The College of Applied Studies (CAS) is welcoming six new faculty/staff members for the Fall 2025 semester.
Dr. Yang Fu is an assistant professor in special education in the elementary education program. Her research focuses on improving access to high-quality, effective instruction for students with disabilities, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In addition, her research centers on bridging the research-to-practice gap through collaborative partnerships with schools and communities. A former special education teacher, she brings practical classroom experience to her scholarship and teacher preparation work. She recently earned her doctoral degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Jacy Krsmanovic is a double alumna from Wichita State, graduating with a bachelor's degree as well as obtaining her Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from WSU. She's now returning to the very program she was once a student in, as an Assistant Clinical Teaching Professor in the School Psychology department. Jacy has published and presented on the topic of digital resilience, and is deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering academic excellence.
Julie Lang
Julie Lang is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Counseling in the Department of Intervention Services and Leadership in Education in the College of Applied Studies at Wichita State University. She is a Registered Play Therapist, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor.
Julie brings more than 15 years of clinical experience across diverse settings, including private group practice. She is the owner of a counseling private practice as well as the founder of a mental health collective serving the Wichita community. She has served as a breakout speaker at numerous professional conferences, including the American Psychological Association, the Kansas School Counselor Association, and the Kansas Association for Play Therapy.
Her teaching interests include Play Therapy, Family Systems, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Attachment, Counseling Theories, Counseling Techniques, Mindfulness, and Private Practice Business Models. Julie's research centers on the neuroscience of Play Therapy, therapeutic alliance with children, child attachment styles, attachment fractures in counseling, and the integration of Play Therapy and nervous system biofeedback practices. Through her work, she is committed to bridging research, clinical training, and community practice to expand mental health access for children and families, particularly within foster care and school-based settings.
Dr. Solomon Moore is an assistant clinical professor of counseling in the ISLE department. He is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed school counselor, and a national certified counselor with a decade of experience in the counseling field. Previously, he served as a clinical faculty member at Culver-Stockton College and a professioal school counselor. He owns a small private practice. Dr. Moore is passionate about social justice, mental health, and supporting students in their academic journey.
Erin Nichols is the new Director of the Transition to Teaching Program and an Assistant Educator in the School of Education. Erin has been in K-12 education for 26 years including time spent as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, full-release new teacher mentor, and high school assistant principal and principal. She has extensive experience facilitating professional learning at the local, state, and national level. Erin is also a lead facilitator for Kansas Mentor and Induction Center.
MacKenzie Kessler is the Program Manager for Wichita State Esports. Previously working with the program for 2+ years prior as the Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, her work focuses on strengthening collegiate esports through innovative programming, student leadership development, and building connections between higher education and K–12 communities. A designer by training, she brings creative expertise and organizational leadership experience to her role. She recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Wichita State University and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership & Management.