As the College of Applied Studies at Wichita State marks its centennial, it is honoring its origins by returning to its original name: the College of Education.

The name change took effect March 1 and coincides with the college’s 100th year. The update reflects the college’s historical identity and its current academic focus on education and related professional fields.

The College of Education was established in 1926 at what was then known as the University of Wichita, with two professors and about two dozen students. Over the past century, the college has expanded its programs and scope in response to the changing needs of schools, communities and learners. Today, the college serves nearly 2,400 students and supports experience-based applied learning opportunities through more than 350 affiliation agreements with schools, clinics and community organizations.

Academic programs within the college include education, counseling, sport management, and organizational leadership and learning. 

Instruction and professional preparation are delivered through departments focused on teaching and learning, literacy and special education, teacher apprenticeship pathways, sport and leadership studies, and counseling and educational leadership. 

The college emphasizes applied learning and professional preparation through education, research, innovation and community engagement.

Students complete applied learning experiences across a variety of settings. Teacher education majors participate in student teaching placements in Wichita Public Schools, the largest and most diverse school district in Kansas. The Teacher Apprentice Program provides online coursework for paraeducators in more than 210 school districts statewide. Counseling students provide free mental health and play therapy services to the community through the WISE Clinic. Students in sport and leadership studies gain experience through internships and partnerships with sport and leadership organizations.

"This return to the College of Education name honors our history while affirming our mission,” says Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean of the College of Education. “For 100 years, we have prepared educators and professionals who strengthen schools and communities. The name reflects who we have always been — and our commitment to advancing education and leadership for the next century."

As part of the transition, two academic units will also change names. The School of Education will become the School of Teaching and Learning. The department formerly known as Intervention Services and Leadership in Education will be renamed Counseling, Educational Leadership, Educational and School Psychology. These updates reflect the academic focus of each unit.

Academic programs, degrees and faculty within the college will remain unchanged.

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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