Current Honorees

President's Distinguished Service Award

Jennifer Anozie, Dean's Office, College of Health Professions

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I am proud to be a Shocker because it is a place where innovation, creativity, and collaboration are valued and encouraged. I enjoy being around a supportive, and respectful community of leaders, staff, and faculty who are committed to serving and improving the workplace and education. I have worked at Wichita State University for so long that it is more than just a workplace, it is a home for me.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
One piece of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a colleague was to try to step out of my comfort zone and use feedback to help grow and improve my skills and performance.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
One of the technological innovations that have made the most impact on my life is the internet. The internet has enabled me to access a vast amount of information, communicate more easily with family who lives abroad, and quickly learn new skills that help me work more effectively. I use the internet daily for various purposes and cannot imagine living without it.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
I wish I was a better negotiator and communicator so that I would feel more confident asking for what I need help with in various situations.

What is the most important skill every person should have?
The most important skill every person should have is critical thinking. Critical thinking can help people make better decisions, solve problems more easily, and avoid biases and making unnecessary mistakes. If we all had great critical thinking skills, the world would be more peaceful and fair because we would be more informed and able to make more rational decisions that are not influenced by our feelings and opinions.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Some of the qualities that I admire in others are honesty, integrity, creativity, and resilience. These qualities inspire me to learn from others and improve myself.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
If I had a superhuman power, it would be Telekinesis power so that I could move objects with my mind. This would help me complete a lot of housekeeping duties without lifting a finger. Mom-power!!

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
Traveling into the future would be a fascinating adventure that would help inform my decisions and perspective in my present life.

Describe yourself in three words.
Curious, helpful, and creative

What is one item on your bucket list?
One item on my bucket list is to visit the Grand Canyon. The natural beauty and history of this place would seem breath taken. I think it would be an unforgettable experience.

What (or who) inspires you?
- I am inspired by learning new things and expanding my horizons.
- I am inspired by creativity and innovation that solve problems and improve lives.
- I am inspired by kindness and compassion that make the world a better place.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Alicia Keys is a singer and songwriter who has a soulful voice and a heartfelt message. She cares deeply about the people and causes she supports, and she strives to be a positive influence for her fans and the world. She is passionate about her music and her mission, and she inspires others with her authenticity and courage.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
A teacher because I loved learning new things and sharing them with others. I admired my teachers for their knowledge and passion, and I wanted to inspire students the way they inspired me. Teaching seemed like a rewarding and meaningful career that would allow me to make a positive difference in the world.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
If I could give one piece of advice to my 21-year-old self, it would be this: don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions. You have a lot of potential and talent, but you also have a lot of doubts and fears. Don't let them hold you back from exploring new opportunities and learning new skills. You never know what you might discover or achieve if you step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Remember that failure is not the end, but a chance to grow and improve. Trust yourself and your abilities, and enjoy the journey.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
Wheel of Fortune

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink Ice Cream every day. I love peppermint ice cream from Braum's!

Are you right or left handed?
I am left handed

President's Distinguished Service Award

Carley Enyart, Housing and Residence Life, Student Affairs

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
Along with my amazing professional staff team that I have the privilege of leading, I am really proud of the shift we have created in the culture of our student staff. We have really prioritized leadership, team bonding, relationship building, doing good work, and making a difference over the last couple of years, and it has had a tremendous impact on our teams. As a department who hires a lot of students, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to prepare them to be good global citizens when they enter the workforce after graduation. We want them to look back at their time working in Housing and Residence Life as a place that allowed them to grow as students, as people, and as employees. Additionally, we want them to understand what a positive work environment should look like so they can continue the ripple effect in their chosen fields.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I am proud to be a Shocker for many reasons. I grew up in Wichita, but Wichita State was not quite as integrated into the community as it is now. I remember hearing that WSU is "a commuter school" my whole life. I am incredibly proud to be here at a time where there is so much growth and excitement on campus. When people ask where I work, I am always elated to tell them I work at Wichita State! Being a Shocker also means a lot to me because working with students and my staff is my favorite part of my day, every single day. We have incredibly driven, intelligent, engaging, and hopeful students on our campus. Watching them have "lightbulb" moments in regards to personal, social, emotional, or academic growth is such a privilege to be a part of. Lastly, I am proud to be a Shocker because the climate of higher education in general right now is challenging. Being in a post-pandemic world where students needs are different, as well as staff needs, it is exciting to be a part of conversations that will help us to move the university forward to continue recruiting and retaining world-changing students.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Learn people's stories. Use those stories to make positive change in the world and always advocate for those who have voices that are not at all the tables.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
The first thing I thought of when I read this question was the fact that we had to take typing classes during school. Just a few years ahead of me in school, they didn't have a requirement to take typing. Though it was annoying at the time to type over those orange silicone mats, I am incredibly thankful for the ability and knowledge of something as simple as typing. Another technological innovation that has made a huge impact on my life is the power of social media. Even though I dislike many aspects of social media, there has been a lot of good that has come from it as well. I have been able to connect with women with similar life experiences than my own in really deep and meaningful ways. I appreciate that social media allows for people to try to connect in a world that is so disconnected. I do wish that people would use it less often, and just pick up the phone and call, but it has been transformative.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
I have always wished that I was fluent in another language besides English. Speaking with people is my favorite thing to do, and I feel like only being able to communicate in one language limits my ability to understand our world and all the wonderful people in it. I also wish I could play a musical instrument or have a good singing voice! My currently terrible singing voice doesn't stop me from singing loudly in the car though 😊

What is the most important skill every person should have?
Good listening and empathy. If we can't truly listen to other people's stories/thoughts/experiences, then we will not create any positive change in the world. On top of listening, being able to be empathetic to people whose stories are different than yours is a close second.

What qualities do you admire in others?
I admire when I see courage in other people to do hard things. People can choose to take the easy way out on situations, or they can do the hard, but right thing. Doing the hard thing inspires other people to do the hard thing as well. And if we all were able to have more courage and do more of the "hard things" our world would be a much better place.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
If I could have a super-human power, it would be to clean my entire house with the snap of a finger. I enjoy cleaning, but I feel like I could do so many other cool things if I spent less time cleaning!

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
I think I would go all the way back to when dinosaurs were walking the earth. Looking at stars in the sky, or thinking about time and how small we all really are makes me appreciate life so much more, and I think being around dinosaurs would make me feel this way.

Describe yourself in three words.
Empathetic, optimistic, inquisitive

What is one item on your bucket list?
Become a mom. I am due with our first baby in September, so this "bucket list" item is so close I can taste it!

What (or who) inspires you?
My husband inspires me. His drive, his heart, and his ability to connect with anyone are little things that inspire me daily. My parents also inspire me. Being together for (almost) 35 years and the way they love each other deeply is something I wish everyone could witness. I feel things deeply, and am inspired daily by a lot of the people in my life. Seeing people authentically shine as themselves inspires me to continue to strive to do the same thing.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
Probably any of the times that I have gotten to see Thomas Rhett. I have followed along with his family for years and look up to them & really enjoy the stories he tells in his music!

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
I would choose Reese Witherspoon. Not because I necessarily think I am like her, but because I admire her greatly. She is an incredibly strong woman who advocates for people without a voice, she is fun and down to earth, and of course can rock a good pink outfit!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
I wanted to be a teacher or an OB/GYN. Growing up, my little sisters and all their friends were at the mercy of my friends and I who played teacher/school all the time. My mom even sewed us some "uniforms" for our students, and we had a massive white board in our basement that we taught all our lessons on. I remember at some points wanting to be an OB/GYN, but that is just because I love babies. I don't really like science, and I have a hard time with blood, so I don't think that ever would have been a good idea 😊

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Take care of yourself – mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially. You get one life, use it wisely.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
Family Feud!!! In the summers growing up, I watched it almost every day. Steve Harvey & his facial reactions are hilarious. I applied once to the show and haven't heard anything back yet from them.

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
In middle school I ran one cross country meet and swore that I would never run again in my life. This past November, I ran half marathon with my two best friends, and we completed it in less than two hours. Never say never, I guess!

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink raspberry-filled donuts every day.

Are you right or left handed?
I am left-handed! My grandpa was left-handed as well, and he was a wonderful watercolor artist. I like to think I am left-handed because of him. Unfortunately, that did not come with the same artistic ability!

President's Distinguished Service Award

Suzanne Hawley, Public Health Sciences, College of Health Professions

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
I hope I have exemplified commitment, consistency, competency, and compassion in my teaching, scholarship, and service.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
Shockers nation has great sprit, loyalty, and collaborators.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
One piece of advice my mentor gave me was past behavior is the greatest predictor of future behavior.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
The internet because I teach 100% online and also accomplish scholarship and service online.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
I wish I was handy and could fix things around the house.

What is the most important skill every person should have?
To be able to get along and play well with others.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Authenticity, compassion, and competence.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Teleportation, no question!

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
Visit my children when they were much younger and savor every second.

Describe yourself in three words.
Creative, caring, and hard worker.

What is one item on your bucket list?
Visit my last continent.

What (or who) inspires you?
Contributing to a great cause and helping others.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
Luis Miguel

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Ali Wong

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
Anesthesiologist. Helping people go to sleep sounded low stress fun to watch the surgery room.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Everything will turn out fine no matter what you think is going on, so have more fun.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
Family Feud

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I traveled in an international performing group when I was 18 for a year with people from 27 different countries.

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink baked goods from Paris Baguette every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Left handed.

Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award

Jana Henderson, Research and Technology Transfer, Academic Affairs

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
Stepping into the role of Associate Director for Pre-Award. It's been one of the most challenging yet absolutely amazing experiences in my life!

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I am proud to be a part of the work being done at WSU everyday. Our goals and ambitions are honorable and exciting and the camaraderie is infectious.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Kim Moore once told me that anyone can thrive when everything is going well, and that I wouldn't know how good I was until challenges started to arise.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
Aside from the usual computers, phones, etc…being able to cast movies from my phone to my television has made a tremendous impact on my overall happiness. And the GPS on my phone is irreplaceable as I have no sense of direction.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
I wish I was able to cook really well… in fact, I wish I enjoyed cooking, as that could inspire me to learn how to do it really well.

What is the most important skill every person should have?
Work-life balance. Yes, I consider that a skill that should be developed continuously.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Intelligence, wisdom and bravery

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Super strength

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go back and spend time getting to know my grandparents.

Describe yourself in three words.
Christian, hard-working, kind

What is one item on your bucket list?
Learning how to ride a bike.

What (or who) inspires you?
My babies; Donte and Tatianna. They are amazing and they inspire me to put forth my best effort every day.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
WinterJam

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Lupita Nyong'o

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
I wanted to do anything in an office setting. I always envisioned myself as a businesswoman.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Give yourself time – you don't have to figure it all out today!

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
Supermarket Sweep

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I am very shy!

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink Yakisoba noodles from Mr. Miyagi every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Right

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am truly honored to receive this award!

President's Distinguished Service Award

Sheri-Lyn King, Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
I enjoy working at the WSU Cassat Speech Language Hearing Clinic, and I feel that I have contributed to its positive atmosphere and organization. I want it to be a place clients want to come, a place where graduate students feel supported, and a place where faculty and staff find it easy to work. I hope to continue to promote our team spirit and help everyone enjoy the great things we do here.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I'm proud to be part of Shocker community and diversity. I'm happy that WSU can be a gateway to opportunity for so many people.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
A college professor once told me that a professional is always prepared.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
Computers and smartphones have helped us work quickly and communicate instantly.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
This is not work related, but I wish I could play music "by ear." I'm a musical "good student" but my brain doesn't have the "by ear" part.

What is the most important skill every person should have?
The ability to look another human being in the eye, smile, and be kind.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Leadership.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
I would like to be able to ease the suffering of those around me, especially friends and family.

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go forward into the future. I wonder what innovations are coming to the world. Life in the past was harder!

Describe yourself in three words.
Quiet, organized, focused.

What is one item on your bucket list?
I would like to take a LONG walking tour anywhere – England, Spain, Appalachia, etc.

What (or who) inspires you?
Peacemakers like Gandhi, MLK Jr., Mother Teresa.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
I was never a big concert goer; however when my kids were at East High School here in Wichita, we attended many performances in music, drama, etc., and were very impressed with the level of talent.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
I don't feel the need for a movie about me!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
A musician. My parents gave me tons of lessons and I was a good student. I did work as a musician at various times in my life, in church music, and as an accompanist for USD 259.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Find the things you are good at, and fill your life with them.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
I don't want to be on a game show – I'm not good at that type of pressure. But I would like to write the questions!!!

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I lived in Brazil for 5 years when I was a child.

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink one bowl of ice cream every night before bed. (My preferred brand is Blue Bell.) every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Right

Is there anything else you would like to add?
My husband and I have recently enjoyed riding in Biking Across Kansas which happens every year in June. We started going in 2012, and this year will be our tenth time. It's like adult day camp. The challenges are on many unexpected levels, and pushing yourself leads you to surprising places!

President's Distinguished Service Award

Justin Rorabaugh, School of Digital Arts, College of Fine Arts

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
My most significant accomplishment at WSU has been the founding and ongoing development of the School of Digital Arts and Shocker Studios. I couldn't be prouder of the faculty/staff team we have in place. Their talent, creativity, and drive keep me moving forward with dreams of the future for our program.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I get to work with creatively brilliant individuals on a daily basis.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Rodney Miller – if you see a turtle on a fence post, it didn't get there by accident.

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
Cell phones, hands down. When I was in school, the concept of everyone having a micro-computer in their pocket that could bridge communication around the world was reserved for science fiction.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
I have always found forging (as in metal forging not check) to be a fascinating practical skill. My family lineage has been traced to early Nordic tribes and the metal working they engaged in has always been interesting to me.

What is the most important skill every person should have?
Financial literacy

What qualities do you admire in others?
Honesty and integrity win every day.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Flight

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
The last supper as an observer

Describe yourself in three words.
Thoughtful, encouraging, innovative.

What is one item on your bucket list?
To spend 6 months in the Netherlands

What (or who) inspires you?
Human decency

What is the best concert you ever attended?
This is going way back ... Cinderella – it was my first!

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Either Tom Segura or Bert Kreischer

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
My Grandpa Clutter – he was a straight shooter and wasn't afraid of anything.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Believe in what comes next ... it is pretty awesome!

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
Jeopardy

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I tore my bicep training kickboxing in an MMA cage about 5 years ago

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink Reese's Eggs every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Right Handed

President's Distinguished Service Award

Carolyn Shaw, Political Science, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
I have had the privilege to contribute to the Shocker learning community for 22 years through my work as a faculty member, chairperson, Senate president and AVP. Some of my highpoints have included advising our Model UN team, traveling abroad with students, helping launch our first-year seminar initiative, and serving with so many talented and committed people to grow enrollment at WSU.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I'm proud of the deep commitment across campus to the growth and development of our students. Staff and faculty go out of their way every day to serve and encourage our students.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Just be yourself. You are great!

What is the most important skill every person should have?
The ability to be a strong advocate for themselves.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Spontaneity and patience.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
I would like to be able to breathe underwater. I love swimming and water sports. It would be cool to explore shipwrecks, coral reefs, etc without any additional gear.

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
I love the movie Back to the Future with Michael J Fox. I would go forward in time, maybe 100 years to see all the new technologies that have emerged and see what my descendents are up to.

Describe yourself in three words.
Organized, Optimistic, Pragmatic

What is one item on your bucket list?
To go on an African safari.

What (or who) inspires you?
Both of my grandmothers, who were strong, educated women.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
Canadian Brass, but I prefer Broadway musicals.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
As a high schooler, I wanted to be a translator at the United Nations. I was always fascinated with languages and even created my own coded messages with friends when I was little.

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
That I am an avid sailor.

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink a chocolate croissant every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Right

President's Distinguished Service Award

Kevin Wedan, Dean's Office, College of Fine Arts

What do you think is your most significant contribution, accomplishment or achievement at WSU?
Adaptability

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I started coming to campus at around eight years old when adult relatives returning to school as non-traditional students brought me to activities associated with their WSU classes. After high school I enrolled at WSU and, after a rocky start, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance from the College of Fine Arts. All the while I took much of what WSU has to offer for granted, especially the Ulrich Museum of Art's on-campus out-door sculpture collection. I thought, "If WSU/Wichita has this, the rest of the world must have bigger and better." Upon graduating I moved to New York City and was surprised to learn that – no, the rest of the world does not have bigger and better - when my seemingly innate ability to identify works by Henry Moore, Fernando Botero, Joan Miró, etc., was greeted with awe and wonder by New Yorkers as well as people I met from across the country. Leaving Wichita and discovering WSU had instilled in me a knowledge base I had heretofore taken for granted added to my pride in being a Shocker. Since returning to Wichita and working in the WSU College of Fine Arts Dean's Office over these 11+ years, my Shocker Pride has grown exponentially at seeing first-hand the advances in the arts at WSU and throughout Wichita. Indeed, I can now affirm, when seeking bigger and better look no further than Shockers, we're the BEST!

What’s the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Never drink pink alcohol (i.e. Rosé, White Zinfandel, Sloe Gin, etc.). Thanks Wendy!

What technological innovations have made the most impact on your life? Explain how or why.
Considering I started life in a house with one telephone (rotary), a large black-and-white television (3 channels: no remote), a small, mono record player for 45 rpm records, and the newest technology I longed to have for my very own was an AM transistor radio, I would have to say ... Microchip technology. My iPhone has replaced all of the aforementioned devices and more.

What practical skills do you wish you had?
Speed reading; and finance/budget analysis (Yawn!)

What is the most important skill every person should have?
Self-discipline

What qualities do you admire in others?
Kindness, Honesty, Empathy, Humor, Confidence

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Telekinesis

If you have one opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and what would you do?
1920's, New York, The Charleston

Describe yourself in three words.
Imaginative
Irreverent
Incorrigible

What is one item on your bucket list?
Experiencing a sensory deprivation/isolation tank.

What (or who) inspires you?
As cliché or overly solicitous as it may seem, observing College of Fine Arts students, from their first semester to graduation, grow as performers and artists honing their talents, techniques, and abilities.

What is the best concert you ever attended?
1995 - Patty LuPone on Broadway (Walter Kerr Theatre); Solo concert

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
What?!? I can't star as myself?

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
A grown up.
Why? See answer to the fill-in-the-blank question below.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Agree to meet for cocktails, but not cocktails and dinner. If you agree to cocktails and you're having a good time, you can always move on to dinner. If you agree to cocktails and dinner and you're not having a good time during cocktails, you're stuck.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be?
As the host: The Gong Show
As the Announcer: The Price is Right
As a panelist: The Hollywood Squares
As a prize model: Let's Make a Deal (think Carol Merril showing a beautiful console stereo)
As a contestant: Password

What is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
People always seem surprised when they learn that I LOATHE bananas.

FILL IN THE BLANK:
If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast ice cream for breakfast every day.

Are you right or left handed?
Right hand dominant

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thought this was "SHOCKER PRIDE 20 QUESTIONS." This question makes 21! (I refer you to Question 10 above.)