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Ashlynn Farney

Dec. 12, 2023 Ashlynn Farney took time off college during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she returned to Wichita, changed her major to filmmaking and started attending Wichita State. She will graduate with her Bachelor of Applied Arts with a concentration in filmmaking in December.

Tyler Lefebvre

Dec. 11, 2023 - Tyler Lefebvre enjoys Wichita’s dining scene and the activities and clubs offered at Wichita State University. He has been involved with the Wichita State’s varsity esports program as a team member and helping organize and manage the team.

Dean Rodney Miller

May 18, 2023 - Dean Rodney Miller will retire in June following 19 years leading the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University. During his tenure, the School of Digital Arts was created and enrollment in the college has grown to over 1,000 students.

Shocker Studios editing suite

March 30, 2023 - Wichita State University students use the editing suite at Shocker Studios for their video projects. The studio features theater lighting and seating, a 4K digital cinema compliant projector and a 200-inch screen. “No one else has this, certainly no one in the Midwest,” said Justin Rorabaugh, director of Shocker Studios.

Shocker Studios

Feb. 27, 2023 — The classic sit-com set – think anything from “I Love Lucy” to “Seinfeld” to “The Big Bang Theory” – is now a teaching tool at Wichita State University’s Shocker Studios.

Image of veterans holding flags at Eisenhower airport.

Sept. 21, 2022 — The Tallgrass Film Festival has become a staple in Wichita’s arts community during the last 20 years, engaging audiences with world-class programming in a celebration of cinematic arts. The festival is known for connecting film-savvy audiences with cutting-edge filmmakers from all over the world, providing a unique experience throughout the four-day festival. 

Emily Crawford

May 12, 2022 — Emily Crawford earned her elementary education degree by way of the Teacher Apprentice Program while working full-time and raising five children. 

Image of Joshua Iron Wing

May 5, 2022 — Joshua Iron Wing is an adult learner who will graduate in spring 2022. He says she chose Wichita State because of the reputation of the W. Frank Barton School of Business.

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.

Image of Samantha Rowan.

May 2, 2022 — Samantha Rowan is graduate and a first-generation student. She plans to work with elderly after she graduates. Samantha is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2022 graduation. Learn more about her 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.

Juan Aguilar is standing outside behind a metal sculpture.

Feb. 7, 2022 — Four years ago, Juan Aguilar made a decision that is about to make his last two years in college a whole lot more affordable.

Valeria Esparza sits in front of the Wichita State University sign. She is wearing a grey sweater and black turtleneck and is sitting on a brick ledge. There is some shrubbery below the sign.

Dec. 8, 2021— Valeria Esparza’s dream was to attend college as a first-generation student. She is now guaranteed a position to teach elementary education as her future job following graduation. Esparza is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation.

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.