— Wichita State University will receive $684,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for three programs aimed at increasing safety measures for the use of unmanned aerial systems.
— “Noel Live” follows Noel, a man with a mysterious case of short-term memory, who has lost everything. As he seeks to kill the man who took everything from him, he finds himself with a choice: forgiveness or revenge. Which will he choose? The film is told using reverse chronology and inspired by Christopher Nolan’s movie “Memento.”
— A Kansas couple has pledged an estate gift of $3.5 million to the WSU Foundation to endow a general scholarship fund for Wichita State University students who demonstrate financial need.
— Wichita State University’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) is partnering with the Kansas capitol in Topeka to keep the state functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of early January, the MDL began processing thousands of tests per week for the people who work and visit the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka — including legislators, staff, the media, lobbyists, or conferees.
— Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business has announced Dr. Greg Merrill as the new director of the School of Accountancy. Merrill will succeed long-time Barton School faculty member Dr. Jeff Bryant, who has retired.
— A Wichita State University-based program aimed at aiding frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 has resulted in the formation of a new Wichita startup company and a premium disposable stethoscope. The Single Patient Stethoscope™ from Ad Astra Medical Devices, LLC, boasts a sturdy, lightweight design engineered for maximum performance in today’s demanding medical environments.
— The 3D printing revolution is nothing short of remarkable, but it also produces a considerable amount of waste. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 19% of 3D printing is waste. A team of interdisciplinary researchers at Wichita State University is working to create sustainable 3D printing practices to reduce that waste.
— With the intention of furthering Wichita State University’s commitment to digital transformation, the Kansas Board of Regents has approved four degree programs that will launch in spring 2021: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Science in Mathematical Foundations of Data Analysis. These degrees are in addition to existing undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in applied computing, computer science, cybersecurity, homeland security, and supply chain.
— In response to student interest, Wichita State is focusing on developing new courses focused on diversity. Currently, Wichita State offers more than 330 courses on diversity content. Additionally, two-thirds of the first-year seminars offered are flagged with diversity and about 35-40% of students complete a diversity course while pursuing their degree.
— Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute’s coalition is working to better the lives of children by encouraging workplaces to establish family-friendly practices. WSU-CEI works closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to establish multisector partnerships and resources for the execution of the Child Maltreatment Prevention Plan across Kansas. WSU-CEI also organizes a statewide coalition for this effort called Kansas Power of the Positive.
— Joe Kleinsasser, co-director of news and media relations, retires from Wichita State this week and the university will miss his institutional knowledge, his experience and trust with the media, his patience and his kindness. He started at Wichita State just in time for a news conference called to announce the end of the football program. He remembers the visit of Russian president Boris Yeltsin to campus in 1992 as one of his most interesting assignments. He lists his work with Dean Headley, emeritus professor of marketing at Wichita State University, on the Airline Quality Rating as a highlight.
— Friendships and entertainment are important to people’s wellbeing, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on during your winter break. Spend winter break making a better you.
For WSU News and WSU Today content older than July 2018, search the WSU News Archive.
