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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Bekah Selby-Leach, director of Wichita State's Center for Economic Development and Business Research. (Photo courtesy of Wichita State University)

New director outlines goals for Wichita State’s economic development and business research center

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor December 3, 2024

When Bekah Selby-Leach began her career teaching economics at Emporia State University in 2017, she said she quickly fell into the economic development world.  Much of her involvement began with...

A squirrel found on Wichita State's campus with unique piebald coloring sits in a tree. Associate professor James Beck and graduate student Jessica Baughman, who discovered the squirrel, nicknamed it Snowball. (Photo courtesy of James Beck.)

Biology student and professor discover rare squirrel on campus

Cheyanne Tull, Reporter November 29, 2024

A unique male piebald fox squirrel has made a surprising appearance perched in the oak trees on campus near the northeast corner of Morrison Hall and near Jabara Hall. Biology graduate student Jessica...

Khushboo Singh looks at items in the Shocker Support Locker. Over winter break, the locker is closed so food will be provided to students on campus through student housing.

Looking for a Thanksgiving meal? Student Government and student housing team up to provide food over break

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor November 26, 2024

Thanksgiving break is almost here, and winter break is just around the corner. For many, these breaks also mean traveling home, seeing family and enjoying food. But for some of Wichita State’s students,...

Wichita State University President Richard Muma. Photo courtesy of Wichita State University.

Wichita State president appointed to coalition serving urban universities

Sophia Best, Reporter November 23, 2024

Wichita State's President Richard Muma has been to the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU) board of directors. The USU is a network of more than 40 urban public research institutions within...

The Research Hub, located in Ablah Library provides resources and support for undergraduate students interested in research.

Undergraduate research hub presents collaboration opportunities for student and faculty research

Mya Scott, Reporter November 22, 2024

For years, a dedicated team of faculty has worked on creating a program that will help bridge the gap between faculty and undergraduate students. They aimed to enlighten students on the joys of research...

Faculty mingle at the open house for the new Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence office. The office was created to focus on helping Wichita State Faculty advance professionally.

New office aims to address faculty needs and professional development

Sophia Best, Reporter November 21, 2024

Wichita State recently opened a new office dedicated to helping faculty advance professionally: the Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence (FARE).  The office will be directed by...

The third floor of Shocker Success Center on July 26. It locates some of the student services on campus including the Office of Online and Adult Learning.

‘We hope to build a community’: New group offers support to students who are parents

Sophia Best, Reporter November 21, 2024

The Office of Online and Adult Learning has recently launched the Students Who Are Parents (SWAP) group. SWAP is currently an online-exclusive group hosted on Blackboard for any student who is a parent...

Photos of deceased transgender individuals on a table at the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil. Each photo listed the individuals age and cause of death.

‘We celebrate those who fought’: Candlelight vigil held for Transgender Day of Remembrance

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor November 21, 2024

In the United States, more than half of all transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered killing themselves. More than a quarter have attempted suicide.  Wichita State’s student group...

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FAFSA application for 2025-2026 now open

Baylor Henry, Reporter November 20, 2024

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for students and families to fill out. The application contains updates meant to streamline the process, including a shortened form,...

Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president for finance, administration, and operations, introduces himself to the WSU Staff Senate. Mitchell was previously the associate vice president for financial services at Montana State University.

Aaron Mitchell resigns as vice president for administration, finance and operations

Allison Campbell and Ainsley Smyth November 20, 2024

Wichita State University has confirmed that Aaron Mitchell, the senior vice president for administration, finance and operations, has resigned from his role after less than two months at the university. The...

The Wichita State pickleball courts on Sept. 12, 2023. The courts were demolished to make room for a new indoor practice facility for softball.

University moving forward with new pickleball courts, construction expected to start soon

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor November 19, 2024

Wichita State will have pickleball courts again, as soon as this fall. After the Student Government Association voted against allocating $137,000 for new pickleball courts last week, staff from Student...

Kian Williams, a student in Local and Community History, shows Wichita on a map, explaining its history.

‘It’s really about looking around’: Wichita State history class sparks community discussion

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor November 18, 2024

History professor Jay Price said researching local history presents a unique challenge, as information can be hard to find. But, it can also be uniquely fulfilling. It gives people a connection to their...

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