Forward Together is a podcast hosted by Wichita State University President Rick Muma. In each episode, Dr. Muma and his guests discuss the aspirations and inspirations that drive Wichita State to be one of the nation’s most innovative public universities, known for providing impactful student experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities we serve.
Episode 12 – March 2023
Deloitte Smart Factory @ Wichita State
Join President Muma for a conversation with Stephen Laaper, a principal at Deloitte Consulting, when we talk about Deloitte Smart Factory at Wichita State, a groundbreaking, immersive learning environment for business leaders to experience smart manufacturing solutions.
Episode 12 HomeEpisode 11 – February 2023
Canada's Chief Science Advisor
In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma speaks with WSU graduate Dr. Mona Nemer, a leader in the field of molecular cardiology and chief science advisor for Canada. They discuss her career path and the influence of policy and science in relation to public health.
Episode 11 HomeEpisode 10 – December 2022
Wichita State R&D with Industry and Defense
In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma speaks with John Tomblin, senior vice president for Industry and Defense and executive director of WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research. They discuss the evolution and advancement of research at Wichita State, including how Tomblin has grown WSU’s aerospace engineering R&D portfolio from $20 million in 2004 to more than $190 million today.
Episode 10 HomeEpisode 9 – November 2022
Education in Kansas
In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma talks about the state of education in Kansas with two extraordinary educational leaders: Wichita Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Alicia Thompson; and Wichita State University Provost, Dr. Shirley Lefever.
Episode 9 HomeEpisode 8: October 2022
Athletics: Name, Image and Likeness
In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma talks with Kevin Saal, who was hired as director of athletics at Wichita State University in June. Kevin is leading Shocker athletics during a time of significant change – name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and conference realignment top the list.
Episode 8 HomeEpisode 7: September 2022
Performing Arts: WSU on the National Stage
In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma talks with Julius Thomas III and Amy Baker Schwiethale — two graduates of the WSU School of Performing Arts. Julius Thomas III is an actor, singer and dancer with credits in movies, television and stage — including starring roles in traveling productions of “Motown: The Musical” and “Hamilton.” Amy Baker Schwiethale performed on Broadway including a national Broadway tour of “42nd Street” and “Honk!” Schwiethale is currently a Wichita State professor and program director of musical theatre.
Episode 7 HomeEpisode 6: May 2022
LatinX Food, Culture and Community in Wichita
Celebrate the food and culture of the LatinX community with WSU President Rick Muma in the latest episode of the “Forward Together” podcast. Dr. Muma speaks with WSU faculty members and LatinX cultural researchers Dr. Enrique Navarro and Dr. Rocío Del Águila.
Episode 6 HomeEpisode 5: April 2022
Innovation at Wichita State
In this month's episode of the Forward Together podcast, we talk about all things innovation. Hear about the accessible comic book app WSU's Dr. Darren DeFrain developed, and learn more about next-generation networking technology with Shocker alum Khalid Raza.
Episode 5 HomeEpisode 4: March 2022
Research at Wichita State
Learn about some of the cutting-edge research being done at Wichita State University in our March Forward Together podcast. To celebrate Women's History Month, President Rick Muma speaks with Dr. Melinda Laubach-Hock, director of sustainment at WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research; and Dr. Coleen Pugh, vice provost for research and dean of Wichita State's Graduate School.
Episode 4 HomeEpisode 3: February 2022
Providing Access to Higher Education
On this episode of the Forward Together podcast, WSU President Dr. Rick Muma and his guests discuss WSU’s priority of making higher education accessible and how it helps build a stronger community and a stronger Kansas. Special guests include John Rolfe, president and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Isaac Brown, WSU men’s basketball head coach.
Episode 3 HomeEpisode 2: January 2022
Annual Report
On this episode of the Forward Together podcast, WSU President Dr. Rick Muma and his guests reflect on and celebrate all that Wichita State University has accomplished in 2021. Special guests include James Chung, founder of Reach Advisors and author of the Chung Report; and Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan, vice president of engagement and planning at Wichita State University.
Episode 2 HomeEpisode 1: December 2021
Digital Transformation
In this inaugural Forward Together podcast, we focus on digital transformation in the arts. We're joined by Shocker alum Dean Hargrove — writer, director and producer, whose credits include “Columbo” and “Matlock — and Wichita State's dean of the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Rodney Miller.
Episode 1 Home