Forward Together: President's August 2024 Message

At the beginning of each academic year, the university puts on a fall kick-off event for faculty and staff. It’s an opportunity for us to reconnect, reignite our passion for the work we do and realign with our shared vision. And each year, I’m awed by how much we’ve accomplished — not just year over year, but in the history of our university.  

In 129 years, we’ve come so far from the struggling-but-determined Fairmount College with just 16 students and three faculty members to a flourishing urban public research university with a reputation for academic excellence, innovative problem-solving, community engagement and outreach, and a forward-looking vision that continues to drive us toward new horizons in education, research and economic prosperity. 

And 10 years ago this month, we embarked on another significant chapter with the announcement of plans to build the Innovation Campus. This bold step launched us into a new trajectory — reshaping how we educate our students, forge partnerships with business and industry, conduct problem-solving research, and engage with our community. 

One of the most significant milestones in recent history has been the development of our Innovation Campus. This year, as we celebrate 10 years of the Innovation Campus, we’re reminded of how transformative this decade has been.  

The Innovation Campus has not only reshaped our physical landscape but has also redefined our approach to education, research and industry collaboration. We’re fostering an environment where ideas are born, creating endless opportunities for our community. 

A testament to our commitment to innovation is the Milly Marcus Annex addition to the Marcus Welcome Center where the Shocker Career Accelerator is now collocated with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. This move is more than just a change of address: It’s a strategic decision to better support our students the moment they show up on campus to learn how to get admitted, but also learn about career readiness, professionalizing for work settings and seeking paid applied learning experience, all of which are necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market upon graduation. 

Additionally, we’ve broken ground on Phase I of the Wichita Biomedical Campus. This ambitious project, which could potentially include Kansas’ first dental school in Phase II, underscores our dedication to advancing health care education and research in the region. The Wichita Biomedical Campus will serve as a hub for medical innovation, training the next generation of health care professionals while driving economic growth. 

And, of course, we can’t forget the official launch of the Shocker Success Center, a space designed to support the holistic success of our students. With 18 student-serving offices all under one roof, the Shocker Success Center is poised to become an essential part of our students’ journey at Wichita State. 

As we look back on these achievements and look forward to what’s next, we will continue to push boundaries, innovate and make an impact — not only on our campus but across the world. 

Shockers up!