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Hannah Copeland

May 5, 2025 — Hannah Copeland found her calling through years of involvement in WSU’s orchestra programs and youth music clinics. Her most rewarding experience has been student teaching in Wichita Public Schools, and she’s thrilled to continue that journey as the new orchestra teacher at Curtis Middle School.

Luke Parrett

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.

Colby Hutson

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.

John Mark Koontz poses with his double bass outside Duerksen Fine Arts Center

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.

Lille Nightingale poses in front of her research poster at the Kansas state capitol

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.

Shocker Fly Lab rendering

March 10, 2025 — Lynn and Sherry Nichols have given a lead gift of $1 million to Wichita State University to kick off the fundraising campaign for the new, state-of-the-art Shocker Fly Lab, an enclosed flight space to research, design and test unmanned aerial vehicles that will position the university at the forefront of unmanned aerial system education and development.

Melissa Penkava Koza works on a costume for a show.

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.

A Wichita State University graduate waves at the camera, surrounded by other graduates.

Dec. 11, 2024 – A total of 1,209 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 127th fall commencement ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 15 in Charles Koch Arena.

A line graph that shows Wichita State and WSU Tech's enrollment since 1895.

Oct. 2, 2024 — Combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2024 is 23,806, according to the annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents. This is the largest number of students ever choosing to enroll at Wichita State.

The Shocker Sound Machine Marching Band

Sept. 25, 2024 – Wichita State University invites the community to join in its Shocktoberfest celebrations in a week full of tradition and Shocker spirit. Shocktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, is the university’s biggest annual event and will include a brew garden, an entrepreneur’s market, parade and athletic events.

Filming at Synthetic Scenes

Sept. 25, 2024 Wichita State University students now have access to cutting-edge virtual production technology at Shocker Studios with the addition of Synthetic Scenes — a 35- by 11-foot digital wall that will give digital arts students and professionals more tools to create innovative productions.

Kristyn Waits

Sept. 24, 2024 — Kristyn Waits, a Wichita State alumna, reflects on her journey from an undergraduate to graduate student.

Shocktoberfest parade

Aug. 29, 2024 - Wichita State University is welcoming vendors for its fall Shocktoberfest celebration. The deadline for merchants and vendors to join in the Shocktoberfest Family Weekend events is Aug. 31.Shocktoberfest is a public event Sept. 30-Oct. 5 open to the entire campus and Wichita-area community. It is WSU's biggest annual celebration of Shocker pride.

WSU students talking together

July 26, 2024 — Starting college can be hard but the transition is easier with one-on-one mentorship. Learn more about some of the mentor options for Wichita State students.

Desmond Cockrell

May 2, 2024 - Desmond Cockrell, from Tulsa, is the first of four siblings to earn a bachelor’s degree and hopes his story can encourage others to succeed in college.