WSU News - All Stories

Oct. 16, 2020 — The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners is working to improve the lives of more than 70 million forcibly displaced refugees worldwide by making education more accessible.

Sept. 23, 2020 - Darren Defrain is the social professor of English and director of the writing program at Wichita State. Defrain has written novels, memoirs and essays, created a graphic novel, teaches on graphic novels/storytelling and is actively working on a graphic novel app.

Sept. 21, 2020 -- Saying she wants to help build a new generation of business leaders with a world view, Wichita State alumna Peri Widener has pledged $275,000 to her alma mater. A portion of the gift will launch a program to help develop students into global business leaders.

Sept. 21, 2020 — A panelist of performing artists, moderated by Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will discuss the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the events industry at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Sept. 18, 2020 - In July, Emily Christensen spent five days on Zoom participating in the National Critics Institute, a program of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn. Christensen, coordinator of external affairs for Wichita State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, wrote about food, plays, movies and dance. She, and 16 others in her group, listened to and received critiques from people such as such as Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones, who directs the program, and Helen Shaw of New York Magazine.

Aug. 31, 2020 -- Gene and Yolanda Camarena are well known for helping underserved Kansas youth improve their lives through education and other causes. Now the Wichita couple is enhancing that legacy with a $1 million gift to Wichita State University to give students of color opportunities they otherwise might not have.

July 7, 2020 -- Nearly 70 years after John and Colleen Wooley first met as students at the University of Wichita, they have established a legacy that will touch the lives of Wichita State University students for generations to come. The couple’s $2.2 million estate gift will provide more than $100,000 in scholarships each year for students with financial need.

May 27, 2020 - Wichita State's Shocker Studio is alway updating its technology for students in the School of Digital Arts and the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts. An industry advisory board, with voices from around the nation, helps Shocker Studios plan for what’s next and what’s important. The technology upgrades include the two recording studios – one digital, one analog - that are undergoing remodels that include new acoustics, new sound boards and new components.

May 14, 2020 -- Rhian Cunningham is as creative as they come, with her constant doodles and calligraphy notes, her personality shines through. Currently, she is an intern in the Office of Strategic Communication where she gains hands-on experience in graphic design. After graduation, she is unsure of her next steps but will spend time figuring out what she hopes to do.

May 15, 2020 -- McKenzey Bell knows the importance of taking time to work on your goals and chasing after what you want. She is a pro at visual storytelling and is excited to see where her passion for filmmaking takes her in life.

May 12, 2020 —Carter Bryant found his home at Wichita State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries as an art history major. He’s played roles in curating several exhibits throughout the university and the general Wichita artistic community.

May 8, 2020 — Amy Huser’s plans for her master’s thesis gallery opening have been dashed by COVID-19, but she’s not letting that stop her from achieving her graduate degree in a more virtual manner.

May 8, 2020 — Amy Huser installed hundreds of feet of weavings for her Master of Fine Arts thesis show “Casually Not Okay.” The brightly colored textiles are suspended from the ceiling with hooks and almost invisible lines, almost like brushstrokes liberated from canvas.

April 29, 2020 — In lieu of the traditional art show where graduating graphic design students exhibit their work, this year's seniors will be hosting their show online.

April 29, 2020 -- Thanks to a group of local professionals, including three Shockers, Sedgwick County creatives financially impacted by the coronavirus can now apply for emergency relief.