Hello, Shockers, welcome to fall semester. Whether you’re a recently graduated high school senior or a senior citizen enrolled to broaden your knowledge, we’re glad to have you here.

Our campus is a dynamic environment, meaning that change is always part of it.

Some of those changes are visible, like new streets signs and crosswalks, another new residence hall going up near The Flats, Freddy’s and Panda Express coming to the Rhatigan Student Center, fountains and firepots in the lake near Braeburn Square and a new name for the College of Education, which is now the College of Applied Studies.

There’s also a new wichita.edu website and plans are well underway for a new YMCA and Student Wellness Center.

Other changes will be more felt than seen. WSU is actively pursuing its mission of becoming internationally recognized for applied learning and research.

The top goal in our Strategic Plan is to “guarantee an applied learning or research experience for every student by each academic program.” We think that’s important to the future of our students, city and state.

My goals for each of you this year are the same ones I set for myself: learn a lot, grow as person, help others and have fun.

Today, and every day, is a great day to be a Shocker!