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

WSU News Archive   Return to WSU News Home

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. 

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.

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.

Ella Tucker stands with an oversized check for $50,000. Ella earned the Barton Scholarship for fall 2022.

Feb. 4, 2022 — Ella Tucker, senior at Epic Charter Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been awarded the 2022 Wichita State University Clay Barton Scholarship. She will receive $12,500 a year for four years to attend Wichita State. The $50,000 Barton Scholarship is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas.

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.

Aunjnae White, a first-generation student, posing with her degree in psychology.

Nov. 22, 2021 – New beginnings are usually an adjustment, and it can be a leap of faith if you are the first to go to college in your family.

Shocker Nation graphic

Sept. 30, 2021 -- Enrollment for fall 2021 at Wichita State University and WSU Tech is showing strong growth despite a decline in 2020 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of thousands of local jobs.

Amanda Phanivong

Aug. 13. 2021 – Amanda Phanivong, a Wichita State University junior studying integrated marketing communication, recently began a fellowship with the Kansas-based Storytime Village Inc. While working there with their marketing and special events cohort, Phanivong has fully embraced her time with the Storytime team.

Students at the The School of Digital Arts (SODA) use motion capture.

May 13, 2021 — Whether their goal is to be Gollum in “Lord of the Rings” or a character in the next version of “Call of Duty,” Wichita State University students now have the option to specialize in motion-capture acting through a new concentration within the School of Digital Arts.

Micah and Ken White

May 13 2021 - On Friday morning, Ken White will receive his diploma from Wichita State University at Charles Koch Arena. Walking nearby will be Micah White, his son, who will receive the degree he completed last fall in the ceremony delayed by COVID-19 restrictions. They will be the first on their side of the family to earn a college degree. Ken White, founder and chief financial officer of Howerton+White marketing agency, earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts in media arts, majoring in audio production. Micah White earned his degree from the School of Music in jazz performance with a guitar emphasis.