Newsroom

Wichita State University news releases, media contacts and resources

The Strategic Communications news and media relations team supports the university and its many departments and centers with news coverage, from announcing major news to promoting upcoming events, all with an eye on the mission and vision of Wichita State.

 

All Media Releases

News and Media Relations staff

Lainie Mazzullo-Hart

Director of Communication (Primary media contact)

lainie.mazzullo@wichita.edu

316-978-3409

Sara Tank-Ornelas

Speechwriting and Copywriting Manager

sara.ornelas@wichita.edu

(316) 978-7287

Paul Suellentrop

Senior Communicator

paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu

(316) 978-5536

Caelin Bragg

Newsletter Editor

caelin.bragg@wichita.edu

(316) 978-3013

Resources and links

 
 
 

All Media Releases

 

 

WSU NIAR partnership creates nation's largest autonomous aviation test ecosystem

July 20, 2026 — The National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems today announced a landmark strategic partnership designed to position Kansas as the nation’s leading hub for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, uncrewed aircraft system testing, advanced aerial mobility and autonomous flight development.

JetZero to open engineering office on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus

July 20, 2026 — JetZero will open an engineering office in the John Bardo Center on Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus near the National Institute for Aviation Research.

NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures form strategic alliance to accelerate aerospace and defense manufacturing

July 20, 2026 — Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Orizon Aerostructures today announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating aerospace and defense manufacturing through integrated engineering, research and production capabilities.

NIAR opens Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research at Wichita State

June 15, 2026 — Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research officially opened its new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research following a two-day grand opening event that brought together industry leaders, federal partners, Wichita State and NIAR employees, and the greater community.

WSU expands program to address critical middle school STEM teacher shortages

June 11, 2026 — Wichita State University is expanding its Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) to include new middle-school level math and science pathways aimed at addressing critical teacher shortages across Kansas.