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NIAC Symposium at Wichita State

Aug. 31, 2026 - Some of the newest and boldest ideas in space exploration will be featured Sept. 15-17 at the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium at Wichita State University.

Members of the physician associate program pose in front of a wall with Wu on it. Members of the program are all wearing shirts that read "Suspenders4Hope #WeSupportU," with stylized yellow suspenders that are made up of different words printed on the shirts.

Aug. 25, 2026 Wichita State University continues to expand its commitment to mental health and wellness across academic disciplines. The physician associate (PA) program has officially been recognized as the next Suspenders4Hope® Mental Health Advocates on campus. This designation highlights a curriculum-wide effort to prioritize psychological safety and awareness for both future practitioners and the patients they will serve.

Dr. Nikki Keene Woods, Dr. Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell, Dr. JaeHwan Byun, Dr. Waruna Seneviratne, and Dr. Nick Solomey

July 30, 2026 — Five Wichita State University faculty and staff members will be featured in a weeklong takeover of NPR's "The Academic Minute," sharing research on topics that include public health, artificial intelligence in education, advanced space manufacturing and particle physics.

Dr. Moriah Beck

May 20, 2026 — Dr. Moriah Beck, Talaty Endowed Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Wichita State University, has been elected a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious scientific societies.

Dr. Jamarco Clark graphic

April 10, 2026 — Wichita State has named Dr. Jamarco Clark as its next vice president for Student Affairs, effective July 1.

Wichita State students

March 10, 2026 - Wichita State University’s First-Year Seminar and Shocker Design Experience are producing impressive persistence increases.This design thinking course focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and developing curiosity. A key component is learning that failure can be the first step toward success.

The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization in Suspenders4Hope shirts

March 2, 2026 The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization is being recognized as a Mental Health Advocate for its integral part in helping the Student Wellness Center and Counseling and Psychological Services launch Suspenders4Hope, leading to communities both in and outside of Wichita State having the tools necessary to support those in need.

John Tomblin stands between two men with an award.

Feb. 5, 2026 — At this week’s 10th annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM) in Tampa, Florida, John Tomblin was honored with the MILAM Lifetime Achievement Award. Tomblin is Wichita State University’s executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and executive director of the WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research.

A student dusts fingerprints look sat bullet casings under a microscope.

Jan. 13, 2026 — Wichita State University will launch two graduate programs in forensic firearms and forensic biology in fall 2026, expanding the pipeline of trained specialists prepared for careers in federal, state and local crime laboratories.

NSF ranks Wichita State No. 1 in aerospace engineering R&D and No. 9 in overall engineering R&D from all funding sources

Jan. 12, 2026 — Fueled by a boost in contracts from federal agencies and various military branches, Wichita State University continues to hold strong in its standings in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey, reporting $392 million in research expenditures in the latest survey.

Dr. Ali P. Gordon

Jan. 7, 2026 Dr. Ali P. Gordon has been named as the next dean of the Wichita State University College of Engineering, effective June 7.

WuShock and Xavier Westbrook

Dec. 10, 2025 — 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.

Avinash Pabbisetti

Dec. 8, 2025 — Avinash Pabbisetti chose Wichita State for its holistic approach to his program in supply chain management.

Natalie McConico

Dec. 8, 2025 — Natalie McConico is a homegrown Wichitan who was already well-versed in the many attributes of Wichita State University. She was particularly impressed by the opportunities available to engineering students.

Exterior of the Shocker Success Center

Dec. 2, 2025 - The impact of the Shocker Success Center is seen in the increased traffic and in how the convenience encourages staff members to work together while helping students. The Shocker Success Center brings 18 campus resources, previously housed in 12 buildings, into one building.