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ATF building on Wichita State campus

May 19, 2026 — Wichita State University marked the opening of a federal forensic laboratory on its Innovation Campus, expanding the university’s role in applied learning and national public safety efforts.

Joshua Villa

April 29, 2026 — A homegrown Wichitan and first-generation college student, Joshua Villa’s journey at Wichita State was marked by extensive leadership, service and advocacy across campus.

Ana Jara Valenzuela

April 29, 2026 — Paraguayan Ana Jara Valenzuela first visited Wichita State as an undergraduate exchange student in 2022. She loved it so much that she decided to return to earn a graduate degree and professional certificate.

Sheida Sharafi

April 29, 2026 — Sheida Sharafi has curated her younger self’s ambition to be a doctor into a medical-adjacent field: biomedical engineering. During her time at Wichita State, she has honed her professional skills through several applied learning and research experiences.

Autymn Schreiner

April 29,  2026   The reputation of WSU’s physician associate program brought Autymn Schreiner to Wichita after earning her undergraduate degree in Topeka. Her advice to future Shockers: “Lean into grit and determination throughout your time at WSU.” 

Kaylan Richardson

April 29,  2026   Several scholarship awards helped Kaylan Richardson focus on her education and applied learning on her way to a degree. Next for Kaylan: Earning a graduate degree in counseling.  

Michael Nealon

April 29, 2026 — Missourian Gary Nealon leaned all the way into applied learning, tackling hands‑on healthcare projects and landing a new full-time role as an academic program socialist at a medical school.

Payton Hamilton

April 29,  2026   Payton Hamilton has taken full advantage of the travel programs Wichita State offers, including Lead for Tomorrow and Bill’s Trip through the Cohen Honors College.  

GoCreate

March 18, 2026 - Make48 returns to Wichita State University to launch the 10th season of the invention competition and host teams from its first Classroom Innovation Experience on March 20-22.

Justin Neel holds a Pizza Shuttle box.

Jan. 22, 2026 — A staple of Kansas college towns is coming to Wichita State University. Pizza Shuttle — along with its signature flavors and lightning-quick speed — will open in Braeburn Square before the end of January.

A student dusts fingerprints look sat bullet casings under a microscope.

Jan. 13, 2026 — Wichita State University will launch two graduate programs in forensic firearms and forensic biology in fall 2026, expanding the pipeline of trained specialists prepared for careers in federal, state and local crime laboratories.

Devika Nekkalapu

Dec. 10, 2025 — When Devika Nekkalapu was a child, she imagined she'd work for the Indian Administrative Service, but her fascination with technology led her down another path. In December, she will graduate with her master’s degree in business analytics. 

 
 

A graduate holds up the Shocker hand sign

Dec. 10, 2025 — More than 1,200 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 128th fall commencement ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 14 in Charles Koch Arena. Degrees will be conferred at two ceremonies: 2 p.m. for all graduate students and 5 p.m. for all undergraduate students.

Laura Santander Díaz

Dec. 9, 2025 — With a master's degree in biological sciences under her belt, Laura Santander Díaz is fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a scientist.

Isabella Winter

Dec. 8, 2025 — Isabella Winter enjoyed earning her undergraduate degree so much that she came back and earned her graduate degree in engineering management. Her advice to other students is "step out of your comfort zone and talk to people in your classes."