Forward Together: President's November 2024 Message

Wichita State University mourns the loss of an extraordinary leader, mentor and friend, Dr. Jim Rhatigan, who died in October.

For nearly six decades, Jim — the namesake of the Rhatigan Student Center — was the heart and soul of our university, championing students with a steadfast commitment to their well-being and success.  

Jim joined the Wichita State family in 1965 as the university’s first, and one of the nation’s youngest, deans of students. He was a beloved and larger-than-life figure whose influence spanned generations. His unwavering belief in the potential of every student and his tireless advocacy for their needs cemented his legacy as one of the strongest supporters of students. 

Jim often reminded us that students aren’t just customers or consumers. They are the very essence of what Wichita State is all about. That belief and his legacy continue to guide our mission and priorities, shaping the university's student-centered approach. 

With that foundation, and through projects like the Shocker Success Center, we are creating spaces where students can access essential services that support academic and personal achievement. Similarly, our Student Success and Persistence initiative ensures that we’re doing all we can to give students the resources they need to achieve their degrees, as well as an applied learning model that offers students opportunities to gain real-world experience, preparing them for meaningful careers while they are still in school. And finally, our steadfast focus on access and affordability ensures that a high-quality education remains within reach for all who aspire to transform their futures. 

These are examples that tie back to Jim’s legacy and live on in every student who finds their place at Wichita State, every graduate who changes the world, and every life enriched by the opportunities this university provides. As we remember and honor his remarkable life, let us recommit ourselves to his vision of an inclusive, supportive student-focused university. 

Thank you, Jim, for showing us how to lead with heart, humor and purpose. 

Go Shockers!