Wichita State University
Humans of Wichita State: Grad Edition – Kaylan Richardson
April 29, 2026
Photo courtesy of Kaylan Richardson
Hometown
Grain Valley, MO
Degree received
Elementary Education with minors in Marketing and Organizational Leadership & Learning.
Which organizations were you involved in?
The Student Ambassador Society, Shocker Navigators, Mortar Board National College
Honors Society, International Buddy Program, intramural sports and Kansas Aspiring
Educators.
Why did you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State University because of the Shocker City Partnership, which allowed
me to receive in-state tuition. Combined with the scholarship opportunities available,
it made college much more accessible and affordable for me.
How did being involved with the Student Ambassador Society impact your time at WSU?
Being involved in the Student Ambassador Society had a huge impact on my time at WSU. It allowed me to meet some of my best friends while also pursuing my passion for volunteering. Through that involvement, I was able to take on roles like being a Shocker Navigator and even land my internship with the concurrent enrollment team, which helped shape my professional growth.
Being involved in the Student Ambassador Society had a huge impact on my time at WSU. It allowed me to meet some of my best friends while also pursuing my passion for volunteering. Through that involvement, I was able to take on roles like being a Shocker Navigator and even land my internship with the concurrent enrollment team, which helped shape my professional growth.
Which Wichita State faculty or staff member impacted you the most during your time
here?
Sloane Crawshaw had the biggest impact on my time at WSU. She trusted me as a freshman to become a Shocker Navigator, which gave me confidence early on. She has been an incredible mentor who pushed me to grow as a leader. As one of the first people I met on campus, she was always supportive and played a major role in my development. I wouldn't be the person I am four years later without her!
Sloane Crawshaw had the biggest impact on my time at WSU. She trusted me as a freshman to become a Shocker Navigator, which gave me confidence early on. She has been an incredible mentor who pushed me to grow as a leader. As one of the first people I met on campus, she was always supportive and played a major role in my development. I wouldn't be the person I am four years later without her!
How do you feel about graduating?
Graduation feels both rewarding and surreal. I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced,
and I’m looking forward to staying at WSU to continue growing in graduate school.
Which experience at Wichita State challenged you the most and what did you take away
from that challenge?
One of the most challenging experiences was working full-time as an Events and Marketing Assistant in the Office of Admissions while also being a full-time student. It pushed me to develop strong organizational skills and time management. I also learned how to prioritize responsibilities, stay disciplined, communicate effectively, and perform under pressure. That experience helped prepare me for balancing multiple commitments in my future career.
One of the most challenging experiences was working full-time as an Events and Marketing Assistant in the Office of Admissions while also being a full-time student. It pushed me to develop strong organizational skills and time management. I also learned how to prioritize responsibilities, stay disciplined, communicate effectively, and perform under pressure. That experience helped prepare me for balancing multiple commitments in my future career.
What are your post-grad plans?
I will be staying at Wichita State to get my Master's in Counseling, where I will
study both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Get involved early and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You never
know what experience, connection, or path it might lead to!