Forward Together: President's April 2021 Message

With the arrival of spring, our campus has exploded with color. Wichita State’s signature tulips are in full bloom, and they are a breathtaking sight to behold. I hope everyone gets a chance to stop by our campus to see our beautiful gardens.

Supporting families by providing an affordable education and an impactful student experience. This goes right to the heart of our “student-centered” motto. We work to ensure everyone who wants a university education has access to one. Through scholarships and other forms of financial aid, we work with families to make that dream affordable. We’re in the fifth year of our enrollment plan, which has resulted in record freshmen class sizes and a growing diversity in our student body. Additionally, the WSU Foundation just completed its capital campaign, raising more the $80 million in scholarships to support students.

Supporting businesses by providing a talent pipeline that meets their needs. We’re laser-focused on the talent pipeline, which helps our students gain valuable internships and full-time employment, while also providing businesses with high-quality, skilled professionals. That’s one of the purposes of the Innovation Campus, where we have more than 20 companies working on our campus, with our students and faculty, to further this priority.

And, finally, supporting the economic growth and prosperity of our community. The most important way we do that is through research in dedicated centers and institutes, labs, and state-of-the-art facilities throughout our campus. Overall, Wichita State has received $169 million in funded research this past year — another record. We’re on our way to $200 million, expected in 2023.

Staying true to these three fundamental values ensures that Wichita State will continue to prosper well into the future. 

Please take some time to read the full Strategic Plan and Priorities document on our website.