2020 Bender of Twigs Honoree

Kay Doubrava began her career at Wichita State University with the Campus Activities Center—now the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC)—first as a student assistant and later as Head Cashier, beginning on October 24, 1984. Recognized for her 30 years of service in 2014, Kay has continued to bring dedication, professionalism, and a warm presence to her role at WSU, all while celebrating many milestones along the way.

In her early roles, Kay balanced daily receipts, prepared deposits, verified cashier work, performed unannounced audits of dining areas, reconciled credit card deposits, and processed returned checks with collection efforts. Her commitment to detail and accuracy earned her the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike.

Kay has worked across generations, constantly adapting to new systems and technologies in the Finance Office. Over time, she expanded her responsibilities to include accounts payable and payroll. Her versatility and reliability made her the ideal candidate to support new initiatives, including the 1993 Southside Bookstore partnership with Cowley County Community College. Her assistance helped boost business and customer service at that location.

In 2001, she was promoted to a newly created position known as “Floater,” a role that required her to assist wherever needed across accounts receivable and accounts payable, all while maintaining her previous duties. By 2007, Kay assumed full responsibility for accounts payable, ensuring invoices were properly coded, entered, and processed on time with careful audits and detailed oversight.

In recent years, shifting responsibilities within the Finance team led Kay to manage both accounts receivable and payable alongside a colleague, continuing her excellent service. She has also remained committed to personal growth, taking classes at Wichita State to further develop her knowledge and skills.

Always cheerful and welcoming, Kay was strategically placed at a desk where she could greet every person who came through the office. Her positive attitude and friendly spirit created a warm and inviting atmosphere for coworkers and visitors alike. Her time at the RSC spans many major changes, including the renaming of the Campus Activities Center, the Rhatigan Renewal renovations, and the implementation of new accounting protocols under two different Directors of Finance.

Among the many memories shared, one humorous highlight stands out—on her colleague’s 65th birthday, Kay lit sparkler candles on a cake in a small enclosed office space, inadvertently filling the room with smoke. Doors had to be opened quickly to avoid setting off fire alarms—thankfully, disaster was narrowly avoided, and the moment remains a cherished (and funny) memory.

It has been my privilege to have Kay Doubrava as a teammate for 24 years. Her commitment to excellence, growth, and camaraderie continues to enrich the Wichita State community. Congratulations, Kay, on your well-earned induction into the Bender of Twigs.