Wichita State’s admissions Twitter account has more followers that the University of Kansas or Kansas State University’s admissions Twitter accounts.

“We’ve tried to give our Twitter account a little more personality, a little more of a personal touch than a standard branding or marketing message,” said Director of Admissions Bobby Gandu.

“In other words, as the director of admissions, I run the account,” Gandu said. “That way, people know that I’m someone they can reach out to if they have questions about Wichita State or the admissions process.”

On top of having more than 1,250 followers, the account follows more than 850 people. Gandu often re-Tweets from those accounts and Tweets at them, having conversations with anyone from current to prospective Shockers. This is in contrast to the admissions Twitter from K-State, which doesn’t follow any accounts, and last re-tweeted anyone on April 2.

The KU account does a better job of interacting with students and other KU-associated accounts, but only follows half the amount as Gandu and still has fewer followers.

Isaac Stine, a sophomore Electrical Engineering major from WSU, said the success of the page has to do with the admissions staff at WSU.

“Bobby Gandu and his team create an admissions experience that is unlike any other university,” Stine said. “They truly care about potential and current students.”

Taylor Mayfield, a senior in Aerospace Engineering, echoed the thoughts of Gandu and Stine on the page’s personal appeal.

“I think the biggest factor is that it has a face to it. He [Gandu] can easily connect with students in a personal way, and he brings a bit of humor along with all the great information,” Mayfield said.

“He works very hard to meet the needs of students, if it is within his power, and is very passionate about bringing quality students to our university.”

Gandu said he would like to see the page grow to 2,000 followers in the next few months, “but any growth would be great.”

Stine and Mayfield, who are members of the Student Ambassador Society, said having a Twitter page is important for WSU admissions.

“For Wichita State to be a relevant university, it needs to be where students are,” Stine said.

Mayfield agreed.

“A personal connection can go a long way,” he said.