Wichita State’s tagline, student-centered, innovation driven is a commitment to empowering students through innovation, research, and hands-on learning. I had the privilege to visit with President Rick Muma, to explore how this philosophy shapes student success and the university’s future. Let’s take a look.
I mean, what tremendous growth you have had over the last 10 years, remarkable.
– Yeah. It’s amazing. You know, I’ve been here for 28 years, and in the first 15 years of my career here I thought, well, we’re moving along pretty well, but in the last nine years we’ve developed this innovation campus really with the idea of connecting our students to business and industry much, much sooner in their career as a student, so they’re ready to start working when they graduate.
– Yeah, I mean, how fantastic. What great opportunity like combining the companies with the students that apply learning.
– I wish I would’ve had something like that when I was in school.
– Yeah, me too. This place is insane. Unbelievable. I mean, the applied learning that the students here are getting here, incredible.
– It really is, and when we built this facility, one of the first buildings we built on the innovation campus to give students hands-on experiences with these robots, but there’s all other kinds of things that you are seeing here in this facility that students are working on, and it’s also exploded research at the university. We’ve increased our research by over 200%. We have annual research awards, about $400 million, giving students even more opportunities to work on those research grants that we have now and it’s just amazing.
– Yeah, these are lucky students.
– Well, I got some more stuff to show you.
– Alright, let’s see it.
– Come on follow me. So this is the Shocker Success Center. We just opened it. We really did build this with intentionality, bringing together about 20 different offices to help support students. Tutoring, Shocker support locker, career closet, all kinds of other testing services just for them.
– Yeah. One building.
– And they don’t have to go all over campus, it’s just right here. Took an old building, gutted it down to the concrete studs, and then made this fantastic, fabulous building.
– Yeah, you can tell the students love it. It’s amazing. Thanks for spending the day. This has been great.
– Yeah, absolutely.
– Yeah, it’s awesome. That’s remarkable, President Muma. With Wichita State’s focus on innovation and real world experiences, students are gaining the skills and confidence to tackle any challenge they face ready to lead in today’s ever changing world. Thank you so much for spending time with us.
Ashlyn is here to tell us about WSU’s College of Applied Studies and how it’s helping her achieve her goal of becoming a teacher. The College of Applied Studies combines nationally accredited programs, exclusive scholarships, and applied learning opportunities to give students the resources they need to be tomorrow’s leaders, teachers, trainers, and sport professionals. We can’t wait to hear more Ashlyn, take it away.
– Thanks Alex, and hello everybody. I was born and raised a Shocker. I grew up just 30 minutes from Wichita and my mom graduated from WSU. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would bribe my younger siblings into playing school with me where I would take on the role of their instructor. During my first year, I lived in the suites with my best friend as my roommate and we had an amazing time experiencing everything campus life at Wichita State has to offer. We love studying at Starbucks and strolling around the beautiful campus. During my freshman year, I started working at the WSU Child Development Center, which solidified my desire to become a teacher. While working there, I learned about the Teacher Apprentice Program or TAP, which allowed me to earn credits towards my degree while teaching at the Childcare center. TAP is just one of the many programs that’s offered through Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies. Students can gain valuable professional skills across various fields, including counseling, organizational leadership and learning, exercise science, sport management, and athletic training. The College of Applied Studies also houses the award-winning eSports program and it offers cutting edge research opportunities in the state-of-the-art human performance lab, as well as internships with leading sports and leadership organizations. I currently hold a full-time staff position at the Child Development Center as its lead substitute teacher. I want to be a lead preschool teacher once I graduate. I never knew how much of an impact that WSU in the College of Applied Studies would have on me, and I look forward to continuing my career at WSU. Go Shocks! Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Ashlyn. You’re well on your way to achieving your goal to become a teacher, and Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies innovative approach to education is certainly helping you get there. Thanks again and take care.
Mitch has already built an impressive resume through Wichita State’s applied learning model, which is a driving force at Wichita State. Applied learning includes paid internships, research, clinical rotations, and more. Each student is guaranteed real world experience in their field before they graduate, enabling them to make immediate and meaningful contributions to their employers. Tell us all about it, Mitch.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up my mom said that she knew that I would be an engineer. I was mechanically inclined, always taking things apart to see how that worked, and I was a problem solver. I also wanted to be a doctor, and it wasn’t until I toured to Wichita State that I figured I’d be both a doctor and an engineer. The college of engineering and the partnerships on campus are unparalleled. I never imagined I’d get an opportunity to learn in such a cool environment. I’ve worked with many companies on campus, including GoCreate and WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research. Each internship has given me amazing opportunities to engage with the community, work with cutting edge equipment and tools, and engage with peers and professionals in the field. I also get to work with advanced technology like huge drones, autonomous robots, and even a robot coffee barista. At Wichita State located in Kansas’s largest city, students can leverage more than 500 university partnerships in an extensive network to help build their resumes through applied learning and research opportunities. Even beyond Wichita, students intern all over the country at places like NASA, Apple, Amazon, with professional athletic organizations, political and government officials in DC and more. Wichita State has helped me form lifelong connections with peers and business professionals while training on innovative technologies and programs to prepare for my career. Always ask questions, pursue what interests you, and ensure you’re in an environment where those around you are helping you reach your full potential. Back to you, Alex.
– Great advice, Mitch. Wichita State emphasizes paid applied learning as a means to help students offset the cost of higher education. In fact, each year, thousands and thousands of students earn more than tens of millions in wages through applied learning experiences, incredible. Take care, Mitch.
Maley is here to talk about the W. Frank Barton School of Business, housed in the state of the art, Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall. The Barton School is the home of real and applied business education because you know there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Maley, you are up.
– Thank you so much, Alex. When my family moved back to Wichita, I was immediately drawn to the community oriented, family friendly, small business supporting environment the city had to offer. This led to me writing a business plan during high school. It was a dream of mine to open a business in my neighborhood, and I was able to make that dream come true. Just a week after I graduated from high school, I opened ICY-T a fresh shaved snow cone business. My experience opening my brick and mortar set me up for success when I began my studies at WSU. The Barton School provides countless opportunities for students, including the Shocker New Venture Competition and Koch Innovation Challenge, which allows students to pitch their business ideas for cash prizes. Additionally, the business school offers internship opportunities with some of the nation’s largest companies and access to business leaders who mentor students. On campus students can join various organizations. I joined Wichita State’s Collegiate DECA Club, which travels to international career development conferences each year where we engage in competitions, professional development, and networking. I’ve also benefited from workshops offered by the Office of Career and Professional Development and serve on the Barton School Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Board. The Barton School has so much to offer from job opportunities to student organizations, and our brand new state-of-the-art business building Woolsey Hall. If that wasn’t enough, with double AACSB accreditation, we proudly stand in the top 1% of business schools worldwide. I was drawn to Wichita State University because of its proximity and scholarship opportunities, but this program has taught me more than I ever expected. The hands-on experience and mentorship I’ve gained have been invaluable. I’m confident that with the skills and knowledge I have, I’ll succeed in all my future endeavors. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow Maley, the Barton School of Business is truly impressive and students have all the tools and resources they need to be successful in the world of business and industry. What an opportunity. Thank you for sharing your story with us. That was great.
As we’ve explored the Wichita State campus, it’s clear that being a Shocker comes with amazing perks, starting with a membership at the on-campus YMCA and 10 others across the Wichita metro area. Students also enjoy hundreds of group fitness classes and the Heskett Center’s eight lane pool. I met up with Gary to learn all about it. Check this out. Gary, this place is massive. I still can’t believe you have a YMCA here on campus.
– Yes, we’re very fortunate to have one. It’s one of the few across the nation that’s actually on a college campus. It’s about 77,000 square feet, and the best part, it’s free. It’s a combined facility with a student wellness center and they have access to 10 others in the community.
– Yeah, there’s like zero excuses not to work out.
– Come on now, it’s right in the middle of campus.
– Yeah. The perks you students are getting are incredible.
– It’s amazing. It’s amazing. Yeah. Alex, we have over 670 group fitness classes offered at Wichita State. One of them is going on right behind us. We’ve got outdoor yoga going on and it’s all found on the YMCA 360 app. It’s where we can check in. You can see the calendar of events. You can book everything right in here.
– Yeah, it’s got an amazing amount of classes. How many classes are there?
– Over 670. And we don’t just have the wait room, mental health services and the group fitness classes, we also have the Heskett Center.
– So what’s that?
– You’re gonna have to check it out.
– That’s it.
– No way, y’all have an F45 on campus.
– Yes, yes. It’s absolutely insane.
– Gary, I dunno if you know this, but F45 is my gym. I love F45.
– Yeah, and who finds it on a college campus? It’s one of the few in the entire nation. Students are so, so busy in their schedule, got 45 minutes to get a good little functional workout in. You have classes throughout the entire day. It’s free to all students as well just like the YMCA.
– What about it?
– And they don’t have just this here, they have our inkling swimming pool upstairs if you wanna cool down, we got sauna, you can do all that stuff here right in the center of campus.
– I can see why y’all stay fit.
– Thanks.
– Thanks for showing me around. This has been awesome.
– I appreciate it. I’m gonna go join these guys. Thank you, Alex.
– Take care Gary. Those are some incredible opportunities for Shockers to stay active and engaged on campus. It’s so great to see how Wichita State is committed to promoting a healthy and balanced student lifestyle. That was a lot of fun Gary, thanks a lot for showing me around.
Luke is a film student in Wichita State’s College of Fine Arts, which spans four diverse schools, art design and creative industries, digital arts, music and performing arts. Each program nurtures students’ creativity and encourages them to explore and develop their unique talents. Luke, tell us what’s happening in fine arts at WSU.
– Thanks, Alex. I fell in love with digital media like YouTube and music videos at a very young age. I liked making short little sketches on my iPad and showing them to my friends to make them laugh. It eventually snowballed into my career choice and I cannot be more thrilled than with Wichita State’s filmmaking program. At Wichita State, I make my artistic dreams a reality. I take most of my classes at Shocker Studios, which houses WSU’s School of Digital Arts, home to filmmaking, game design, audio production, acting for digital arts, collaborative design, and animation. The environment is friendly and engaging, fostering collaboration and creativity. The professors truly care about their students, helping us achieve artistic aspirations. I also work as an equipment specialist at Shocker Studios. One of my favorite things about being a digital art student is that students have access to advanced state-of-the-art equipment, including an entire film Studio, two audio studios, a motion capture studio and an LED volume. Within the College of Fine Arts, student opportunities abound, performing arts, graphic design, art education, studio art, and music composition are just a few of the many degree options available. Hands-on learning is central to the College of Fine Arts curriculum, giving students opportunities to learn while practicing their craft. With the city our size, it’s teaming with artistic opportunities for our students, including Music Theater of Wichita, Final Friday Art Crawl, Wichita Symphony, Wichita Grand Opera, Wichita Wind Symphony, and much more. Upon graduation, I have plenty of ideas for future films I’d like to make with the great team of friends I met during my time at Wichita State. But hey, enough from me, back to you, Alex. Let’s roll. That’s a wrap.
– With all Shocker Studios behind you, we are sure we’ll be seeing your films on the big screen in no time. The College of Fine Arts grads have gone on to achieve big things like Oscar, Tony, and Grammy Awards, performing on some of the biggest national and international stages and showcasing the work in galleries around the world. Thanks again, Luke.
Tav is here to tell us one aspect that really makes Wichita State stand out. It’s strong connection to industry. The university is dedicated to creating technology driven solutions that address the critical challenges faced by industry and government. Tav, please tell us how the students here play a vital role in building those solutions through research and applied learning. You are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi everyone, I’m an international student from Zimbabwe, and growing up I’ve always known I wanted to study something that combined my love for technology and real world problem solving. When I was searching for colleges, I discovered Wichita State University and was blown away by the applied learning opportunities they had to offer. Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research or NIAR and its Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems offer incredible applied learning opportunities. I’ve had the chance to work in state-of-the-art labs, including wind tunnels and crash labs. Through NIAR, I’ve been involved in hands-on research projects that help build my resume and give me real world experience that I know will be invaluable in my career. These projects have been a fundamental stepping stone for my industry experience, which has helped me land an internship at Textron Aviation. The best part about these opportunities is that they’re not limited to engineering students, they’re available to students from all majors. One of the best things about Wichita State is the inclusive community it offers. As a member of the Student Government Association, I’ve had a chance to shape what happens on campus. Being a resident assistant has allowed me to create a supportive environment for other students on campus. This vibrant campus life has enriched my college experience immensely. When I stepped foot into the air capital of the world, I never imagined I would learn so much both academically and personally. WSU has propelled my career toward avionics and cabin electrical systems focusing on the electrical engineering side of my passions. This isn’t the last time that you hear my name. I’m excited to continue soaring new heights in this field. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– And soar you will Tav. It’s really incredible that Wichita State students can put what they’re learning in the classrooms into practice while working side by side with professionals in real world work environments. That is awesome. Take care.
Let’s hear from Madi, as she shares her experience in Wichita State University’s College of Health Professions where students can pursue diverse healthcare fields like dental hygiene, audiology, physical therapy, and physician associate studies. Take it away, Madi.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, y’all. From a young age, I knew I had a heart for serving others and I aspired to find a career that would allow me to do just that. I came to Wichita State because I was awarded the Rudd Scholarship, a four year full-ride given to those who display grit and determination in the face of adversity. Prior to finding out about the scholarship, I was worried about only being 40 minutes away from my hometown, but living on campus has allowed me to be more independent with the peace of mind of my family not being too far away. I have so many wonderful opportunities to grow and thrive here at WSU. I couldn’t have asked for a better community and I’m so grateful for the staff at my on-campus job, my nursing school study buddies, and the engaging faculty. As a hands-on learner, I enjoy working in the simulation lab and going out to our clinical sites. WSU is conveniently located in a city with the booming healthcare industry, which allows students to make connections and work alongside seasoned practitioners. We also have over 500 clinical affiliation sites across the US and in four countries. Additionally, here in the next few years, WSU’s College of Health Professions, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Speech Language Hearing Clinic will move into a brand new building, Wichita Biomedical Campus. Which it’s building alongside the University of Kansas and WSU Tech. As for me, I plan to soak up every last moment of my senior year. It’s bittersweet thinking of leaving this place. I came in three years ago as a shy and reserved girl from a small town, and I can confidently say that I’ll be graduating having found my voice and passion. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Madi. The Wichita Biomedical Campus is the city’s largest investment into downtown Wichita and it’s gonna pave the way for the future of healthcare education and transform health outcomes for communities in Kansas and beyond. Take care, Madi.
Here to tell us all about Shocker athletics is Audrey. Wichita State is a division one school with 16 NCAA teams, varsity rowing, intramural, and club sports. Audrey, tell us about all the opportunities you’ve had to cheer on the Shockers.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello everyone and welcome to Shocker Nation. I never knew how much dancing in a feathery blue costume when I was four years old would inform my future college decision. I knew that I wanted to continue my dance career, but I didn’t know exactly what that looked like. I auditioned for the WSU dance team and I was lucky enough to make it. I also competed in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational and was awarded the $64,000 Gore Scholarship. When I first started college, I never expected it to feel so much like home. Being on the dance team and involved in other campus activities led me to build lifelong friendships and introduced me to people that inspire me to be better every day. I’ve discovered that the best part of being on the dance team is representing Shocker Nation. Our fans are so enthusiastic and passionate about supporting our Shocker athletes. Our home baseball and basketball fandoms, are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. There’s nothing quite like dancing on the sidelines and leaping up when the Shockers score. It’s an indescribable thrill. Our men’s and women’s bowling teams have brought home more than 20 national championship titles. We’re also nationally prominent and volleyball, softball, baseball, and men’s basketball, and cheering on your favorite Shocker athletes won’t break the bank. All students get into all home sporting events free of charge. WSU has provided me with more opportunities than I know what to do with. From the dance team, sorority life, and my social work major, I have truly been able to grow into the best version of myself. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Go Shockers! Thanks, Audrey. It sounds like an exciting experience to be in the stands cheering on the yellow and black, and to have the opportunity to do all that for free. What an incredible experience for Wichita State students. Thanks again.
Everett came to Wichita State from Texas and he’s here to tell us about Wichita State’s Innovation campus. Back in 2014, the innovation campus was a golf course and now it’s home to more than 50 companies and dozens of state-of-the-art labs and facilities where students work, research, and learn. Let’s hear more about it from Everett.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for the great introduction. Growing up, my granddad always encouraged my curiosity. He was an engineer and knew the value of learning from books. He also knew the value of getting hands-on experience, even if it meant getting your hands a little dirty. This led me to want to be like him. I knew I wanted to find a university that offered research opportunities, resources and equipment for students to create the fun ideas and innovations we dream up. I immediately toured the campus and realized that WSU is a welcoming community of students, staff, and faculty who all work to help students. The Chair of Electrical Engineering program met with me and gave me a tour of Wichita State’s Innovation campus, which was transformed from a golf course into a hub for research and applied learning. More than 50 agencies and businesses have homes here including Airbus, Textron Aviation, the Smart Factory by Deloitte at Wichita, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the YMCA, and all those businesses employ Wichita State students for paid applied learning experiences. And the innovation campus is just steps away from our classes. WSU staff and faculty create an environment that encourages innovative thinking and personal growth. This holistic support has fostered my academic development and prepared me for challenges beyond the classroom, but it’s not all work on the innovation campus. Braeburn Square is a dining, shopping and relaxation destination for all Wichitans. I’ve made lifelong friends and built an invaluable skill set and support network. There’s one thing that I would tell a future student, it’s that you get back what you put in. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Everett. The innovation campus was originally envisioned as a place to learn, work, live, and play, and Wichita State has certainly accomplished that. The university’s connection to industry is truly remarkable and it’s an amazing opportunity for all students. Thank you again for sharing your story, Everett. That was awesome.