Every so often there's a moment that makes me stop and appreciate just how much this university has evolved in the 25-plus years I’ve been here.

This fall, Wichita State welcomed the largest first-time-in-college freshman class in our 131-year history. A total of 1,752 new freshmen chose to become Shockers, shooting past our previous record and representing a 7.2 percent increase from last fall. This milestone isn't just another data point – it is evidence that more students and families are seeing the value of what Wichita State offers and choosing to invest in their future in Kansas’ largest city. In fact, for just the second time in university history, overall enrollment surpassed 18,000 students.

In a time when higher education is facing no shortage of challenges and families are asking tough questions about affordability, career outcomes and return on investment, this achievement says something important. Students are increasingly looking for institutions that connect education to real opportunities, and Wichita State continues to prove that model works.

When prospective students ask what makes Wichita State different, my answer remains the same.

It's our commitment to applied learning.

Every year, thousands of our students gain real-world experience through internships, research projects, clinical placements, student teaching experiences and other forms of applied learning. They graduate not only with a degree, but with the experience employers consistently express that they value most.

That commitment is reinforced by investments throughout our campus. The transformation of Innovation Campus has created opportunities that simply didn't exist a decade ago. The Shocker Success Center continues to connect students with essential support services. And next year, the Wichita Biomedical Campus will open a new chapter for healthcare education in our city and region.

Students choosing Wichita State today are stepping into a university that is actively shaping its future, not simply reacting to it.

As proud as we are of this year's enrollment milestone, we know affordability remains one of the most important factors in a student's college decision. That's why there is real excitement about the recent enhancements to our scholarship programs starting with the Class of 2027.

This year, Wichita State announced some of the largest scholarship awards in university history, including new and expanded opportunities through the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational - now with four awards valued at $80,000 each for recipients - and and other competitive scholarship competitions. These investments mean more students will have access to transformative awards while reducing the financial burden on themselves and their families.

For many students, scholarship competitions are more than an opportunity to earn financial support. They also provide a chance to connect with future classmates and roommates, experience campus firsthand and begin building the relationships that often define their college experience.

One of the advantages of being involved with Wichita State for more than two decades is having the perspective to recognize when something special is happening.

The largest freshman class in university history follows years of enrollment momentum, facility investments, and a growing reputation for helping students launch successful careers. While many institutions are searching for ways to adapt to the future of higher education, Wichita State has spent the last decade building toward it.

Most importantly, this record freshman class means 1,752 new Shockers have placed their trust in us to help them achieve their goals.

We do not take that responsibility lightly.

To our newest Shockers: thank you for choosing Wichita State University.

And to future students still considering where their college journey should begin, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of a university that continues to rise, innovate and create opportunities for the next generation.

The momentum is real. The future is bright. And we're just getting started.