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April 2, 2021 — Public universities play an essential role in freedom of expression and should act as a promoter and protector, especially during contentious times that produce challenging and complex discussions. On Wednesday, March 31, Wichita State University presented “Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression,” a virtual panel discussion that emphasized that point, among many others.

Campus aerial

April 2, 2021 -- While the future of this pandemic and its effect on our daily lives still remains somewhat unknown, we are pleased to be coming to you with a message of cautious optimism as we continue our transition to a pre-pandemic mode of operation. Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to rescind all local COVID health orders, effectively immediately. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have followed all guidance and orders issued by state and local public health authorities. Accordingly, WSU has rescinded all guidance requiring masks, social distancing and mass gathering limitations on our campus. However, we continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community to engage in these practices whenever possible. We also encourage everyone to get the vaccine when they become eligible.

Yuki To

March 11, 2021 – Yuki To, senior at Wichita East High School, is the winner of the 2021 Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship at Wichita State University.

3D printed objects

March 5, 2021 – Students and faculty at the Wichita State Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic have teamed up with the College of Engineering to help a 9-year-old child communicate effectively.

Freedom of Expression graphic

March 1, 2021 - Wichita State University will present a virtual panel on freedom of expression from 3-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 31. The event will be moderated by Lee Pelton, a WSU alumnus who has been president of Emerson College in Boston the past 10 years.

2021-22 Sherr scholarship winners

Feb. 26, 2021 — Seven students in the College of Health Professions have been named Sherr Scholars.

Veterans Upward Bound Program of Wichita State University

February 23, 2021 — The purpose of the Wichita State Upward Bound Program is to improve participants’ academic performance, to assist with enrolling into a post-secondary institution and to ensure enrolled participants will graduate from their chosen program.

Dr. Neal Allen

Feb. 19, 2021 — Dr. Neal Allen is no stranger to controversy, nor are his students. In fact, he prides himself on teaching his students to freely engage in civil discourse on highly contentious topics.

Student Wellness Center

Feb. 17, 2021 - In the fall, Wichita State University public health sciences students took on the questions and uncertainty of helping with COVID-19 testing at the Student Wellness Center. Most are considering a career in health care. The volunteer time offered an applied learning opportunity working with the public during a pandemic and added to their understanding of public health.

Dr. Selena Jackson and Danielle Johnson facilitate Real Talk discussions.

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.

Dawna Raehpour

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.

Sigma Lambda Beta

Dec. 2, 2020 — Wichita State has been successful in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 because college students are following social distancing guidelines. Wichita State’s Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta and the Zeta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta have had no cases of COVID-19.

Shocker Nation bus

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.

Martha Backman

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. 

Emma Wiens, 2020 Grad

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.