Lucy Schneider, a sport management major, jumped into applied learning opportunities with Wichita State’s athletic department and will use those experiences as she pursues her master’s degree. She worked at the 2022 NCAA women’s basketball tournament, hosted by Wichita State at Intrust Bank Arena, and at The Basketball Tournament held at Charles Koch Arena last summer.

Lucy is one of more than 2,200 students eligible for spring 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Caldwell, Kansas

Sport management

There were many things that drew me to Wichita State. The first was affordability.

From the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational, the Merit Scholarships, and the scholarship informational program hosted by Wichita State University Admissions, I received a great scholarship package from the university.

Next was the opportunity for applied learning. I saw the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in my field as early as a freshman, helping put me above others when applying for jobs in the future.

Lastly, was the student life showcased on tours and interactions with other WSU students. By living on campus, getting involved in a variety of organizations, and attending WSU athletics events, I experienced a great community of people that led to amazing friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

Excited!! It honestly doesn't seem real.

I look forward a traditional college ceremony because I didn't get a normal high school graduation due to the pandemic.

Beginning my freshmen year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the things that challenged me the most during my time at Wichita State.

From online classes to social distancing and masks, the pandemic made it difficult to interact and meet new people. I overcame this challenge by stepping out of my comfort zone to interact with others in passing, and getting involved in an organization I was passionate about. 

My most helpful learning experience at Wichita State has been the variety of applied learning opportunities I've been blessed to gain.

I worked at the women's NCAA Tournament in March 2022 and The Basketball Tournament with the AfterShocks last summer. Through opportunities and my internship in the Wichita State athletics Student Services department, I gained connections, experiences, and skills that will prove valuable as I begin my next chapter.

I plan to pursue a master's degree in education with a school counseling emphasis while continuing to work for Wichita State athletics in the Student Services department, which helps students with academics and NCAA compliance. 

Lean into discomfort. By putting myself in uncomfortable situations, I was able to not only grow as a student and person, but also gain opportunities that assisted in my future.

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and 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 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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