WSU News

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.

April 28, 2025 — When the email notification popped up, Dr. Mary Liz Jameson, professor of biological sciences, thought there must have been a mistake. It must have been for someone else at the university or perhaps another Mary Liz at a different university. Once the shock wore away, Jameson realized it was true: She had been elected to the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Fellows, class of 2024, for her integrated work on entomology.

April 14, 2025 — The CARE Team and Student Outreach and Support (SOS) are being recognized as a Suspenders4Hope Mental Health Advocate for their proactive support for the campus community. Their work ensures students, staff and faculty alike all have the tools necessary to work and learn at their full potential. Hear from Katie Davidson, director of SOS, on how the teams are supporting mental health.

April 10, 2025 — Wichita State students spent summer 2024 excavating the Boxed Springs archaeological site in East Texas, uncovering 6,000 years of Caddo history through hands-on research, artifact analysis and academic publishing.

Feb. 25, 2025 — The National Endowment for the Humanities recently awarded a Wichita State University faculty member $150,000 to further develop a smartphone application that allows visually impaired people to read materials rich in visual content.

Dr. Mark Esposito has been selected as the keynote speaker for the Spring 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series and J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, hosted by the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. Renowned for his expertise at the intersection of technology and economics, Dr. Esposito is an internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Feb. 14, 2025 — Dr. Moriah Beck's journey as a scientist is rooted in the belief that research is a powerful driver of innovation and personal transformation. For Beck, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Wichita State University, research is far more than an academic pursuit — it’s a way to connect with a global scientific community and spark change.

Jan. 31, 2025 — What started as a work study position in the costume shop of her university’s theater department has propelled Melissa Penkava Koza’s sewing hobby into guiding the next generation of costume creators.

We are deeply heartbroken to share with our community and friends that Kiah Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C.

Erin Cummings, serial entrepreneur, author, and angel investor, has announced the launch of Armine + Ambrose—a semi-fine jewelry brand reflecting resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. Named after the middle names of her children, the brand celebrates storytelling through wearable symbols of courage and intention.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Yvette Connor has joined its Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board. Connor is a principal and risk advisory practice leader at CohnReznick, a global advisory, assurance, and tax firm with 4,300 team members.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce its first ever “25 Under 25” class. This award honors current undergraduate students who are making waves at the Barton School, Wichita State, and in their communities. This inaugural class will receive exclusive mentorship opportunities through the Barton School and will be recognized at an event in Spring 2025.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Marty Cornejo has joined its Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board. Cornejo is co-owner of Cornejo Holdings, a diversified company with interests in operating businesses, warehouse developments, manufacturing, hotels, and luxury apartments. His extensive background in the family business, Cornejo & Sons Construction, includes serving as president until its acquisition in 2010.