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Wichita State University Student Camille Brashears is an adult learner who wants to begin a freelance graphic design and marketing business after she graduates.

May 3, 2022 — Camille Brashear is an adult learner who will graduate in spring 2022. She says she chose to continue her education at Wichita State not only because it was affordable, but also because of the local pride surrounding WSU.

Chonnor Ludolph

May 5, 2022 — Chonnor Ludolph was named Mr. Shocker at the athletic department’s Gold Carpet Awards in April, given to a senior who displays excellence in athletics, academics, character, service, and personal development. Ludolph finished third in the American Athletic Conference decathlon in 2021. Chonnor is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2022 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Adult learning at Wichita State University

April 6, 2022 — Wichita State University has been designated an Age-Friendly University for its leadership in research, education and care for older adults. Wichita State is the first institution of higher learning in Kansas to receive this designation. Being recognized as an AFU demonstrates Wichita State’s commitment to promoting healthy and active aging through research, enhanced learning opportunities for people across generations, and innovations that address issues affecting older adults.

Wichita State students at Intrust Bank Arena

March 24, 2022 — Around 12-15 Wichita State students are volunteering for the practices and events surrounding the NCAA women's basketball Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. Their responsibilities range from organizing practice schedules to decorating locker rooms with NCAA and school logos to working with media members on credentialing and seating. Some will run statistics. For those planning on a career in athletics, the applied learning experience adds to their resume and gives them experience working a nationally recognized event with large crowds and a television audience.

Stephanie and Matt Clark

March 7, 2022 - Wichita State alums Matt and Stephanie Clark taught English to students from fifth grade to high school in Ukraine from 2006-08 as Peace Corps members. Their friends and their warm memories are in turmoil as the Russian invasion wears on in their adopted country. They rely on social media to hear from former students, host families and friends, as they try to sort good information from bad and bring attention to the crisis.

Ella Tucker stands with an oversized check for $50,000. Ella earned the Barton Scholarship for fall 2022.

Feb. 4, 2022 — Ella Tucker, senior at Epic Charter Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been awarded the 2022 Wichita State University Clay Barton Scholarship. She will receive $12,500 a year for four years to attend Wichita State. The $50,000 Barton Scholarship is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas.

Merry Kirkpatrick stands in a field of yellow flowers with her 3 kids. One is a little baby girl in her arms. The other two are little boys. Her husband stands behind her. They are all wearing yellow themed clothes to match the flowers. There are some trees that line the blue sky.

Dec. 8, 2021— Merry Kirkpatrick learned how to balance family life and school while earning a degree in the early childhood unified program. She plans to continue working at WSU’s Childhood Development Center following graduation. Kirkpatrick is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

Megan Schmidt, 34, obtains nursing degree with the support of her family.

December 6, 2021 — From being a mom of five to becoming a labor and delivery nurse. How does Megan Schmidt do it all? Schmidt is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

Chris Schroeder, 32, learns to stand up and keep moving in the wake of challenges.

December 6, 2021 — Christopher Schroeder is thankful he learned how to advocate for himself and find his true passion for biology during a long road to graduating. Schroeder is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

Christopher Wright, 33, earned a physics degree 15 years in the making.

December 6, 2021 — Christopher Wright not only has a job as a Communication and Navigation technician in the Air Force but is now graduating with a physics degree. Wright is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

The American Athletic Conference logo

Oct. 29, 2021 - The American Athletic Conference is investing in big cities and the state of Texas with its addition of six new members recently. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Florida Atlantic University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Texas, Rice University and University of Texas at San Antonio had their applications for membership approved last week.

Louisa Brunt

Oct. 11, 2021 - Louisa Brunt, from Manchester, England, transferred to Wichita State from Texas Tech University to golf and to earn her master’s degree in criminal justice. Brunt graduated from Texas Tech, where she earned Academic All-Big 12 honors three times, with a major in criminology and a minor in forensic science. Brunt expects her career path to take her into police work or the FBI.

Prisca Barnes (right) reads to a student at Storytime Village.

Sept. 22, 2021 — What started as one woman’s passion project has flourished into a literacy empire that serves thousands of children in schools across the Wichita area — helped along the way by the people and services of Wichita State University.

John Lee, director of Campus Recreation

Oct. 16, 2021 - Later this fall, pickleball becomes permanent on campus at the Heskett Center’s Outdoor Sports Complex.  When it became necessary to resurface six tennis courts, John Lee, director of Campus Recreation, decided to do something different. The complex will feature four pickleball courts, two courts for tennis and two existing courts for half-court basketball and one for futsal. 

Casey Ratzlaff

Aug. 23, 2021 - Casey Ratzlaff, a Wichita State University senior majoring in sport management, will compete in the Tokyo Paralympics Games beginning Aug. 27, at Ariake Tennis Park in Tokyo.