We have the distinguished honor to hear from Wichita Mayor, Lily Wu. Mayor Wu is a 2007 graduate of Wichita State and she continues to work with the university in her official capacity to strengthen partnerships and support the growth and development of Wichita and its institutions. Mayor Wu, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. It’s my honor to welcome you to my hometown of Wichita, Kansas. I arrived here as an 8-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, and now serve as the city’s 103rd mayor. I’m living proof that anything is possible in the air capital of the world. In 2003, I was blessed to start my collegiate journey at Wichita State and was awarded the distinguished full-ride Gore Scholarship. I majored in international business and integrated marketing communication. While at Wichita State, I gained hands-on experience at WSU TV and internships at the Hayes Company and Koch Industries. I appreciate the connections and opportunities that Wichita State provided me through mentors and student organizations. The connections I made in the community involvement I experienced during my years at Wichita State helped me to lead Kansas’ largest city. Wichita is a global city that celebrates cultural diversity with festivals like River Fest, the Tallgrass Film Festival, and the Wichita Asian Festival showcasing our vibrant community. We have amazing food festivals and our city offers more than 1200 restaurants from global cuisine to local breweries and coffee shops that make Wichita a foodie paradise. Wichita State’s affiliated institution WSU Tech offers opportunities in other fields including aviation maintenance, smart manufacturing, culinary arts, and professional pilot certification. Wichita State’s commitment to our community is also evident in the $300 million investment in healthcare through the Wichita Biomedical campus. I’m proud of the limitless opportunities Wichita State students enjoy. Here in Wichita, your dreams are possible. Wichita State students are connected to a community where they can reach their full potential. They can work alongside professionals in internships and paid applied learning experiences on and off campus. I’d like to invite more people to join Shocker Nation and choose Wichita to live, work, and raise a family. Thanks for visiting us Alex, back to you.
– Thank you Mayor Wu. We can tell that you’re proud of your alma mater and your city, and rightfully so. The city and campus have been so warm and welcoming to all of us and we cannot wait to visit again soon. Thank you again, Mayor Wu.
Let’s meet Dimitri, a student who’s taken advantage of all that the College of Engineering has to offer. At Wichita State, Engineering students start solving problems the moment they step into the classroom. The university’s industry connections allow students to get real world hands-on experience throughout their educational journey. Take it away, Dimitri.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m excited to share my journey with you all. I’ve always had a passion for innovation, so when it came time to choosing a university, Wichita State was a natural choice. The university’s strong engineering program and connection to the industry convinced me that this is the place where I can turn my dreams into a reality. Since joining the College of Engineering, my time here has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve had the chance to bring my creative ideas to life building projects such as an Iron Man suit with a rocket launcher and even a Thor hammer only I can lift. One benefit WSU students get is a free membership at GoCreate, a co-collaborative. GoCreate is a makerspace on campus where you can create almost anything utilizing the specialized machinery and training available. Additionally, my work at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research has allowed me to dive deep into advanced robotics and I’ve been able to present my research at national conferences. The College of Engineering is dedicated to student success and the Engineering Student Success Center plays a crucial role in this. The center offers support for incoming students through personalized one-on-one engagement and activities designed to help students grow academically, personally, and professionally. I’ve been able to support my community through programs and organizations that work in tandem with the center such as Go Baby Go, where we modify ride-on toy cars for physically impaired children. Beyond engineering, I’ve been able to represent Wichita State as a tour guide, President of Student Ambassadors and as student of the year. I also started the Sri Lankan Culture Association where we support international students and their cultural events. Looking forward, I plan to attend medical school and bridge the knowledge I’ve gained at WSU with the blossoming medical field here in Wichita. Thank you, and back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Dimitri. That all sounds incredible. There are so many opportunities for Shocker engineers to create and grow. It’s unlike anything else in the nation. Very impressive. We are all wishing you the best of luck in medical school.
Rafael is involved in so much at Wichita State. Students can follow their passions and find their bliss at any of the hundreds of activities, events, and organizations offered in every corner of campus. From intramural sports and Greek life, to student government and volunteer projects, opportunities abound for Shockers to make friends and build connections. Tell us all about it Rafael, you are on.
– Thank you so much, Alex. When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to attend college but I had no idea how I was gonna pay for it. Thanks to a family friend, I was introduced to a scholarship opportunity through the Rudd Foundation. I ended up being selected for that scholarship and earned a full-ride right here to Wichita State. I’ve been really able to grow my network here at WSU. I joined the Student Ambassador Society by Delta Theta, Shocker Sound Machine, ROTC, and even the cheer team. I also spend a lot of time volunteering for League 42, which is a little league baseball organization. I’m also a frequent flyer at the campus YMCA, also known as my second home. As an active member of the National Guard Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Services Office has really helped me navigate my benefits and given me the support I need to succeed in earning my degree. WSU really gives me the full college experience and I truly love my time here. Events like Clash of the Colleges and Welcome Fest are always fun ways to start the fall semester. Throughout the year, our fraternities and sororities host fun events for everyone to attend. There are over 200 clubs and organizations here at Wichita State, and I feel like I’m in 199 of ’em. There’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re interested in academic, religious, professional, cultural, or just for fun groups, you’ll find a welcoming community here at Wichita State. I never would’ve imagined that college would bring so many opportunities for me. The Army, Rudd Foundation, and Wichita State have all helped me build my network for my future after college. Well, that’s a little piece of my life as a Shocker. Back to you Alex, and Go Shocks!
– That’s incredible, Rafael. WSU has so many pathways for Shockers to grow and learn outside the classroom, and it sounds like you’re really experiencing Wichita State to its fullest. You’ve come so far, done so much, and we know you’ll do big things in the future. Take care.
Okay, everyone, let’s meet up with Sam, a senior from Longview, Texas, majoring in biochemistry with minors in psychology, chemistry, and biology. Sam can’t wait to tell us about Patriot Athletics and the 17 NCAA Division II sports they have here at UT Tyler. Sam, take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, y’all. I first came to UT Tyler after committing to play softball at the collegiate level. Over the last four years, UT Tyler has become a second home for me. Patriot Athletics is part of the Lone Star Conference, one of the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences in the country, and it’s home to 17 teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and track and field. As a senior on the softball team, I’ve had the opportunity to play in the World Series and even bring home a national championship. None of it could have been possible without the continual support from the university. Athletics is more than just a competition. It brings fans and students from all different backgrounds together. All of us as Patriot student athletes, love competing when we have a crowd of our fellow students cheering us on. For students who don’t compete at the varsity level or simply wanna join a fun club, there are vibrant intermural sports across our campus. From pickleball to soccer and everything in between, there is a group for you. We have awesome facilities and intramurals are a fun environment for everyone to be a part of. They’re also a great opportunity to learn teamwork and discipline. Plus, fostering school spirit will enrich your overall college experience. As a student athlete, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, but one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to not take the little moments for granted. It’s easy to enjoy the big moments like graduation, but soak in those moments like chanting with our mascot, Swoop, at games, making friendships and diversifying your boundaries. Those are truly priceless. Thank you, Alex, and talons up.
– Great job, Sam. Congrats on the national title, and thank you for sharing your experience as a student athlete. Whether it’s a Division II sport or an intramural team that plays on the weekend, anyone can get involved in UT Tyler’s athletics culture, Talons up, Patriots. that was awesome.
We can’t wait for you all to meet Maxwell. He’s a sophomore from Forney, Texas, majoring in music education and performance. He’s gonna tell us about the thriving art scene at UT Tyler. Take it away, Maxwell.
– Thanks, Alex, and hey, everyone. I decided that I wanted to study music when I was in high school. My private lesson teacher gave me a list of schools to look at, and UT Tyler was on the list. After looking into the school, I knew that UT Tyler was the one for me. As a music student, my whole life revolves around music. I get to study it in classroom settings as well as perform in ensembles. Our choir, band, and jazz ensembles are open to all students, which is a great opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of making music. I also get to travel to local schools and observe music classes at all grade levels, which gives me inspiration to keep striving towards my goal. Besides music, UT Tyler has a number of visual arts programs as well. Whether it’s painting on a canvas, sculpting with metal or clay, or creating beautiful ceramics, art students learn how to express their creativity across all different mediums. Their work is displayed throughout campus in different buildings and galleries. Fine art is a deeply personal experience, but it’s meant to be shared. Music and visual arts are a mainstay on campus, bringing all different manners of students together. The Cowan Center is our premier performing arts venue. Not only does the school of performing arts put on our performances here, but the community around us uses it too. Guest lectures, Broadway musicals, and even the East Texas Symphony Orchestra take advantage of this wonderful auditorium. Every experience I’ve had at UT Tyler has truly been amazing. I’ve grown and learned so much while there’s still a few more years before I graduate, I’m excited to enjoy all that the university has to offer. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s amazing, Maxwell. Who knew that UT Tyler has such a flourishing music and fine arts community? Amazing. Now we’ve gotta catch a show at the Cohen Center. Thanks again, Maxwell.
Let’s chat with Ayesha, a junior from Pakistan majoring in computer science. She’s got the inside scoop on the R2 research activity here at UT Tyler. You’re up, Ayesha.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for the introduction. I decided to go back to school after a long career break and two kids. Choosing the right school wasn’t easy, but I knew I couldn’t miss this golden opportunity. Returning to school and choosing UT Tyler was the best decision of my life. I’m amazed by the research opportunities UT Tyler offers. This university is home to 27 research centers, $32 million in research expenditures, and is one off 133 universities in the nation recognized as an R2 research university. I was hired as a research assistant as an undergraduate student, which is very common in numerous disciplines. My professor encouraged me to take the initiative. And with his guidance, I wrote a research proposal on AI’s impact on undergraduate students and teaching practices. I recently returned from presenting this research at a conference. The presentation was a success. Now I’m working with my colleagues to turn it into a paper, but that’s not all. I also joined an AI learning cohort led by an amazing professor in the computer science department. I’m learning so much from working professionals in the field. These experiences are not just preparing me for the outside world. They’re shaping my future in ways I never imagined. The support from faculty and peers give me a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Though I’m still learning, I can feel my confidence growing. Uri Tyler is not just a place of education. It’s a nurturing community that is helping me realize my true potential and achieve my dreams. I’m grateful for every opportunity and challenge knowing they’re paving a path for a better future filled with possibilities. That was my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Ayesha, what a story. It is amazing to hear about your work as an undergrad research assistant studying and working with AI. It’s awesome that UT Tyler encourages and supports students to participate in research and internships of all kinds no matter what year you are in. Thanks so much, Ayesha.
All right, let’s hear from Fatima, a senior nursing major from Fort Worth. She’s the perfect person to talk about academics at UT Tyler. Fatima, you’re on.
– Thanks, Alex, for that introduction. Howdy y’all? Since I was a child, I dreamed of being a nurse. In high school, I earned my clinical medical assistant certification, which confirmed my passion for healthcare. The hands-on experience allowed me to connect with patients and truly fall in love with medicine, solidifying my career path in nursing. Coming from a big city like Fort Worth, I wanted to find a school where I felt seen as a student rather than a number. I chose UT Tyler because of its exceptional nursing program, which provides hands-on experiences and a supportive learning environment that prepares students for real world challenges. Smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention and the sense of community on campus is incredible. UT Tyler is a perfect fit for my nursing journey, and it’s not just nursing that’s highly ranked. Engineering business and numerous other programs are regularly recognized with external rankings. With five campuses and eight academic colleges that offer more than 90 powerful degree programs at all levels, UT Tyler is perfect for any student. As Ms. UT Tyler, balancing my responsibilities with the demands of the university’s rigorous nursing program is challenging yet fulfilling. Academics are my top priority, and I spend countless hours studying with my classmates, preparing for exams, and mastering simulations. Outside of the classroom, I serve as a college readiness coach where I help students prepare for their academic journeys. These experiences have made my time at UT Tyler both rewarding and meaningful. After completing my nursing degree at UT Tyler, I plan to pursue my dream of becoming a neuro nurse With dedication, hard work, and the incredible support system that I’ve found here, I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Fatima. We love hearing about how you’ve always wanted to be a nurse and you went for it. Really impressive stuff. The academics and professors at UT Tyler will definitely help you achieve your goals. Thanks again, Fatima.
Let’s meet the one and only Michaela. Michaela is a graduate student from Brownsboro, Texas and knows all about how UT Tyler prepares students to succeed in their chosen career path. Michaela, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. I chose the University of Texas at Tyler because it was close to my hometown, but I continued to choose the university because of its exemplary educational opportunities, caring faculty, and beautiful campus. There are so many ways that UT Tyler helps students pre and post-graduation. Each of our colleges and schools has their own career success coach who works one-on-one with the students, preparing them for the workforce. Students can assess their career options, practice interview and networking skills, and prepare their portfolios. Once students feel prepared to jump into the workforce, they can attend our career success conference right here on campus, giving them the opportunity to connect with business professionals and industry leaders. UT Tyler hosts numerous career fairs throughout the year, allowing students to speak and interview with employers hiring in our area and beyond. We have a multitude of on-campus job opportunities as well, from work study positions in marketing, athletics, and enrollment management to positions as college readiness coaches and research assistants. There are so many valuable ways to gain work experience right here at UT Tyler. I currently work as a teaching assistant on campus, leading a freshman English composition course under the mentorship of senior faculty. My post-graduation goal is to teach college English just as I am now, so the opportunity to gain classroom experience and expert mentorship while still taking graduate level classes is invaluable for my career preparedness. When I started my bachelor’s degree here at UT Tyler, I would’ve never imagined I’d be able to finish a master’s degree and gain college teaching experience within just a few short years. With the support of our amazing faculty and effective career prep programs, this opportunity and so many more are available to our students here at UT Tyler. Back to you, Alex.
– Wait, Michaela, you’re telling us that you’re already working in your dream job. Wow, it’s awesome that UT Tyler encourages and supports students to find and pursue their passions starting as early as their first year. It’s incredible. Thanks again, Michaela.
Dylan is a senior at UT Tyler from Henderson, Texas. He’s majoring in communication sciences and disorders, and he’s excited to talk to us about how UT Tyler offers a high quality education and affordable price. Let’s go, Dylan.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, everyone, and welcome to UT Tyler. Being a first generation college student, choosing a university was challenging since I wanted an institution that offered a high quality education at an affordable cost. My parents always recommended attending a school where I wouldn’t have to worry about getting student loans or having to work to pay for my education. Fortunately, UT Tyler is one of the most affordable institutions in the University of Texas system and in the East Texas region. The financial aid services are devoted to providing financial assistance to students with more than 80% of UT Tyler students receiving financial aid. The university provides millions of dollars in merit and need-based scholarships every year. Throughout my time at UT Tyler, I didn’t have to pay tuition or other expenses because of the scholarships I received. The scholarships allowed me to continue my studies and participate in many organizations on campus, including the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. One of the ways UT Tyler provides financial aid to students is through the Patriot Promise Program. There’s also the Honors Scholar Scholarship, which offers $10,000 to honors college students each year. Veterans and military affiliated students can take advantage of individualized support and advocacy through the Military and Veteran Success Center. My time at UT Tyler has been nothing but wonderful experiences and incredible learning opportunities. I’m learning a lot about myself and how to cherish every moment with my friends and the college experience. This university helped me achieve my goals by fully preparing me to become a speech language pathologist in the future. Now back to you Alex.
– Thanks, Dylan. We loved hearing about your background and all the ways UT Tyler makes college affordable to pursue your dreams. You’re a great ambassador for UT Tyler. Thanks again, Dylan.
Okay, everyone, we’re heading over to meet Cohen, a sophomore from Garland, Texas, majoring in pre-pharmacy and general business. Cohen is gonna tell us about the region UT Tyler calls home, East Texas. Cohen, you are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I was in high school, choosing the right college was a huge decision. If I knew that whatever college I chose, I had to feel like I belonged. After I toured the UT Tyler campus for the first time, I knew exactly where I wanted to spend my college career. The community surrounding the university is one of the best things UT Tyler has to offer. The city of Tyler is filled with beautiful scenic spots like the Tyler Steak Park and the Tyler Rose Garden. Downtown also has a lot to offer with beautiful murals, delicious local restaurants, live music, movie theaters, coffee houses, shopping, and historic buildings. Plus, Tyler’s located less than a hundred miles east of Dallas, so it’s not too hard to make a trip to the metroplex. Exploring the city of Tyler and its welcoming community made my first year of college seem less daunting. When it comes to the on-campus community, UT Tyler has one of the best in the state of Texas. The university holds annual school spirit events that are a great place to meet new people and enjoy campus life. It’s super easy to get involved and shape your own college experience. Joining organizations in school and exploring a new city has allowed me to meet more people than I ever thought I would. Here at UT Tyler, I’ve been able to shape my own community in the honors college and branch out in a city and make it feel like home. I know that the connections I forged here will last me a lifetime. Well, that’s my story and I hope to see you all on campus. Back to you, Alex.
– Nice, Cohen. What an incredible place to live. It’s awesome to see how much east Texas has to offer, and we cannot wait to come back and see the Rose Festival. Thanks again for sharing.