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

WSU News Archive   Return to WSU News Home

Matchmaking graphic

March 28, 2022 — The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization at Wichita State University has launched a program designed to connect experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs with cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to commercialize them.

Cohen Ayers and Grace Simon

Feb. 24, 2022 — The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has chosen two recipients to receive the 2022 Professor Fran Jabara Scholarship in Entrepreneurship. This year’s winners are Cohen Ayres from Garden Plains and Grace Simon of Wichita. They will each receive $32,700 over four years to attend WSU and major in entrepreneurship.

J. Robert Young

Feb. 23, 2022 — Wichita State alumnus J. Robert Young has pledged a gift of $3 million to provide resources that will help students build successful careers. Of that total, $2 million will endow the J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence Program in the W. Frank Barton School of Business. The remaining $1 million will support the Shocker Success Center project, which will consolidate 17 student services in Clinton Hall.

Margaret Dechant

Feb. 22, 2022 - The Dean’s Advisory Board for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is excited to announce Margaret Dechant as its new leader. Dechant, CEO and partner at 6 Meridian, will take over for Clark Bastian. Dechant currently serves as a member of the board and looks to bring her knowledge and passion for the Barton School and WSU to her appointment. Bastian chairman of Fidelity Bank, will remain on the board after his term as chair comes to an end in June.

Jon Rolph

Feb. 14, 2022 - The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Jon Rolph, president and CEO of Thrive Restaurant Group and a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, its Executive-in-Residence for the spring 2022 semester.

John Bardo Center

Jan. 24, 2022 — Six Wichita State University teams were selected as semi-finalists in the university’s sixth annual Koch Innovation Challenge Angel Round on December 3. Those six teams of Wichita State students advance to the Grand Champion competition in May.

Campus aerial

Jan. 7, 2022 -- The Wichita Entrepreneurial Coalition has received a nationally competitive Build to Scale Venture Challenge award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grant, one of only 50 awarded across the country, is designed to fuel a national movement promoting high-growth enterprises and unique startups.

Shirley LeFever and President Muma hand Khalid Raza an honorary degree at the WSU fall 2021 Commencement.

Dec. 9, 2021 -- Khalid Raza has never forgotten his Shocker roots. Now the chief executive officer of Graphiant, a next-generation networking technology company based in San Francisco, Raza’s first independent start-up began in 1992 when he was working as a graduate assistant at Wichita State University.

Lillian Nieman plans to apply to several different areas of medical devices to put her degree in biomedical engineering to use.

Dec. 6, 2021—Lillian Nieman learned how to find confidence and advocate for herself while attaining a degree in biomedical engineering from Wichita State University. Nieman is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

Madeline Shonka (left) created an app called CoVstat to help patients with chronic illnesses. Devon Creasman (right) created ICT Box which brings local artisan goods to your doorstep.

November 29, 2021 – Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CEI) has granted two students the Women for Women's Innovation Award — one who wants to use an app to help those with chronic illnesses, the other who wants to support local businesses by creating Wichita artisan gift boxes.

Sierra is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation.

Sierra Brown chose to come to Wichita State for the welcoming environment provided by the in the Shocker Nation prior to choosing a university. While at Wichita State, she participated in the Professional Edge Program and served as president of the Barton School Dean’s Ambassadors.

Abigail is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation.

Abigail Hammack, a native Wichitan, came to Wichita State because of the great reputation of the public administration program with applied learning opportunities. During her time at WSU, she was able to work as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Public Policy & Management Center at WSU and a Management Intern at the City of Andover.

Jane is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation.

May 14, 2021 — As Jane Lickteig prepares for the excitement of graduation, she reflects on her growth through the opportunities at Wichita State. She is excited to graduate because she feels prepared to take on the next chapter in her life.

Joana Lampe

May 12, 2021 - Joana Lampe enjoying working with and learning from fellow social workers. Her experience at Wichita State gives her hope that her profession can help change things for the better. Joana is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring/summer 2021 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Barrett Houchen

May 12, 2021 - Barrett Houchen is a disc golf enthusiast from Wichita who will start work on his master’s degree at Wichita State in biological sciences this summer. Barrett is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.