Forward Together: President's October 2022 Message

Autumn is upon us, and Wichita State University is settling nicely into the comfort of a cooler season. Shockers everywhere are gearing up for the start of men’s and women’s basketball seasons. 

Perhaps the biggest news on campus now is our fall 2022 enrollment numbers. While most universities across the state and nation are reporting declines, Wichita State and WSU Tech are bucking the trend. The combined enrollment of the two campuses is a whopping 21,942 students! 

When separating out the two institutions, Wichita State grew its headcount 5.1% to 16,921 students, and WSU Tech saw a 3.9% increase for a total of 5,021 students. 

What does this mean for Shocker Nation? 

It confirms that we’re doing the right things for the right reasons. It means word is spreading that Wichita State is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities. 

And it means Wichita State is doing precisely what an urban public research university ought to do: serve our state’s people, communities and businesses. 

Enrollment isn’t just about achieving a higher headcount at Wichita State. Our goals around enrollment are metrics that we use to gauge whether our priorities align with the needs of our state. 

• Are we making higher education accessible and affordable for Kansans? 
• Are we supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets their needs? 
• Are we increasing the overall economic prosperity of our state? 

According to the enrollment report, the answer is a resounding yes to all of the above. It’s certainly cause for celebration. 

But like all good Shockers, we are constantly looking for ways to improve, to share the story of Shocker Nation, to foster new partnerships, and to create opportunities for our students to achieve their potential. Here are some exciting projects we’re working on now:  

• The Wichita Biomedical Campus
• University Stadium
• The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul program
• The Shocker Success Center
• ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center on the Innovation Campus
• Marcus Welcome Center
• Build Back Better grant 

Click on the links above to learn more about any of the projects. This is just a sampling of ways we’re working to build a brighter tomorrow for all Kansans. 

Go Shockers!