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Karla Burns

June 8, 2021 - Karla Burns’ legacy of music and drama is one of Wichita State University’s most prominent contributions to the performing arts. Burns, 66, died June 4 in Wichita. She attended Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from West High School. At Wichita State, she earned bachelor’s degrees in music education and in speech/theater, both in 1981.

Students at the The School of Digital Arts (SODA) use motion capture.

May 13, 2021 — Whether their goal is to be Gollum in “Lord of the Rings” or a character in the next version of “Call of Duty,” Wichita State University students now have the option to specialize in motion-capture acting through a new concentration within the School of Digital Arts.

Micah and Ken White

May 13 2021 - On Friday morning, Ken White will receive his diploma from Wichita State University at Charles Koch Arena. Walking nearby will be Micah White, his son, who will receive the degree he completed last fall in the ceremony delayed by COVID-19 restrictions. They will be the first on their side of the family to earn a college degree. Ken White, founder and chief financial officer of Howerton+White marketing agency, earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts in media arts, majoring in audio production. Micah White earned his degree from the School of Music in jazz performance with a guitar emphasis.

Shirley Lefever, Rick Muma, Sheree Utash

May 6, 2020 - In a true testament to his love for Wichita State University, Rick Muma didn’t hesitate when he was asked to lead the university through a pandemic and an overall trying seven months as interim president. On May 6, the Kansas Board of Regents showed its appreciation and confidence in his leadership, giving Muma its nod of approval and making him the official 15th president of the university.

Amber Nguyen came to Wichita State to stay close to home where she was offered scholarships to help cover her tuition.

May 6, 2021 -- Amber Nguyen came to Wichita State to stay close to home where she was offered scholarships to help cover her tuition. She participated in events and organizations on campus to network and gained experience through her design internship with the Office of Strategic Communications.

Dr. Richard Muma, the 15th president of Wichita State University

May 6, 2021 -- The Kansas Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Richard Muma as the 15th president of Wichita State University. Muma is currently interim president at Wichita State.

special anouncement

May 5, 2021 — The Kansas Board of Regents has announced a meeting of the board at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 6, in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Shirley Beggs Ballroom (third floor).

Sierra Gladman came to Wichita State to learn graphic design in a beneficial and local environment.

May 4, 2021 — Sierra Gladman came to Wichita State to learn graphic design in a beneficial and local environment. She wants to help a company grow using her graphic design skills.

Andrea Grisanti wants to pursue a career in graphic design.

May 4, 2021 — Andrea Grisanti is graduating with a bachelors of Fine Arts in graphic design

Southwest Airlines plane in the air

May 3, 2021 -- Customer complaints filed against major U.S. airlines soared amid the coronavirus pandemic, even as the carriers generally did better with on-time arrivals and baggage handling during the health crisis, according to the annual Airline Quality Rating released today by Wichita State University.

Dr. Nick Solomey

April 14, 2021 — Wichita State University’s Dr. Nick Solomey, professor of physics, has been awarded a $2 million grant from NASA for his work on developing a neutrino detector to work in space and close to the sun. 

Two Wichita State students using a tablet.

April 12, 2021 – After months of hard work from Wichita State faculty members Carrie Dickison and Maria Sclafani, the Open Alternative Textbook committee approved English 102 for Open/Alternative Textbook (OAT) course designation. Starting in fall 2021, Wichita State students will no longer have to buy textbooks for English 102.

Campus aerial

April 2, 2021 -- While the future of this pandemic and its effect on our daily lives still remains somewhat unknown, we are pleased to be coming to you with a message of cautious optimism as we continue our transition to a pre-pandemic mode of operation. Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to rescind all local COVID health orders, effectively immediately. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have followed all guidance and orders issued by state and local public health authorities. Accordingly, WSU has rescinded all guidance requiring masks, social distancing and mass gathering limitations on our campus. However, we continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community to engage in these practices whenever possible. We also encourage everyone to get the vaccine when they become eligible.

Perspectives: Reestablishing Reality Holding on to a particular narrative is related to holding on to power. What truth do you accept? 2 p.m., Wednesdays, April 7-May 5 www.wichita.edu/reality

April 1, 2021 — Few would disagree that 2020 was a chaotic, confusing year. The next Perspectives series, “Reestablishing Reality,” will help participants understand what has happened and reorient them to the realities of 2021.

Aerial view of Wichita State

March 17, 2021 – Wichita State began developing the Shocker Neighborhood coalition to engage and empower the neighborhood communities surrounding campus. Since then, the commitment has expanded to include 10 neighborhoods and now engages with the community to provide resources, scholarships, academic support programs, mentoring and additional enrichment programs for neighborhood students.