Forward Together: President's August 2023 Message

I love everything about fall at Wichita State: helping new students move into the residence halls, faculty returning from summer research and vacation, and the beginning of a brand-new academic year!  

I hope everyone’s summer was relaxing and rejuvenating, and maybe you got to spend a little time in front of the TV catching up on your shows.  

One show that aired its final season this summer was “Ted Lasso” — which, if you are unaware, follows an obviously fictional and successful Wichita State University football coach, who leaves WSU to coach a soccer team in the United Kingdom. He basically knows nothing about the other kind of football, but his infectious positivity inspires the struggling team with the power of kindness and teamwork.   

Ted undeniably mirrors the spirit of Shocker Nation through his unwavering optimism and undeniable determination, so today I want to share with you some quotes from “Ted Lasso” that align with the tenets of what we do here at Wichita State and prove that — even though he’s a work of fiction — Ted is a true Shocker.    

Don’t worry. If you haven’t finished watching the series, there are no spoilers.   

1. “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” Throughout Wichita State’s history, we’ve accomplished some remarkable feats: building the Innovation Campus, record enrollment at a time when most universities are struggling to attract students, raising $42 million in gifts for need-based aid from 2019-2023, increasing research awards from $55 million to $300 million in 10 years … the list goes on and on. And all that happened because, together, we faced a challenge, we understood the assignment, and we got to work.  
2. “As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.” What some people might perceive as luck, was really hard work; and that’s what Ted is conveying here. We weren’t lucky when we accomplished any of the items listed above, and we aren’t afraid of digging in, getting our hands dirty, and doing the work. That’s how we do things at Wichita State. We know how to get things done. And it isn’t luck.
3. “Success is about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.” That gets to the very core of our mission, vision and the very reason why we do what we do: To ensure our students’ success — however they might define it. For some, it means getting the very best grades, joining clubs and seizing every opportunity that comes their way. For others, success is taking the brave step of being the first in their family to attend college or making a deadline on an assignment while juggling family and a full-time job. Every member of our WSU faculty and staff, including myself, is dedicated to giving our students the tools and resources they need to achieve their own versions of success.
4. “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: At Wichita State, we do the right things for the right reasons. Those reasons are the people and businesses of our state, and the right things are outlined in our university priorities: 
   • Helping families through access and affordability
   • Supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets employer needs
   • Increasing economic prosperity with higher education that benefits the Kansas economy  
5. “Believe.” From the beginning of Ted’s time as a soccer coach for AFC Richmond, it was clear that this was his motto. Ted posted a “Believe” sign in the locker room, and it’s a theme that runs throughout the series. For me, I can say with an abundance of optimism that I fiercely believe in the strength of Shocker Nation, the future of Wichita State University, the potential of our students, and the power and promise of every one of you.     

As Shocker Nation strides forward to welcome new challenges and exciting opportunities, let us channel the spirit of Ted Lasso and adopt the power of optimism, resilience and teamwork. Together, we have the opportunity to shape not only the lives of our students but also the future of our university, our state and the world. 

Go Shockers!    

Sincerely,