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Future Forward: WSU Summit

The Future Forward: WSU Summit will bring the Wichita State community together to explore the trends shaping higher education, learn from university and national thought leaders, and engage in conversations about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Exploring the future of higher education

Higher education is evolving rapidly as institutions respond to changing student expectations, workforce needs, emerging technologies and new opportunities for innovation. As Wichita State looks to the future, it is critical that we continue preparing students for success while strengthening our impact through teaching, research, service and industry engagement.

Throughout Future Forward: WSU Summit, participants will gain insight into strategic initiatives under way at Wichita State, hear a national perspective on the future of higher education and workforce development, and contribute ideas that can help inform the university's priorities and future direction.

Future Forward: WSU Summit

Time: 8 a.m.-Noon
Date: November 2, 2026
Location: Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom

graduates

Agenda

Time

Session / Activity

Presenter(s)

8:00-8:15 a.m.

Coffee and Welcome

 

8:15-8:30 a.m.

Setting the Stage 

Monica Lounsbery - Senior Executive Vice President and Provost 

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

AI at WSU: Progress, Priorities and Opportunities

This session will provide an overview of Wichita State's AI Framework, the work of the AI Strategy Council, and progress made across the university's four strategic pillars.

  • Ashlie Jack, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
  • John Jones, Director, Media Resources Center
  • Susan Castro, Associate Professor of Philosophy
  • Pierre Harter, Associate Vice President for Research and Industry Engagement
  • Ken Harmon, Chief Information Officer 

9:30-9:40 a.m.

Connecting Strategy to Opportunity

Wichita State's role in preparing students for success in a rapidly changing economy.

Monica Lounsbery

9:40 - 10:20 a.m.

Advancing the WSU Brand

Aligning Education, Workforce Needs and Institutional Strengths

David Vuletich, Managing Director, Research Advisory Services, EAB

10:20 – 10:25 a.m.

Transition to Workshops Segment

Monica Lounsbery

10:25 – 10:30 a.m.

Break

 

10:30-11:50 a.m.

WORKSHOP 1

Strengthening the WSU Brand Through Industry-Aligned Learning

This workshop is required for deans, associate deans, department chairs and program coordinators. The workshop is open to all participants.

Participants will explore how Wichita State can further align academic programs with workforce and industry needs by identifying the skills employers value most and considering how those competencies — including professional, leadership, and digital and AI-related skills where appropriate — can be incorporated into the student experience.

The discussion will showcase innovative, WSU-designed modules connecting learning to career outcomes and ensuring our graduates are prepared to succeed in their chosen fields.

WORKSHOP 2

Helping Shape What's Next for AI at Wichita State

This workshop is open to all participants.

Building on the AI Framework presented earlier today, participants will engage in facilitated discussions focused on the four pillars of the framework: Students, Faculty and Staff; Research; Operations; and Community and Industry Partnerships.

The goal is to gather ideas, identify opportunities and challenges, and help inform future priorities for the AI Strategy Council as Wichita State continues to advance this work.

11:50-Noon Report out and closing  

RSVP for Future Forward: WSU Summit

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