Wichita State University
What are you proud of at Wichita State University?
Think about it. It's an important question.
If you can't put your finger on it, we can help you out.
We're going to offer 125 suggestions over the course of the next 12 months. Each month, 12 points will be picked at random out of a list of 125.
In 1996, futurist Bill Conboy appeared at a symposium predicting the next 25 years of WSU. He gave a speech analyzing the future of higher education as it stood in Wichita, and one of his quotes summarized the future of WSU in a nutshell.
Today, we see it all coming together. Enrollment continues to climb as WSU continues to realize its own strength as a place of learning and growth.
No joke. For the last century and a quarter, the people of WSU have laughed, cried and sweated together through numerous challenges and triumphs. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and the city of Wichita have rallied to make WSU a place to be proud of.
It's time to celebrate. Enjoy these points of pride, and share with us your memories, your stories and your Shocker pride here and on social media.
1. "Success from the very maw of failure" - becoming a state university
WSU Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
"Success from the very maw of failure" -Dr. Walter Graves, Fairmount College trustee
Wichita State began as Fairmount College, a small, private institution in 1895. It struggled financially, and survived thanks the steadfast hearts of leaders like Nathan Morrison, the first college president.
From the brink of failure, the college persuaded the city of Wichita to buy its land and infrastructure, and financially support the new Wichita University, "WU."
In 1964, WU added "State" to its title after a bitter battle that caused Harry Corbin, university president, to resign. Wichita State University was born, and became a Kansas Board of Regents institution under the leadership of Corbin's successor, Emory Lindquist.
2. Institute of Logopedics, "Heartspring"
"No doubt the special university program of the thirties of greatest lasting significance was the Institute of Logopedics." (Craig Miner, Uncloistered Halls)
The Institute of Logopedics was developed by Wichita University and administered by the College of Education in the 1930s as a school for disabled children. Today, it is known as Heartspring, an independently-operated, international-reaching institution located on east 29th Street.
3. Disability Services
Accessibility for all members of Shocker Nation is a top priority for WSU faculty and staff. In the past three years the university has made a proactive, holistic effort to improve accessibility across campus and within online services through universal design for learning practices.
While the Office of Disability Services certainly spearheads accessibility issues, all WSU faculty and staff are universally responsible for their implementation and maintenance. From web captioning to Fiske Hall's new elevator system, it's a huge point of progress, and it's definitely something to be proud of.
4. Housing and Residence Life
Living on campus has come a long way since 1895. Shocker Hall is Wichita State's state-of-the-art freshman residence facility. Students can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner - dine-in and to-go - at Shocker Dining Hall, and study through the night with a coffee from the Groundhouse.
Walk across campus and you will find the Suites, our newest addition to house freshmen and upperclassmen, as well as the Flats, the upperclassmen apartment complex. They're beautiful and lively places for living and learning.
Living Learning Communities offer opportunities to build friendships with students of similar majors for a smoother transition into college life. Everywhere you go, you will find student staff who are Wichita State experts, professional, knowledgeable full-time staff and campus dining services that provide delicious food options every day.
5. Steve Clark YMCA
Students exercise using the cardio machines on the second floor of the Steve Clark
YMCA. The facility is equipped with the most modern exercise equipment available,
and most machines have full touch screen capabilities.
Wichita State now sports two phenomenal public fitness centers! The Steve Clark YMCA opened in January to serve WSU students, faculty, staff, Y members and the entire community.
The facility holds two hardwood basketball courts and two large exercise studios on the first floor. You can find full cardio and strength suites wrapped by a cushioned, indoor track on the second floor.
6. Barton International Group (BIG)
Why wait to start a business after college? WSU students operate the Barton International Group consulting firm to provide local and international businesses with competitive business strategies. WSU is full of BIG ideas, and this is no exception.