Wichita State’s Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College is proud to announce nine recipients of the Koch Scholars Program for the fall 2022 semester. These nine recipients will each be awarded $30,000 over the next four years.

“Koch is thrilled to continue to foster opportunities for students throughout the Wichita community. The Koch Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to pursue an education where they can explore their passions, develop their unique talents, and achieve success,” said Koch Industries' Vice President of Public Affairs Meredith Olson. “Congratulations to this year’s scholars.”

The Koch Scholars program is a competitive program open to high school seniors enrolling in the College of Engineering or the W. Frank Barton School of Business. All Koch Scholars are also members of the Cohen Honors College and participate in community service and professional development activities throughout the year. Scholarship selection is based on high academic achievement, work, volunteer and leadership experiences, an essay, and an interview process.

The Koch Scholars Program was first made possible by a $1.54 million pledge from Koch Industries in 2014. The fall 2022 semester marks the eighth freshman class to participate in the Koch Scholars Program.

Spencer Blaine, economics, Liberty High School, Kansas City, Missouri
Spencer is the son of Ryan and Marti Blaine. He is a member of the Liberty High School varsity basketball team, and also participates in National Honor Society. Spencer is one of two Parent Teacher Student Association student ambassadors and enjoys volunteering at the Hillcrest Hope Thrift Store, as well as working for his family’s travel agency, Pack Happy Travel.

In his free time, Spencer enjoys shooting baskets, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, or working out with his buddies. He intends to study economics and business administration while pursuing a career in strategic business development or corporate law. Spencer looks forward to utilizing the many resources available through the Cohen Honors College and is excited for the opening of Woolsey Hall.

Clayton Dudley, mechanical engineering, Andover High School, Andover, Kansas
Clay is the son of Chris and Angela Dudley. He is involved with Future Business Leaders of America and has been invited to compete at state three times and once for nationals. He is a flutist in both the Andover High School symphonic and marching bands. Throughout high school, Clay has been actively involved in Kids4Kids, Scholars Bowl, student council and debate. He currently works as a student lab assistant in the WSU Robotics and Automation Lab.

In addition to Clay’s interest in engineering, he looks forward to the education that the Cohen Honors College will offer as he hopes to study abroad and minor in political science. Outside of the classroom, he likes to play video games and hang out with his friends. After graduation, he plans to travel and experience other cultures worldwide.

Gannon Hall, finance, St. James Academy, Spring Hill, Kansas
Gannon is the son of Brian and Nancy Hall. He enjoys track, cross country and has competed at WSU in the 5A state 300-meter hurdles. He is a member of his school’s Spanish National Honor’s Society and has volunteered at many organizations the past few years and is currently a jury member at the Johnson County Youth Court.

While at WSU, Gannon looks forward to being a part of the National Student Exchange program and studying abroad. As a student, he will study for a degree in business finance. He is honored to be a part of WSU’s Honors College and to be enrolled in the Barton Business School.

Kathryn Kuhlman, computer engineering, Trinity Academy, Wichita
Kathryn is the daughter of Becky and Wade Kuhlman. During high school, Kathryn served as the student body president, a class representative and cheerleading captain. Kathryn is also a member of the National Honor Society at Trinity Academy.

Kathryn enjoys spending her free time with friends, cheerleading and learning about new technology. She hopes the honors program at WSU will enhance her education by pushing her to new academic hnines and equipping her to succeed in her future career. Kathryn also hopes to pursue a career in computer science and potentially cybersecurity.

Stewart McClelland, mechanical engineering, Lloyd V. Berkner High School, Richardson, Texas
Stewart is the son of Kevin and Carrie McClelland. He is an Orchestra Officer, vice president of the Construction Club, and community outreach manager for the National Honor Society. He also serves as a tutor for advanced academic courses and is a WSU Distinguished Scholarship Invitational finalist. In his personal time, Stewart is a mentor and merit badge counselor for his former scout troop and currently serves as president of Venturing Crew 728.

Stewart enjoys expanding his musical capability, exploring virtual game worlds, and tinkering with everything from Lego bricks to car engines. He is thankful to Koch Industries and the Cohen Honors College for the opportunities they provide and is looking forward to his future at WSU.

Samuel Morris, mechanical engineering, Wichita East High School
Sam is the son of Mitch and Tina Morris. Recognized as a national merit semifinalist, he is in the Wichita East High School International Baccalaureate Program. Sam enjoys playing the baritone as a member of Wichita East Band, where he is a section leader. Sam has participated annually in the Wichita All-City Honor Band. He is a member of Wichita East High School’s State Champion Scholars Bowl team, Science Olympiad team, robotics team, e-sports team, and National Honor Society. In his free time, Sam participates in various community service activities and is completing his requirements to be an Eagle Scout.

He plans to study mechanical engineering at WSU’s Cohen Honors College. He also wants to explore his love of math and physics and eventually pursue graduate studies. Sam hopes to develop a career as a mechanical engineer creating new, innovative solutions to the many complex problems of the modern world.

James Peterson, electrical engineering, Home School, Overland Park, Kansas
James has been interested in engineering since middle school but realized his appreciation for programming after joining FIRST Robotics Team 1825, where he has been the mechanical lead, driver, drive team coach and current programming lead. He is involved in the Overland Park Teen Council and was a youth liaison to the Overland Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and was a delegate to the American Legion Kansas Boys State. James has been an active member of his church's youth group, is also a Civil Air Patrol cadet sergeant, and a national merit semifinalist.

In his free time, James enjoys programming web apps in JavaScript and playing board games with his family and friends. James is excited to join the group of intellectually curious WSU honors students.

Evan Rust, computer science, Staley High School, Kansas City, Missouri
Evan is the son of Wendy and Jason Rust and is the oldest of three siblings. During high school, Evan played golf for the high school team and achieved the level of Life Scout for Boy Scouts of America. Evan enjoys playing violin in the Staley Philharmonic Orchestra as well as performing solo piano pieces outside of school. He also likes to figure out how video games operate and has placed in regional e-sports tournaments for the game Rocket League. He is intrigued by the way music composition impacts video gameplay.

Evan has learned a lot from his high school computer courses, including rigorous courses like cybersecurity. His favorite languages are Java and Python, and he feels well-prepared to pursue a computer science degree from WSU. He believes the Cohen Honors College will set the important groundwork and provide a push for him to achieve at a high level in college and beyond.  He knew WSU was the right choice for him after visiting Shocker Studios and he looks forward to the unique opportunities offered there.

Akasha Schlicht, accounting, Junction City Senior High School (JCHS), Junction City, Kansas
Akasha is the daughter of Michael and Nina Schlicht. She plans to major in accounting at the Barton School of Business. Akasha is involved with a variety of activities including Junction City High School’s swim programs, acting as an executive officer of her senior class, and the apprentice for the JCHS VITA tax site.

Akasha is beyond honored to be a part of the Cohen Honors College and to have the opportunity to expand her academic experience to a higher level. She plans to apply what she learns at WSU when she eventually opens an accounting firm.

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About the Wichita State University Cohen Honors College:
The Wichita State University Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College aims to engage students and faculty in innovative intellectual, creative and professional work in a complex society. We sit at the heart of an urban university with high research activity and a commitment to benefit the region and beyond. Honors students reflect these characteristics, while seeking to enrich their lives and the lives of others.

The college serves approximately 700 students in majors across campus with challenging interdisciplinary and disciplinary coursework, leadership and service-learning opportunities, and faculty-mentored undergraduate research and creative activity.

About Koch Industries, Inc.
Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with estimated annual revenues as high as $115 billion, according to Forbes. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining and chemicals; forest and consumer products; fertilizers; polymers and fibers; process and pollution control systems; electronics, software and data analytics; minerals; glass; automotive components; commodity trading; and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested more than $140 billion in growth and improvement projects with more than $32 billion invested in technology since 2013. With a presence in more than 70 countries, Koch companies employ 122,000 people worldwide, with about 62,000 of those in the United States. From January 2009 to present, Koch companies have earned more than 1,300 awards for safety, environmental excellence, community stewardship, innovation, and customer service. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com.