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2021 Wichita State Annual Report: Home

Ulrich Museum viewed through voice bubble sculpture

Who are we? We’re Shockers!

The history of Wichita State is built upon big ideas and the undaunted dreamers who turned them into reality.

From the streets of Wichita to the far corners of space, Shockers have proven time and time again that, at Wichita State, anything is possible. It was with this in mind that the university set out to create a strategic plan that capitalized on Wichita State’s unique DNA in a way that would leave a lasting impact on its students, its city, its region and its world.

Vision and Mission

VISION

To be one of the nation’s premier urban public research universities, known for providing impactful applied learning experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities we serve.

MISSION

To be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good.

University Goals

Click on an icon or header link to see WSU efforts and objectives in support of each university goal.

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Student Centeredness

Promote holistic student success through a supportive learning environment in which all of our students — past, present and future — continually thrive and grow.

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Research and Scholarship

Accelerate the discovery, creation and transfer of new knowledge.

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Campus Culture

Empower students, faculty, staff and the greater Wichita community to create a culture and experience that meets their ever-changing needs.

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Inclusive Excellence

Be a campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society.

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Partnerships and Engagement

Advance industry and community partnerships to provide quality educational opportunities and collaborations to satisfy rapidly evolving community and workforce needs.

University Values

CORE VALUES

Values that have always underlined the culture at Wichita State.

  • Integrity
  • Transparency
  • Personal responsibility
  • Collaboration
  • Access and equity

DISTINCTIVE VALUES

Values necessary to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.

  • Seizing opportunities
  • Adaptive approaches
  • Positive risk-taking
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Knowledge creation and dynamic educational opportunities

2020-21 Priorities

Helping families through access and affordability

  • Provide an accessible, affordable and impactful higher education for all Kansans with increased community connections and networks .
  • Proposed enhancements: Marcus Welcome Center, Clinton Hall, Hubbard Hall and Rhatigan Student Center.
  • Diversify and develop our faculty and staff to better reflect our student body and region.
  • Shocker Promise: Full tuition and fees for Pell-eligible families.
  • Increase need-based aid.

RELATED SECTIONS

Supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets employer needs

  • Provide relevant applied learning experiences that match the needs of industry, agency, and community partners.
  • Become a nationally recognized leader in digital transformation and SMART manufacturing.
  • Explore establishing a Wichita State location in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico.

RELATED SECTIONS

Increasing economic prosperity with higher education that benefits the Kansas economy

  • Support faculty-led interdisciplinary research initiatives (2020-2023).
  • Support the needs of the region through the newly formed Strategic Engagement and Planning office.
  • Continue the development of the Innovation Campus by attracting new partners and establish the Maintenance, Repairing and Overhaul (MRO) initiative.
  • Continue developing and supporting innovation and new ventures.
  • National Center for Aviation Training expansion.
  • University Village: Enter into financially prudent public-private partnerships on university-owned property that provide services.
  • Support Wichita downtown development via hospitality, culinary arts, and health sciences.
  • Enhance professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

RELATED SECTIONS

Sections

Wichita State by the Numbers

Infographic: Kansas' No. 1 transfer destination
Infographic: No. 2 in number of TRIO programs in the country
Infographic: 15.8 percent growth in first-generation undergraduates
Infographic: 6.7 percent five-year enrollment growth rate
Infographic: No. 1 rated engineering school in Kansas
Infographic: 11.8 percent five-year increase in degrees conferred
Infographic: No. 1 in industry-funded aeronautical engineering R&D expenditures
Infographic: Top 50 in U.S. in engineering R&D
  • Founded in 1895
  • Student body from all 50 states, 111 countries, and six continents
  • 76.8% of our graduates are employed in Kansas
  • Wichita State Students have 2nd highest earnings out of college for any research university in Kansas
  • Wichita ranks No. 1 of 100 largest US metro areas in manufacturing jobs as a percentage of all jobs.
  • Of 100 largest U.S. metro areas Wichita ranks No. 1 in percentage of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM occupations).
  • Wichita ranks No. 3 among metros for highest concentration of engineers per 1,000 employees. 
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