Welcome!

Welcome to a new day where the light shines brightly on the students, staff and faculty of WSU because of your inextinguishable support. You have helped ignite more opportunities, better experiences and enhanced rewards for our people and ultimately for our community.

One of our shining moments of the past year was the opening of the new West Campus on 37th St. and Maize Road. This facility provides a great opportunity for us to better meet the needs of our students, and places WSU in a major growth area. During its first semester, more than 2,000 students enrolled in classes. An unexpected surprise was that 72 percent of those students also were enrolled in courses on the main campus. The 24,000 square-foot building meets our needs today, but because we have seen such growth on the west side over the past years we have planned with ample space to be able to expand in the future.

Also looking to the future of WSU is the construction of the Engineering Research Laboratory Building – the first of two much needed lab and research facilities. The second, to be built as part of Phase II, is scheduled to begin in early 2007. All four engineering departments will have increased laboratory and research space in the first new building. Completion is expected in February 2007. The new labs will permit engineering faculty and National Institute for Aviation Research personnel to take on more externally funded research projects and involve more undergraduate and graduate students. Industries in the areas of materials, communications and manufacturing should benefit from the increased capabilities of the new labs when they retain WSU for research and testing.

Bright minds, bright classrooms, bright futures. Thank you for illuminating our endeavors to meet the needs of those who shine at Wichita State.

Respectfully,

Donald L. Beggs
President