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

WSU News Archive   Return to WSU News Home

Luke Johnson

May 15, 2026 - Wichita State’s College of Engineering and facilities such as the wind tunnels gave Luke Johnson many opportunities for applied learning. He will continue his education at WSU while pursuing a Master of Science in aerospace engineering and work at the National Institute for Aviation Research.

Caden Carlson

May 13, 2026 - Caden Carlson, who pole vaults on the Wichita State track and field team, is a two-time member of the American Conference’s All-Academic team. He earned two of Wichita State’s most prestigious scholarships, which helped him focus on his studies on his way to a job in Wichita’s vibrant aerospace industry.

Abby Otten

May 13, 2026 - BILL’S Trip, a service-learning experience for students in the Cohen Honors College, provided Abby Otten one of the highlights of her time at WSU. Travels to national parks broadened her understanding of our nation. 

Sam Schwarz

May 13, 2026 - Wichita State’s aerospace engineering program and its labs, wind tunnels and classrooms convinced Sam Schwarz to come to campus from Missouri. Once at WSU, his experiences in the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College made his experience more interesting and fulfilling. 

Sumran Faizan

May 13, 2026 - Wichita State’s aerospace engineering program and the applied learning opportunities at the National Institute for Aviation Research convinced Sumran Faizan to attend Wichita State.

CubeSat

April 30, 2026 - The WSU-led CubeSat project started in 2016. Launch into low earth orbit by NASA will allow researchers to look at the sun in a new way and perform experiments not possible on earth with solar neutrinos.

Dulce Torres Gonzalez

April 30, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected Wichita Northwest High School senior Dulce Torres Gonzalez as the 2026 recipient of the $34,000 Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship.

Manuel Salamanca

April 29,  2026    Manuel Salamanca shaped his Wichita State experience through hands-on aerospace engineering work, including NASA Jumpstart, student aircraft manufacturing and competitive design-build projects. A first-generation and military-affiliated student, he will serve on active duty with the U.S. Air Force after graduation before pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.  

Salma Echakar

April 29, 2026 — From across the globe in Morrocco, Salma Echakar heard about Wichita State’s aerospace program and came to Kansas to pursue her degree. Her advice to future Shockers: “Time goes by quickly, so take advantage of every opportunity.”

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.

Mitchell Steele

April 29,  2026   Mitchell Steele maximized his Shocker journey. With multiple on- and off-campus internships, research opportunities and a featured role on Wichita State’s episode of “The College Tour,” Mitchell built a truly holistic and meaningful experience during his time here.  

2026 Richard D. Smith Scholarship winners: Caroline Love, Norfolk Senior High School; and Sallie Longwell, Valley Center High School

April 7, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected two recipients for the Richard D. Smith Scholarship, the university's largest scholarship award. Sallie Longwell of Valley Center, Kansas, and Caroline Love of Norfolk, Nebraska, will receive more than $80,000 over four years.

McPherson College President Michael Schneider, McPherson VP for academic affairs Matthew Skillen, Provost Lounsbery, and Dean Larisa Genin

March 31, 2026 — Wichita State University and McPherson College have established a new academic partnership that creates an accelerated pathway into the Master of Business Administration program offered through Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business.

2026 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship Winners: Adeline Lank and Gabriel Shaffer

March 25, 2026 — Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business has awarded the 2026 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship to two Wichita-area students: Adeline Lank from Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School and Gabriel Shaffer from Valley Center High School. Each will receive $36,400 spread over four years to attend WSU and study entrepreneurship.

2026 Rudd Scholars winners

March 24, 2026 — The ninth cohort of Rudd Scholars includes 17 Kansas high school seniors who have chosen to attend Wichita State University.