Laverne Cox is an American actress, reality television star, television producer, LGBT advocate and host of “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Cox is also the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a primetime Emmy Award in the acting category.

Cox has been on a spring college tour. She is best known for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.”

Next Wednesday, Cox will be making her way to Wichita State.

Danielle Johnson, program coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said Cox has been making waves across the country with a positive message and that is why ODI wanted her here.

“We wanted her here at all costs,” Johnson said.

Johnson said they contacted the Keppler Speakers Bureau to get Cox on campus, and although it wasn’t a difficult process, people were surprised that Cox was coming to Wichita.

“This is going to be an educational piece, people are still trying to understand the idea of being transgender,” Johnson said. “They will understand that they are people and that they have a story.”

Johnson said she has heard nothing but excitement from the staff and students around ODI.

Junior Michelle Edwards said she thinks Cox’s visit is going to be great for WSU.

“I like her and what she stands for,” Edwards said. “She’s legit.”

Johnson said she wants the audience to leave with another concept of transgender people and to get away from the stereotypes.

“I want humanity to be put back into the story,” Johnson said.

Freshman Rachel McGuire, who purchased tickets to the show last week, said she thinks it’s awesome WSU is so open-minded on its campus.

“I’m from a small town, I’m not used to that,” McGuire said. “I’m glad that WSU promotes each other and builds one another up instead of tearing each other down.”

McGuire said when she went to purchase her tickets, they were almost sold out, and she bought the last two the library had.

McGuire also said the library was surprised at the amount of support the event is receiving from the community and said people were pouring in to buy tickets.

Johnson said people attending the event need to arrive on time or early, as the event will begin on time.

Tickets can be purchased at the bookstore, Select-A-Seat and Dillons.  Doors open at 5 p.m., and Cox will speak at 6:30 p.m., April 29, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.