As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, Wichita State University is committed
to serving students and promoting a campus culture that holistically supports student
success. Through partnerships with campus and community collaborations, we strive
to advocate for students and their families in obtaining an education and meeting
the needs of our changing demographics.
As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, Wichita State University is committed
to serving students and promoting a campus culture that holistically supports student
success. Through partnerships with campus and community collaborations, we strive
to advocate for students and their families in obtaining an education and meeting
the needs of our changing demographics.
Wichita State University's goal is to attain the federal government’s designation
as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the end of this decade. This effort is not simply
about increasing the number of Hispanic students, but making certain a support infrastructure
is in place to help guide Hispanic students to success through graduation and beyond.
Initiatives
To help Hispanic students, Wichita State offers many support systems and opportunities.
Severalmulticultural scholarshipshave been established specifically for underrepresented minorities, including theAdelante Scholarship, which offers renewable, high-impact scholarships.
Yolanda and Gene Camarena, who established the Adelante Scholarship, also included
additional funding in their gift to support new staff in theOffice of Admissionsand the Office of Hispanic Serving Initiatives. These staff members work to translate recruitment materials into Spanish, presenting
information to families about WSU and event programming geared toward bilingual families.
Efforts continue to increase the diversity of faculty and staff and outreach to Spanish-speaking
parents of students. Edil Torres Rivera, professor of Latine and counseling, leads
the Latine Cluster Initiative. Launched in 2019, the initiative allows the university
to better serve its growing number of Latine students by hiring educators with expertise
in Latine needs.
The Office of Hispanic Serving Initiatives and Hispanic/Latine groups and student
organizations continue to sponsor events that enrich student life at WSU, including
Hispanic Heritage Month activities in the Rhatigan Student Center.
The HALA Scholarship for Community Service was established in 1991 through funding
from the Educational Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance to outstanding
WSU students so that they may complete their college education. Scholarships are awarded
on a competitive basis and contingent on funding available on a year-to-year basis.
Herencia helps high school seniors prepare for college life
In July 2023, the inaugural weeklong summer bridge titled Herencia took place on-campus
at Wichita State University. The program, open to all students but geared towards
native/heritage Spanish-speaking high school students. This experience was intentional
in preparing high school senior students for college through an abundance of cultural
immersion, language enhancement, college credit opportunities, and pathways to success
for college.
Wichita State, Muma announce affiliation with Excelencia in Education
Wichita State and President Rick Muma has recently become a member of the Excelencia
in Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). P4LSS is a group of
college and university presidents dedicated to making their institutions an environment
Latine students can thrive. WSU joins the P4LSS and 175 higher education leaders from
29 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico committed to the collective goal of ensuring
America’s future, working in common cause with Excelencia in Education to make the
country stronger with the talents, skills and contributions of Latine college graduates.
Somos Shockers, an initiative led by Dr. Sara Mata, hosted the Inaugural Latine Graduation
and Celebration for graduating Hispanic and Latine students! Students were awarded
ceremonial stoles for their individual accomplishments and achievments.