Gabey Norris

Aug. 7, 2025 - Gabey Norris grew up watching her father work as a K-9 unit officer for Saline County in central Kansas. That upbringing sparked her interest in law enforcement and led her to Wichita State University. Norris, a sophomore majoring in forensic science, sees many opportunities in law enforcement after exploring the profession through paid applied learning at the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute at Wichita State.

Brandy Henrickson

July 29, 2025 — Brandy Henrickson, a senior majoring in forensic science, recently interned at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Wichita Field Office. Making money while she worked helped her focus her energies on school and the internship.

Lisa Oldham

May 9, 2025 — Lisa Oldham, a proud two-time Wichita State grad, has dedicated her academic and professional journey to advocating for healing and justice in underserved communities. Fueled by resilience and a deep connection to Indigenous culture, she aims to serve others through work in corrections, mental health and substance use recovery.

Michael Birzer works with several students in the UReCA office.

May 8, 2025 – WSU professor Michael Birzer blends law enforcement experience with research and mentorship, empowering students through hands-on learning and community-focused scholarship.

Lee Frank

May 7, 2025 Lee Frank will attend the University of Kansas Law School of Law school after completing Wichita State University’s Legal Education Accelerated Degree. Her internship with a law firm got her started on her career with experience working alongside attorneys and attending trials.

Braden Webb

May 7, 2025 Braden Webb, a Gore Scholar, capitalized on Wichita State’s strong engineering program and his passion for transportation issues. He worked at NIAR WERX, studied in London and interned for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington, D.C.

Jeffrey Blessant

May 2, 2025 - Jeffrey Blessant transferred to Wichita State because of its cost and to study in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is an avid reader who wants more access to books for more people.

Arland Wallace works at his computer

May 2, 2025 Arland Wallace sat down with The Active Age to discuss his time at Wichita State University. After his first semester at WSU back in 1970 didn’t go well, he returned over 50 years later to get his bachelor’s degree in anthropology, with plans to move on to his master’s. “I just made the decision that cancer was not going to define me.”

Madelyn Stilwell

April 30, 2025 — Madelyn Stilwell has built an impressive foundation in research and leadership through hands-on experiences at Wichita State and beyond, including co-authoring a scientific publication and presenting her work at national conferences. She’ll intern at Likarda this summer before continuing her studies in WSU’s biomedical engineering master’s program.

Dr. Sarah Beth Estes

April 28, 2025 — Wichita State University has appointed Dr. Sarah Beth Estes as the new dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Estes brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student and faculty success.