Wichita State University’s College of Applied Studies (CAS) announced its 2025 award recipients during its annual CAS Awards Ceremony, held April 18. The event recognized faculty, staff and community partners whose work strengthens the college’s mission to advance education, innovation, and student success.

The awards span university-level recognitions, college-specific honors and special acknowledgments of service and leadership.

• University Risk-Taker Award – Dr. Angela Beeler
  Honored for her innovative research in behavioral learning principles, autism intervention, and expanding mental health services in rural Kansas through a $2.3 million federally funded program.

• University Excellence in Accessibility Award – Dr. Jason Li
  Recognized for advancing accessibility in education and mental health through tele-counseling, online learning initiatives, and diversity-centered training for school counseling students.

• Young Faculty Scholar – Dr. Reagan Murnan
  Celebrated for her early contributions to special education research and co-leading an AmeriCorps grant supporting structured literacy in urban schools.

• CAS Champion Award – Wichita State University Athletics
  Honored for building applied learning partnerships with CAS programs and enriching student experiences across academics and athletics.

• Professional Achievement – Dr. Sun Young Lee
  Recognized for earning three national honors for critical research in teacher education, curriculum studies, and Asian American education.

• Research Award – Dr. Wonyoung Kim
  Celebrated for founding the Journal for Contemporary Issues in Sport, leading the Kansas Sport Summit, and elevating research in sport management.

• Service Award – Dr. Valerie Thompson
  Honored for her advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, including co-hosting the BLK Womyn Podcast and promoting community in higher education.

• Student-Centric Staff Award – Sherri Holle
  Recognized for her personalized support of future educators in the Transition-to-Teaching program and her weekly “Monday Motivation” messages.

• Administrative Staff Award – Maria Wehby
  Celebrated for her exceptional coordination of major college events and her dedication to supporting students and staff in the School of Education.

• Lindquist Teaching Award – Dr. Reagan Murnan
  Selected by students for her accessible, inclusive teaching style and commitment to preparing future educators for success.

• Technology Innovation Award – Robin Folkerts
  Honored for securing grants to bring emerging tech tools into classrooms and leading professional development workshops for faculty and students.

• Dr. Clay Stoldt
  Recognized for 11 years of service as Associate Dean and nearly three years as Interim Dean. Praised for his leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to CAS and Wichita State.