College of Fine Arts News - All Stories

April 30, 2025 — Luke Parrett, a filmmaking major from Oklahoma, chose Wichita State for its proximity to home and the hands-on learning offered at Shocker Studios. His time at WSU has been shaped by applied learning in nearly every class, preparing him to pursue gig work across the Midwest and build a career in the film industry.

April 30, 2025 — Colby Hutson came to Wichita State for engineering but found his true calling in music performance, thanks to small class sizes and supportive relationships with professors. After graduation, he’s headed to Colorado State University to pursue a master’s degree in French horn performance.

April 23, 2025 — John Mark Koontz is graduating with a Bachelor of Music in double bass performance. He credits Wichita State’s faculty and ensembles for shaping his growth. His advice: stay consistent—progress takes time, but it adds up.

Discover the musical journey of Gerald “Jerry” Scholl, percussion professor at Wichita State University, as he reflects on a global performance career, impactful mentorship, and his passion for teaching the next generation of musicians.

Explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Irma Puškarević, a Wichita State graphic design professor whose passion for language, typography, and cross-cultural storytelling shapes her research, teaching, and creative work.

April 7, 2025 — Wichita State senior Lille Nightingale studied wildebeest migration and transformed their movements into a choreographed dance. Her research blends art and science, offering a creative look at the natural world.

Discover how Broadway National Touring performer and WSU alum Amy Baker Schwiethale returned to her roots to lead, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists.

Discover how Wichita State alumna Cosima Le brings creativity and student engagement full circle in her role as Recruitment and Communication Specialist for the School of Digital Arts.

Dr. Lori Santos, Associate Professor of Art Education at Wichita State University, has been named the 2025 Western Region Higher Art Educator by the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Recognized for her innovative "Three Cs" philosophy—Creativity, Culture, and Community—Dr. Santos has transformed art education through leadership, research in Indigenous pedagogy, and community engagement. Her impact extends from Wichita’s USD 259 school district to international collaborations in Peru, emphasizing the power of art to build connections and inspire change. With numerous accolades and a dedication to fostering future educators, Dr. Santos continues to shape the field through service-learning projects, eco-Indigenous art workshops, and cross-cultural initiatives.

The Wichita State University School of Music hosted the prestigious West Central National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) auditions on November 17–18, bringing over 400 vocalists to campus. This transformative event celebrated musical artistry and allowed Wichita State students to compete on their home stage.