Wichita State University
One class shy of graduating, former student returns to finish what she started
Sept. 12, 2025
Brianna Stephens (right) and Kaylee Horsley, her sister. Stephens is finishing her
accounting degree in the Shocker Comeback Program. “It’s great to have the help finishing when it felt so far from being real in the
beginning, especially after not having anyone to really guide me on the path to being
successful in college," she said. Courtesy photo
Brianna Stephens returned to Wichita State University this fall, boosted by the encouragement of her family and the Shocker Comeback Program.
“Once my family realized I was a class short of graduating, they pushed me to go back and be the one to start a new tradition,” she said. “I will be the first person in my family to finish college.”
Stephens, from Wichita, plans to finish her accounting degree and graduate in December. She first attended WSU in 2022 while working full time. The Shocker Comeback Program is designed to help students finish their degree program with personal support, financial aid, the Shocker Comeback Scholarship, success conversations and more.
“It has been encouraging to know that there is support and encouragement to return and be able to finish what I started,” she said. “It’s great to have the help finishing when it felt so far from being real in the beginning, especially after not having anyone to really guide me on the path to being successful in college.”
Dr. Pamela K O’Neal, associate director student engagement in the Office of Online and Adult Learning, guided Stephens toward support resources.
“Each time I had a question, Pamela was more than willing to give me plenty of details and walk me through the process, which was extremely helpful,” Stephens said. “WSU helped by reaching out to me and seeing if I was interested in returning, and offering scholarship support, and emotional support from my advisor.”
Stephens’ interest in accounting started in high school and continued at WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech).
“I really enjoyed it and knew it was what I’d want to do as my career,” she said. “For a lot of people, the basics of accounting don’t stick with them. For me, it created new life rules on how I can better manage my finances.”
Shocker Comeback Program
Ready to finish your bachelor’s degree? the Shocker Comeback Program is tailored for former WSU students eager to return and complete their education. Whether you paused your studies or left before graduating, we provide the support you need to resume and succeed. Enroll soon and take the next step toward your academic goals at WSU.
For more information visit Shocker Comeback Program.
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 the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (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.
Follow Wichita State on social media: