Wichita State University has named Dr. Monica Lounsbery as its next senior executive vice president and provost, effective Jan. 5, 2025. 

“I am truly privileged to assume the vital role of senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University at such a crucial time in both the university’s transformational journey and the broader landscape of higher education,” says Lounsbery. “With WSU’s comprehensive enterprise — including WSU Tech, the Innovation Campus, the creation of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, the National Institute for Aviation Research, and the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation — Wichita State University is driving a new model of higher education that effectively responds to the many challenges facing institutions across the country, including those associated with enrollment, value and cost. I am excited to work closely with President Muma and the WSU campus community -- including deans, university leaders, faculty, staff and students -- to continue WSU’s trend-bucking trajectory to forge the future of the academy while prioritizing educational access and affordability, meeting workforce talent pipeline needs, and increasing the economic prosperity for the communities we serve.” 

Lounsbery is currently dean of the College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Long Beach. Prior to her current appointment, she held various administrative positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including department chair, associate vice provost, vice provost and associate dean for faculty affairs in the School of Medicine.  

Lounsbery’s research focuses on increasing population-level physical activity. In recognition of her scholarly achievements, she has reached fellow status in three academic organizations, including the National Academy of Kinesiology. 

“Dr. Lounsbery brings to Wichita State a blend of academic leadership and a profound commitment to innovative education,” says Wichita State President Rick Muma. “Her expertise and vision align with WSU’s focus to transform higher education in ways that fuel student success and promote community growth. As we enter this new chapter, I am confident that her leadership will continue to propel Wichita State forward, making a meaningful impact on our students, the academy, and the future of Kansas.” 

Originally from Green River, Wyoming, Lounsbery received a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from Dakota Wesleyan University; a master's in sport pedagogy from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and a Ph.D. in sport pedagogy and educational research methods from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She is married to husband Chris Lounsbery. Together Monica and Chris have two children, Victoria Fangman and Payne Lounsbery, and one grandchild, Wilde Fangman. In Lounsbery’s spare time she enjoys learning to golf, writing music and playing with her band, Higher Ed.  

Lounsbery will take over the role from Dr. Shirley Lefever, who after 20 years at Wichita State is retiring at the end of December.  

“We owe a deep debt of gratitude for Dr. Lefever's decades of visionary leadership and her steadfast commitment to Shocker Nation,” says Muma. “Her work has left an enduring legacy on our students and our community, and we are profoundly and sincerely grateful for her unwavering dedication.” 

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 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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