Several scholarship awards helped Kaylan Richardson focus on her education and applied learning on her way to a degree. Next for Kaylan: Earning a graduate degree in counseling.
Kaylan is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2026 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
Bachelor of Arts in elementary education unified with minors in marketing and organizational leadership
What is your hometown?
Grain Valley, Missouri
What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?
Grain Valley High School
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A princess!
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State University because of the Shocker City program, which allowed me to receive in-state tuition as an out-of-state student. That opportunity made higher education much more accessible for me. I was also drawn to the education program because of the early classroom experiences. Being able to get into real classrooms early on in my program gave me hands-on experience. Additionally, I appreciated the wide range of opportunities to get involved on campus. From the beginning, I could see that WSU offered ways to build connections, develop leadership skills, and truly feel part of a community.
Did you receive any scholarships to attend Wichita State?
- Shocker Pride Scholarship
- Amelya Tanner Education Scholarship
- Stephanie McCart Memorial Teaching Scholarship
- Dale and Leona Alley Scholarship
These scholarships allowed me to focus less on working to pay for tuition and more on pursuing opportunities that would help me grow professionally. Instead of taking jobs solely for financial reasons, I was able to seek out roles and experiences that directly supported my future career in education. The Shocker Pride Scholarship provided valuable professional development opportunities and connected me with an industry professional who served as my mentor. This mentorship, along with the program’s resources, helped me build meaningful connections and gain insights that will continue to benefit me in my career.
What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here?
I had the opportunity to participate in an applied learning experience as a concurrent enrollment intern in the Office of Admissions. In this role, I gained a strong understanding of the concurrent enrollment process and its impact on students’ academic pathways. I also represented the university by visiting area high schools, where I spoke with students about the benefits of the program and helped them explore opportunities to get a head start on their college education. This experience strengthened my communication skills and allowed me to engage directly with prospective students in a meaningful way.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the opportunities WSU has to offer. Some of the most meaningful experiences and growth come from trying something new, whether that’s getting involved on campus, taking on a leadership role or pursuing an internship. By putting yourself out there, you can build connections, gain valuable skills, and truly make the most of your time at Wichita State.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be staying at Wichita State for my Master of Education in counseling, where I'll obtain both my Licensed Professional Counselor and School Counseling licensure.
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- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 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.
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