For WSU News and WSU Today content older than July 2018, search the WSU News Archive.

WSU News Archive   Return to WSU News Home

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.

Andres Saenz Jr.

May 1, 2024 — Andres Saenz Jr. fell in love with Wichita State University when he attended basketball games with a neighbor. Since he’s been a student here, he’s found a sense of belonging through an empowering campus community.  

Amanda Schmalzried

April 29, 2024 — Wichita State University’s Amanda Schmalzried has won the 2024 Bela Kiralyfalvi Student Playwriting Competition for her play, “The Angel of Death.”

Beachner Grain Elevator mural “El Sueño Original – The Original Dream.

April 3, 2024 - A mural titled “Adelante Juntos – Forward Together,” will cover Wichita State's Duerksen Fine Arts Center Amphitheater soon.

Ulrich Art Museum

Feb. 6, 2024 - A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts will help the Ulrich Museum of Art celebrate the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection as part of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary special programming.