WSU News - All Stories

Feb. 11, 2021 - Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute helped by working with the City of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Parks and Recreation on its Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The city and the recreation commission used the money to pay for a parks and recreation master plan. The plan targeted Bernard White Park, which scored lowest for amenities and improvements in the master plan, as one of the prime places in need of updates and a better connection to its neighborhood.

Feb. 9, 2021 — Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI) is working to put a spotlight on an underutilized and underrecognized profession: community health workers (CHW).

Feb. 1, 2021 — Five minutes of scrolling through social media, and it’s evident that many people need a lesson in civil discourse. Wichita State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is working to change that through Real Talk discussions to promote respectful dialogue among people with varying viewpoints.

Jan. 25, 2021 — From a field of more than 800 applicants, Wichita State University has selected the top 14 finalists in the annual Distinguished Scholarship Invitational. Winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 29.

Dec. 17, 2020 – Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute’s coalition is working to better the lives of children by encouraging workplaces to establish family-friendly practices. WSU-CEI works closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to establish multisector partnerships and resources for the execution of the Child Maltreatment Prevention Plan across Kansas. WSU-CEI also organizes a statewide coalition for this effort called Kansas Power of the Positive.

December 11, 2020 - Dawna Raehpour is the recipient of the Stanley Z. Koplik Memorial Scholarship for 2020-21. She will graduate in May with major in public health science and a minor in sociology. The $1,200 scholarship is in honor of Koplik, who served as executive director of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1982-93.

Dec. 10, 2020 - Hannah Wilkinson, Wichita State's associate head strength and conditioning coach, is taking donations for Catholic Charities Harbor House domestic violence shelter and service. The campaign is an extension of the toy drive that strength and conditioning coach Kerry Rosenboom organized in previous years.

Dec. 1, 2020 — Wichita State University has created a scholarship and support network to help those nearest to its campus. The Shocker Neighborhood Commitment provides funding to make college more affordable and attainable for recent high school graduates living in the Shocker Neighborhood.

Dec. 1, 2020 — Two new battery-powered buses wrapped in Shocker pride will soon be seen zipping through Wichita’s streets. Wichita Transit recently unveiled the Wichita State University-branded buses, which are ecofriendly, filled with modern conveniences, and will circulate among the university’s main campus, as well as Wichita State South, WSU Tech and the Metroplex.

December 1, 2020 - Wichita State’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion is organizing “Tenacious Men,” a program designed to provide mentoring and STEM education for underrepresent students in Wichita Public Schools.

Nov. 18, 2020 — There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education. It took 56 years, but the 73-year-old is finally graduating with her degree in aging studies. 

Nov. 16, 2020 – After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. Emma is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for this future nurse.

November 16, 2020 - Morgan Bretches, from Wellington, recently was offered a position as laboratory assistant at Mayo Clinic, where she will investigate the meningeal lymphatic system and the brain. Morgan is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Ya-Aida Sillah, a health management major from Wichita, took a lead role in “Mask Up!,” a Department of Public Health Sciences group project designed to help students understand COVID-19 and health protection. Answers revealed four areas commonly misunderstood. • Some students did not know that fleece and gaiter-style masks are not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19. • Some students assumed a person’s vulnerability to COVID-19 would be visible. In many cases, a person’s vulnerability to the virus may be hidden. • Some students were unaware that nausea and vomiting are potential symptoms. • Some students did not know that monitoring for fever and other symptoms daily is recommended.

November 9, 2020 - KPTS recognized Wichita State University Military & Veteran Services with its Distinguished Veterans Coming Home Business Award in a special program that aired on Nov. 5 on Channel 8. WSU’s Military & Veteran Services provides assistance with Veteran Affairs educational benefits, provides counseling, testing and other service. It connects military students with opportunities for campus involvement. Larry Burks Sr., is the director of Military & Veteran Services.