2021 CAS Annual Report

Looking back at some of the College's success stories from 2021

Letter from Interim Dean Clay Stoldt

While the last two years have brought unprecedented challenges, the College of Applied Studies (CAS) continues to be highly successful in its work to be an essential educational, economic and cultural driver for Kansas and the greater public good. The stories that follow in this annual report highlight many of the most significant developments within the college in 2021. In addition to those stories, I’d like to offer a few additional comments about the many positive things happening within the CAS.

Our college has enjoyed its highest enrollments ever in 2020 and 2021. Now serving more than 2,600 students, the CAS has led the university in enrollment growth over the last decade. We are seeing particularly strong growth in Counseling and Special Education, graduate programs preparing students for professions in which our community is experiencing profound need. And our Teacher Apprentice Program™, customized to provide paraeducators with a streamlined pathway to licensure as teachers of record, is the largest undergraduate degree program at the university.

New Wichita State clinic offers free counseling for Wichita community

A new Wichita State University mental health clinic is helping its clients take a positive and proactive approach to their mental health. The WSU Integrated Support and Empowerment (WISE) Clinic offers comprehensive counseling services to everyone in the Wichita community, and all services are free of charge.

WSU announces new athletic training graduate degree

The Department of Human Performance Studies in the College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University has secured approval for a new graduate-level degree in athletic training. The 62 credit-hour program launches in the summer of 2023.

People smiling at the TAP graduation celebration

WSU Teacher Apprentice Program™ has positive impact on Kansas economy

In just four years since its inception, the Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) at Wichita State University’s College of Applied Studies (CAS) has had a big impact on school districts and communities across Kansas. TAP is an online program with a focus on preparing elementary and special education paraeducators as licensed teachers at the early childhood (birth–3rd grade) or elementary education level. Because the program is online, paraeducators across Kansas can enroll.

Sport Management launches new undergrad certificate in Sport Leadership and Branding

The Department of Sport Management has secured approval for a new undergraduate certificate in Sport Leadership and Branding. The 15-credit certificate launches in the spring semester.

Men of Color - Educators of Tomorrow program launched at Wichita State

October 5, the Wichita State University College of Applied Studies announced the launch of Men of Color - Educators of Tomorrow, a new mentor education program for young men of color interested in pursuing careers in teaching and other education-related paths.

School of Education launches Dining & Dialogue

The School of Education has launched a series of evening events titled “Dining and Dialogue” providing an opportunity for teacher education majors who are young men of color to come together to network and learn with various guests advocating for diversity in teaching.

College of Applied Studies inducts members into Hall of Fame

Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies (CAS) inducted its inaugural class of 12 for its Hall of Fame Sept. 24. The inaugural class featured inductees from throughout the college’s history, including alumni, patrons and former faculty members.

Bobby Berry

Alumni Association University Recognition

Susan Bray

2020 Kansas Counselor of the Year

Rich Bomgardner

Kansas Athletic Trainers’ Society
Athletic Trainer of the Year

Jason Li

2021 Kansas Counselor of the Year

Aaron Rife

Excellence in Teaching

Michael Rogers

Excellence in Research

CHAMPS sweeps Shocker Leadership Awards

The Sports Management student organization CHAMPS won the following awards in the spring of 2021:

Excellence in Publicity Award
Excellence in Collaboration, Program of the Year: CHAMPS, The Fuse and WSU Sport Management for Black History in Sports Week
Outstanding Virtual Program of the Year: Women in Sports Week
Outstanding Program of the Year: Women in Sports Week
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Three programs within the College of Applied Studies received accreditation

The Ed.S.-School Psychology program has received National Recognition with Conditions from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) until Aug. 2023. The NASP Approval-Conditional status is awarded based on general consistency of the program with critical NASP standards. Work is already underway on program modifications to satisfy the conditions specified in the August decision.

Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) logo

WSU’s Professional Education Unit was granted advanced-level accreditation through Fall 2024 by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) in August. WSU met all standards with no stipulations and no areas for improvement. Advanced-level programs are provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. These programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts.

CAEP logo

The M.Ed.-Counseling program has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through Oct. 2029. Specifically, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling received accreditation without conditions in a July decision by CACREP. This review marked the program’s initial application for CACREP recognition.

CACREP logo