Forward Together: President's October 2024 Message

This fall, Wichita State University achieved a new enrollment record, welcoming 17,700 students to our main campus. Combined with WSU Tech’s all-time high of 6,106 students, our total enrollment across all locations has soared to an impressive 23,806. This marks four consecutive years of enrollment growth. These achievements underscore the strength of our mission, our innovative spirit and our commitment to student success. 

We’ve been intentional in building pathways to higher education that are inclusive, adaptable and focused on helping every student thrive. Our growth reflects a community-wide commitment to these principles, supported by strategic initiatives that make college more accessible and rewarding. 

There are a few key areas I’m proud to highlight this year: 

• Persistence and progress: Fall-to-fall persistence among first-time, full-time freshmen has risen for two consecutive years, reflecting a 4% increase. This speaks volumes about our dedication to helping students stay on track and reach their goals, a priority that continues to guide our Student Success and Persistence initiatives. 
• Broadening access: Our Shocker City and Shocker Select programs, which offer reduced tuition to students in neighboring states, have helped boost the number of new students from Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas by 7%. These partnerships bring talented students to Wichita, and they’re helping build a stronger workforce for Kansas, as many of these students choose to stay in the state after graduation. 
• Inclusive excellence: This year, 18.3% of our undergraduate population identifies as Hispanic, marking an increase that has earned Wichita State the recognition of an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. Additionally, underrepresented minority students grew by 2.1%, and nearly half of our undergraduate freshmen are the first in their families to attend college. These statistics represent real people who are boldly taking steps to transform their futures, and we are proud to be part of their journey. 
• WSU Tech’s record growth: WSU Tech also had a banner year, setting new records in both student headcount and credit hours. Notably, it was recently designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with Hispanic and Latinx students making up 25% of its student body. Through robust programs aligned with industry needs, WSU Tech is playing a crucial role in equipping our region’s workforce with essential skills. 

This year’s record-breaking numbers reflect the dedication and collaboration of our faculty, staff and community partners who have made Wichita State a place where innovation meets opportunity. Each student represents a story, a dream and a future that we’re honored to help shape. 

I look forward to building on this momentum and shaping a brighter future for our students and the communities we serve. Thank you to everyone who played a role in this success. 

Go Shockers!