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Ashlyn Riggs found a place she could grow and gain valuable experience for her career at Wichita State University. While getting her bachelor's degree in education, through the Teacher Apprentice Program, she was able to work at the Child Development Center as a lead sub teacher.

Meet a Shocker: Ashlyn Riggs

April 29, 2025
By Strategic Communications

Ashlyn Riggs is featured on Wichita State's episode of "The College Tour," talking about the College of Applied Studies. Watch the entire episode at wichita.edu/thecollegetour.

College of Applied Studies

When it comes to producing qualified educators, athletic trainers, exercise scientists and sport management professionals — nobody offers more than Wichita State's College of Applied Studies. We combine nationally accredited programs, exclusive scholarships and unmatched applied learning opportunities to give our students everything they need to build bright futures.

Child Development Center

At Wichita State University's Child Development Center, we offer the highest quality childcare and early child development services to the WSU community at an affordable cost.

Ashlyn Riggs came to Wichita State University thanks to its proximity to home and she already had a connection to campus through her mother, who is an active employee. While at WSU, she had the opportunity to work at the Child Development Center as a lead sub teacher — all while getting her degree in education.

Ashlyn is one of more than 2,100 students eligible for spring 2025 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Major

Bachelor of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Unified, Teacher Apprentice Program

Hometown

Cheney, Kansas

High school

Cheney High School

What made you choose Wichita State University?

I chose Wichita State because my mom works here, and the campus is close to home.

What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

Working full time and doing school full time was my biggest challenge. Lots of caffeine helped me power through.

Did you have any applied learning experience as a student? If so, what was it?

I was able to work in the WSU Child Development Center as a lead sub teacher.

What are your plans after graduation? If you have a job lined up, what's the job and where will you be working? If you're going to grad school, where and what will you be studying?

I’m not sure what my plans are yet, but I will stay at the CDC as a lead sub.

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

You can do it!

If you were given the opportunity to do a TED Talk, what would your topic be?

"How to not be a procrastinator."

About Wichita State University

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 National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 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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