In rowing, I learned the term “setting the boat”: Picture yourself in the bow seat of a double. You are sitting in the most stable position you can find in this narrow shell, back straight. Your oars are flat on the water holding the boat stable, and the person sitting in the stroke seat is rowing, going all out or working to perfect an element of their technique while you hold them steady.

The speed of larger boats depends on the “set” of the boat. It depends on rowers who move efficiently, who adjust to each other and the boat by raising or lowering their hands, and who pace themselves.

You may be wondering how any of this applies to getting ready for this new semester. Good! Keep thinking about it. There are a lot of ways it may apply, and it will be more meaningful if you figure out how it applies to you.

I hope you’ll stop by Shocker Hall Building Room 118A sometime on a Thursday 2-3pm during my drop-in hours to tell me what you’ve been thinking.

Email honors@wichita.edu at any time or stop by Shocker Hall during 8am to 5pm office hours to:

• Make an appointment with Honors academic advisor Jessi Raburn,
• Ask scholarship coordinator Erin LeBegue a question about the Cohen Enhancement or other Honors scholarships, or
• Meet our new Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Kevin Sylvester Harrison. Read more about Dr. Harrison below.

The Honors student lounge, kitchen, and printing areas in Shocker Hall are open 24/7 by keycard access for all Honors students. Talk to the Honors student assistant at the desk, or email honorsassistant@wichita.edu if you have any trouble.

• Induction and Initium Novum for new Honors students – Saturday, August 14^th
• Meet and greet for 2021-22 student and faculty council members – Thursday, August 19^th.
  • Congratulations to the students selected as members of the 2021-22 student council. The council meets every Thursday at 5:00pm, and you can bring an idea, question, or concern to the council at any time by emailing honorsassistant@wichita.edu.
• CLASH of the Colleges – for all new students! – Friday, August 20^th pre-party starts at 3pm
  • Click here to register for Clash of the Colleges. Honors students can choose to march with your college or join the LAS/Honors Alliance! Follow social media for more information throughout the week.
• Koch Scholars Welcome Dinner – Wednesday, September 1^st

Dr. Kevin Sylvester Harrison, formerly the Wichita State University Military and Veterans Affairs community engagement coordinator, joined the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College as assistant teaching professor and director of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to developing and teaching honors courses, Harrison will oversee recruitment and community relationship-building. Harrison has spent the past five years transitioning into higher education from banking, financial services and telecommunications. He received his doctorate in 2020 and has taught several courses since 2016. In his new role as a faculty member and brand ambassador, Harrison hopes to assist the college in its efforts to expose honors education to more diverse student populations. 

Along with Harrison’s professional endeavors, he is a published author, an active participant in various community advocacy initiatives, and a performing artist. This wide range of skills and experiences will be a tremendous asset as he strives to establish and nurture relationships between the honors college, the campus community and the local community.

Remember to follow us on social media for events and opportunities throughout the year!

College Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @CohenHonorsWSU

WHEAT student organization Instagram @wheat.wsu or Discord community.

Use this link by August 20^th https://discord.gg/r4s7PBZf

Now -  Ready, All! Row!

Kimberly Engber, PhD

Dean, The Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College 

Associate Professor, English

Shocker Hall Building A, Room 118 * 316-978-6459 *www.wichita.edu/honors

Pronouns: She/Her