joke; be light hearted - also clear, forward, authentic.
  • Reward / incentive system - outside of salary.
  • Commitment to shared governance - no fear of retaliation.

Student Forum

A handful of students attended a forum for the presidential search. Following are some of the comments:

  • Students want a president who understands non-traditional commuter student needs / barriers. Disability student needs include the importance of making campus accessible.
  • When asked how they would sell WSU to presidential candidates, students replied:
  • Sense of community, a lot of pride.
  • City of Wichita; growing identity and points of pride - ICT flag.
  • Private / public partnerships show how others are investing in the university.
  • Wichita isn’t a college town, we are not KU or K-State. We have positives for applied learning in our city location.
  • Pretty campus - best sculpture collection (top 10 in the world).
  • Great sense of diversity, support networks for all.
  • Easy to get around in the city, quick access. 

Community Forum

A number of students and staff also attended the community forum.

More information is available at Presidential Search.


KMUW Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap

KMUW Engage ICT June 11, 2019

Citizens and voters face monumental choices on issues that will define our future, and there is a great need for broader understanding of how what happens at the polls affects you. These monthly community conversations feature a panel of local experts and topics that touch your daily life. It's free, and so are the appetizers. Join KMUW at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, June 11), at Roxy’s Downtown, 412 ½ E Douglas St.

Find out more on KMUW’s website.


Panopto to go down for maintenance

WSU’s video production and hosting service, Panopto, will be down for routine maintenance and cloud upgrade from 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22. It will be unavailable at that time. 

After the upgrade, all video creators must download a new version of the Panopto recorder in order to upload videos to the system. Please refer to the Blackboard landing page for instructions about how to download the new recorder after the upgrade.


Celebrate Juneteenth ICT with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Juneteenth 2019

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) as they celebrate Juneteenth ICT. Come out for the service project between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, June 14. This year’s project is painting the Antoine Carr basketball court at McAdam’s Park.

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Do not miss out on this year’s parade. Join the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and ODI for the Juneteenth ICT parade on Saturday, June 22. We encourage your departments to come out in Shocker gear and walk alongside the WSU van.

Purchase your Juneteenth ICT armbands from ODI, located in 208 Rhatigan Student Center. Armbands are $5 for ages 8 and up, and $3 for ages 7 and under. The armbands serve as an entry into the parade and the week of amazing events. Learn more about Juneteenth ICT and the schedule of events.

If you're interested in volunteering during the week of events, go to Juneteenth volunteer


WSU Dining Job Fair coming Thursday, June 13

Dining Job Fair June 13, 2019

Looking for a job this fall? Know of someone who is? Join WSU Dining at our Job Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in 142 Rhatigan Student Center. Apply online in advance


Blood drive coming to WSU on June 12

Blood Drive June 12, 2019

Wichita State will host a blood drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the Heskett Center.

To view available times and schedule your donation appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org – enter sponsor code Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross. You must show an ID at the time of your donation. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

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Every day the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 pints of blood for patients across the country. Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. An hour of your time could be worth years of someone else’s.

Please encourage friends and family who have never donated blood to attend with you and help sustain the Red Cross’s blood supply.


Stressed? Keep Calm and Breathe On

Keep Calm & Breathe On summer 2019

Join the Counseling and Prevention Services for Keep Calm and Breathe On. Drop in to build structured relaxation time into your life and learn techniques to do relaxation on your own. You will be led in meditation, mindfulness and relaxation practices. The meetings are from 12:15-12:45 p.m. every Wednesday in 257 RSC. Drop in or contact the Counseling and Prevention Services for more information at 978-3440.


Intramural Sports invites you to play in the PickleBall Tournament

PickleBall Tournament Summer 2019

Intramural Sports is planning a PickleBall Tournament at the new Chicken N Pickle facility. This open doubles tournament begins Friday, June 21. Sign up on imleagues.com/wichita, and pay the $25 entrance fee before Thursday, June 13, to participate.


Submit your fall events for the Welcomefest listing

Fall 2019 Welcomefest

Welcomefest takes place during the first two weeks of classes each semester and features dozens of activities. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include the Back to School Bash, Involvement Fair, Shocker Resource Fair, Syllabus Party, RSC Unplugged, Clash of the Colleges and more!  You can submit your department or organization events to be included in the Welcomefest marketing, including a printed guidebook.. The deadline to submit events for inclusion in all Welcomefest marketing is 5 p.m. Friday, July 12.

Please note, Student Involvement reserves the right to deny or terminate any events that are not planned completely or are deemed inappropriate for Welcomefest and/or the people in attendance. 

To register your event, go to Welcomefest. If you have questions, contact Student Involvement at 978-3022 or getinvolved@wichita.edu.


Outdoor Adventures Worlds of Fun trip

Worlds of Fun trip June 2019

Join us as we head to Kansas City for some fun in the sun on Saturday, June 29! Your Worlds of Fun ticket includes unlimited use of all rides, shows, and attractions inside Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun (open seasonally) for one-day. It does not include extra charge attractions, RipCord, Dinosaurs Alive, or various concerts and special events. 

Spend the day adventuring through the amusement park and water park on your own schedule. The group will meet at the end of the day for the ride back to Wichita.

Get your tickets at Worlds of Fun trip. The sign-up deadline is Friday, June 14. Follow-up communication will be emailed within a week prior to trip. Contact Kaycee Miller at Campus Recreation for any questions at cr.outdooradventures@wichita.edu.


Meet the minds behind the Riverfest Sundown Parade

Ever wonder how the floats are chosen for the Wichita Riverfest Sundown Parade? Turns out the people working behind the scenes to make one of Wichita’s iconic events a success are none other than a Wichita State instructor and a group of art students.

Kristin Beal is director of Wichita State Shift Space Gallery and co-founder of Harvester Arts. But every spring, she puts on a different hat – that of a creative consultant for Riverfest.

Along with help from students in her Intro to Communication and Social Practice class, Kristin plans the parade lineup by recruiting local creatives and brainstorming ideas with them.


Volunteers needed for a research study

Research dietary study
Researchers in the School of Nursing are looking for volunteers for a nutritional research study that will examine changes in iron absorption with antioxidant supplementation.
 

Participants will be asked to consume a meal with phytic acid, complete a dietary recall, participate in taste testing and have blood and saliva sample collection during a meal challenge. Participation is expected to last about 2.5 hours total.

If you are interested in participating in this study, email nicole.delimont@wichita.edu or call 785-249-5533. 

More information


Training for preventing suicide to be offered

Preventing suicide training summer 2019

Come and join this training provided by Counseling and Prevention Services and learn more about how to prevent suicide in our community. This training is part of the #WSUWeSupportU campaign and covers signs that someone may need additional support, how to start conversations with people who may need help, and the resources that are available both at WSU and in the community.

The next session will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, June 21. Register in the myTraining portal in myWSU.


Shocker Store sales in time for Father’s Day

Father's Day Sales in Shocker Store

The Shocker Store has a sale this week for all the Shocker dads out there! Just in time for Father’s Day, take 20% off all Dad-specific merchandise, and 20% off golf merchandise. Sales are valid at both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations.


A SculpTour Affair – The biennial benefit event for the Ulrich Museum of Art

SclulpTour June 30, 2019

“A SculpTour Affair” celebrates the renowned Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, considered to be one of the top 10 collections on university campuses across the United States. This year’s gala event from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Ulrich Museum of Art will feature three new acquisitions by nationally and internationally recognized artists: “The Celestial Mechanic” by Randy Regier; “Font” by Elyn Zimmerman; and “Shockers” by Tom Otterness.

Join us for a late-afternoon stroll with friends and art lovers, cocktails, delicious food, music, and a bit of the unexpected at our next “A SculpTour Affair” this June.

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call 978-3664 or purchase online at SculpTour.

For more information, contact Carolyn Copple at Carolyn.copple@wichita.edu or call 978-6646.


Pizza Hut Museum undergoing operational changes

Pizza Hut Museum

As the Pizza Hut Museum celebrates one year of sharing the story of the original Pizza Hut with visitors from across the nation, a few operational changes went into effect on June 3.

Hours of operation will change to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

978-4488 will serve as the museum’s dedicated phone number.

Questions about the museum can be directed to Tyler Gegen, public relations and outreach manager for the Office of Admissions, at tyler.gegen@wichita.edu.

Learn more


Members-only Happy Hour

June 2019 Rewards SSGL

Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards program can enjoy a Members-only Happy Hour deal during the month of June! Take 25% off starters from 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Not a member? Joining is free and easy, just visit the sports grill counter!