Celebrate our spring and summer 2026 Shocker graduates
President Rick Muma
Each spring, our campus is filled with moments that remind us why we do this work. Commencement season invites us to pause and reflect on our students’ journeys and the futures they now step into with confidence.
This spring and summer, Wichita State University will proudly award 2,582 degrees. Behind every one of those degrees is a story shaped by perseverance and growth. And behind those stories are the family members, mentors, friends, faculty and staff who believed in these students from the very beginning.
Our spring and summer 2026 graduates reflect the heart of our region and the reach of our university. Together, they tell a story of opportunity that spans communities, disciplines and borders:
- 74.4% of graduates from Kansas, underscoring our responsibility to the state we serve
- 13.5% from out of state and 12.2% international students, broadening perspectives across campus
- Representation from 40 states and 56 countries
- Degrees earned across 230 areas of study
Numbers offer perspective, but what matters most is what they represent: students finding their voices and preparing to contribute in meaningful ways.
Nearly 45% of this graduating class are first-generation college students. For many, this milestone represents years of determination and the hopes of families who are celebrating a college graduation for the first time. Their accomplishments reinforce the importance of access and opportunity at every stage of the student experience.
We are also grateful for the service and sacrifice represented within this class:
- 8% of spring 2026 graduates are military veterans, active-duty service members, dependents or spouses.
Their presence strengthens our campus community and reminds us of the many paths that lead students to Wichita State.
None of this happens alone. These achievements reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, the strength of our community and industry partnerships, and the encouragement of a campus community that walks beside our students throughout their journey.
To our spring and summer 2026 graduates: You leave Wichita State carrying the knowledge, experience and values that define the Shocker spirit. As you move forward, know that this university is proud of you, and we are sincerely honored to be part of your journey.
Go Shockers!
Rick Muma
President, Wichita State University