Wichita State University
Wichita State 125 Years: Shocker Pride Points, the people, stories and accomplishments
that define our Shocker family
Celebrating the early days of Fairmount College
This month we remember the many heroes and trials of Fairmount College in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students and presidents banded together to build a superior higher learning institution from the bare prairie. They knew that something great could come from the young city of Wichita, and they pursued it. They couldn't have known how successful they would be in the end.
(Image from WSU Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives)
What are we proud of at Wichita State University?
20. Diversity foundations
From "History of the College of Education": the first president of Fairmount College, Nathan Morrison, wrote, "Fairmount College is for all races, as well as all creeds and both sexes. We must never go back on that principle no matter what may befall…" By 1929, Wichita University had 26 African American students and at least six international students.
21. The American Athletic Conference (AAC)
WSU is the newest member of the American Athletic Conference, that includes well-known universities like Temple and Memphis. It's a move that gives Shocker Nation even more national recognition for its already top-tier athletes.
22. Shocker Studios
Shocker Studios students oeprate camera equipment in the massive green screen room
at the Harry Street facility.
Shocker Studios offers and interdisciplinary BAA in media arts – one of only a handful in the country – with creative tracks in animation, audio production, game design and filmmaking.
The facility on east Harry Street offers spaces like an audio studio capable of projecting full 5.1 surround sound.
23. TRIO support services
TRIO is a federally funded program that provides services to students from first generation and limited income backgrounds as well as students with disabilities.
Wichita State boasts nine TRIO programs, including Student Support Services (SSS), that serves 250 students annually. The program offers several services designed to help students successfully persist and graduate from WSU. All services offered by SSS are free.
24. Greek Life at Wichita State
Shocker women rally at sorority Bid Day in 2018.
The fraternity and sorority life community at WSU is made of 24 Greek-letter organizations from a variety of backgrounds, values and missions. If you want a chance to build lasting friendships in a small, safe community, WSU Greek life is the place to do it.
25. College of Health Professions clinics
The College of Health Professions offers three patient-serving clinics that provide students with hands-on experience while offering affordable health care services to the community; the Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation Dental Hygiene Clinic and the Delta Dental of Kansas Dental Clinic.