Meet a Shocker: Xavier Westbrook

Xavier Westbrook came to Wichita State from Canton, Kansas, to pursue a degree in elementary education. He hopes that his student and substitute teaching experiences will turn into a full-time career with Wichita Public Schools.

Xavier is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2025 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Major

Bachelor of Arts in elementary education

Hometown

Canton, Kansas

High school

Canton-Galva High School

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Doctor

What made you choose Wichita State University?

The community and the variety of opportunities to get involved.

Did you earn any scholarships?

Yes, I was a recipient of two scholarships: Tony and Cathy Durano Endowed Scholarship and Adra C. Jones Endowed Scholarship. I'm truly blessed to have received these two scholarships, as they helped make college cheaper and got me one step closer to becoming an educator!

What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here?

My student teaching internship: I was able to teach at three different schools and grades within USD 259.

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

Go to that event! Join that club! Be active on campus and build meaningful relationships with other people!

What's next for this grad?

The plan is to substitute teach at Colvin Elementary School for the rest of the school year and then transition into a full-time job there.

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

Follow Wichita State on social media:

Elementary education

Wichita State's Bachelor of Arts in Education in elementary education equips students with solid knowledge in the academic areas of English, math, science, social studies and the arts while preparing them for careers as certified teachers in grades K-6. The program combines classroom learning and real-world teaching experience in Kansas' largest school district and surrounding areas.

College of Applied Studies

Nobody offers more than Wichita State's College of Applied Studies when it comes to producing qualified educators, athletic trainers, exercise scientists and sport management professionals. We combine nationally accredited programs, exclusive scholarships and unmatched applied learning opportunities to give our students everything they need to build bright futures.