Office of Online and Adult Learning news article
The Sunflower highlights our new Adult Learners Community and Connections. The ALCC
program takes students through a course about wellbeing and connects students with
peers who help them navigate the university's resources.
A recent award to Wichita State University will be applied to a pre-orientation program
for adult learners to support their transition to higher education
Join me as I speak with Dr. Amber Anderson and Dr. Pamela O'Neal about their innovative
summer bridge program for adult learners. The Wichita State team recently received
a $10,000 grant to fund this initiative.
With expert faculty, comprehensive student support, and affiliations with leading
industry networks, Sport Management provides exceptional career paths. This program
is recognized for its top-tier quality and affordability, recently ranked as the nation’s
most affordable in-state graduate sport management tuition and number six overall
by Intelligent.com.
Wichita State University has a message for all former students who left before receiving
a diploma. The school wants them to try again through its new Shocker Comeback Program.
New episode of Complete College America on the Air! Featuring Dr. Pamela O'Neal and Dr. Brett Bruner who share how their campus is using adult learning theory to inform student success initiatives and how they are
advocating for adult learners across campus.
The Shocker Comeback Program aims to re-enroll students who stopped attending Wichita
State within the last one to three years. The program, according to O'Neal, fits well
within the Office of Online and Adult Learning, as she found that most students who
did not finish their degree at WSU were adult learners.
Tristin Smith, a resilient Shocker student, faced significant health challenges but
persevered to complete her degree. Our Shocker Comeback program supported her journey, and
she's now inspiring others to pursue their educational goals. At Wichita State, we're
committed to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Mason, a 35-year-old father of two, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He transitioned from arborist to aircraft manufacturing to support his family, but his love for nature led him back to biology. Despite a busy schedule balancing school, work, and family, Mason enjoys spending time with his loved ones and pursuing his passions.
For grad Bryan Mitchell, graduation is more than a celebration — it’s proof that perseverance
and support can overcome any challenge. Thanks to his family, fraternity brothers
and Dr. Pamela O’Neal’s guidance, Bryan is ready for what’s next. His advice? “Do
not give up. Don’t quit.”
Ben’s journey is a tale of growth and determination! Watch this Shock Doc! Starting
out as a freshman at WSU, he quickly realized he wasn’t quite ready for college life.
Fast forward to today, and he’s the president and CEO of the Kansas Aviation Museum!
Recognizing the value of education in his career, he re-enrolled last fall to complete
his degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning. Balancing work, family, and
coursework was a challenge, but with support from the WSU team, he’s thriving.
For grad Bryan Mitchell, graduation is more than a celebration — it’s proof that perseverance
and support can overcome any challenge. Thanks to his family, fraternity brothers
and Dr. Pamela O’Neal’s guidance, Bryan is ready for what’s next. His advice? “Do
not give up. Don’t quit.”
Persistence. Passion. Excellence. Arland Wallace, Wichita State’s Adult Learner of
the Year, proves that determination knows no bounds! His graduation 55 years after
starting his degree is an inspiration to us all. We couldn’t be prouder to have him
in our Online and Adult Learning community!
Ashlyn Riggs came to Wichita State University thanks to its proximity to home and
she already had a connection to campus through her mother, who is an active employee.
While at WSU, she had the opportunity to work at the Child Development Center as a lead sub teacher — all while getting her degree in education.