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Adult learners

June 5, 2024 - Wichita State University is building on success with Shocker Pre-Season programs by offering adult learners a chance to start the school year confident and connected.

Christen Brouillette

April 30, 2024 Christen Brouillette came to Wichita State University from Texas, which they found hard to transition to, but with the help of peers, faculty and the resources available at WSU, they were able to find success. They hope to work as a historian or archivist following graduation. Christen is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2024 graduation. Learn more about their time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Student and librarian sitting across a reference desk from each other.

March 18, 2024 — Wichita State University is not just reshaping downtown Wichita with the Wichita Biomedical Campus; it’s redefining health care education by harnessing the dynamic interplay between health care and the humanities.  WSU’s new Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities, or HealthHum as it’s been monikered, aims to increase the visibility of a wide range of research and teaching in areas related to health care and humanities beyond the traditional health professions.

Robert Weems graphic

Feb. 27, 2024 — Black History Month serves as a time for reflection, education and the promotion of awareness about the rich and diverse history of the Black community. Wichita State is embracing the rich tapestry of history and heritage by highlighting some of the amazing Black educators who make a difference in students' lives every day.

Christen Brouillette, Derek Landwehr and Darbee Chard

June 30, 2023 — A group of graduate students from Wichita State University’s Department of History is chronicling the history of the LGBTQ community in Wichita.

Picture of 1958 sit-in from The Enlightener

Feb. 24, 2023 - The Dockum Drug Store sit-in of 1958 attracted new attention in 2021 during Black History Month, in part thanks to NBC’s “Today” and Wichita native Sheinelle Jones. Several University of Wichita students participated in the sit-in, which is increasingly recognized as a landmark event in the Civil Rights Movement. NBC’s “Today” featured the events in a 2021 broadcast.

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. 

Alexander Sterzing

Sept. 21, 2022 - Alexander Sterzing is a member of Wichita State’s rowing team and involved in other activities such as the International Buddy Program and Christian Challenge. Alexander, from the Houston area, majors in aerospace engineering and works in the NASA Jump Start Program.

Harvey D. Grace Memorial Chapel

July 25, 2022 - “Explore Wichita State” is a seven-stop campus audio tour featuring significant sites and university history. Host Carla Eckels of KMUW narrates. The tour starts at the Ulrich Museum of Art and ends at the Carnegie Library Columns at 17th and Fairmount.

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.

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.

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.