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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

(Photo courtesy of Emily Phung)

Archeology rekindled his passion for learning after 50 years, brain cancer didn’t stop him

Taliyah Winn, Podcast Producer May 5, 2025

When 17-year-old Arland Wallace first came to Wichita State University in the 1970s, he left after his first semester, realizing he wasn’t ready for college. After he retired from his job as a deacon...

Social work student Robin Monroe poses for a photo in the Online and Adult Learners office. Monroe said that OAL helped her throughout her time at WSU.

‘Nowhere to go but up’: How a WSU student went from addiction, incarceration and homelessness to crossing the graduation stage

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor May 4, 2025

Robin Monroe walked into the Online and Adult Learners office at Wichita State “almost by mistake.” “I went to the advising office in Grace Wilkie (Hall) and on the way there, I went in the wrong...

Adriana and Victoria Owens in New York City at the National Model United Nations conference in April. The two are fraternal twins. (Courtesy of Tyler Dorsch)

Twins with interconnected advocacy journeys prepare to diverge paths at WSU — but only somewhat

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor May 4, 2025

When you speak to Adriana and Victoria Owens, you might notice the twins say “we” and “us” a lot. And those first-person plural pronouns often fit the pair, whose lives blend and weave together. From...

Megan Nichols checks camera bags at the Elliot School gear room. Nichols is graduating with a bachelor's in communication.

From cameras to choreography, communication student supports peers while getting creative

Mya Scott, Assistant Editor May 3, 2025

To a lot of people in the Elliott School of Communication, Megan Nichols is the girl who checks out the cameras while sporting a huge smile on her face. But Nichols holds other passions outside of DSLR...

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Wichita State cancels commencement events celebrating diversity

Kami Steinle, Reporter May 2, 2025

Three of Wichita State’s annual commencement events, Multicultural Graduation Celebration, Lavender Graduation and First-Generation Cord Ceremony, will not be held this spring.  “I think it’s...

Student Body President Jia Wen Wang addresses the SGA senate in the first meeting of the 68th Session. The April 30 meeting was Wang's very first as student body president.

SGA creates new cabinet position with focus on student engagement with athletics

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor May 2, 2025

In one of her first acts as Student Body President Jia Wen Wang created a new student position in her cabinet, focusing on the relationship between the Student Government Association and WSU’s athletics...

Sen. Josh Mallard speaks about the library discarding books and journals. Mallard proposed amendments to help ensure transparency with the library.

WSU Student Senate calls for action over Ablah Library’s discarding of materials

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor May 2, 2025

Wichita State’s Student Senate is asking the university to address concerns about library materials being thrown out without the knowledge or consent of students and faculty.  In a recent town hall...

Newly elected Speaker of the Senate Matthew Phan presents for the speaker of the senate position. Phan was voted in as speaker of the senate at the April 30 meeting.

SGA elects former Vice President Mathew Phan as new Senate speaker

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor May 2, 2025

Wichita State’s Student Senate elected its new speaker Wednesday night. Mathew Phan, former student body vice president, will assume the role.  Phan won the vote for speaker over last session’s...

Empty desks in an Elliott Hall classroom on Monday, March 23, 2020 (File photo).

Accreditation faces new regulations at the state and federal levels

Kass Lewis, Reporter May 1, 2025

A new Kansas bill and federal executive order target accreditation for colleges and universities amid concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. Senate Bill 78 passed with a...

Parking lot 19E on April 9.

Lot 19E near Eck Stadium to partially close Thursday through Sunday

Megan Bailey, Reporter April 30, 2025

A portion of lot 19E near Eck Stadium will be closed Thursday through Sunday for an event.  “Faculty, staff and students that typically park in this lot will need to park in other lots per their...

Dean of University Libraries Brent Mai speaks at a campus visit prior to being hired at WSU in 2023 (File photo).

History or copyright infringement?: Wichita State’s dean of libraries sued for use of German genealogy work

Allison Campbell, Editor-in-Chief April 30, 2025

Wichita State’s Dean of University Libraries Brent Mai has been accused of copyright infringement, false endorsement and unfair competition for using the work of researcher Margreatha Hein, the proprietor...

Anthony Muscat, the dean of the College of Engineering, talks to a student at the Pre-Party on Aug. 23. Muscat will leave WSU in June.

‘Established roots here’: Engineering dean prepares to leave Wichita State

Mya Scott, Assistant Editor April 30, 2025

Just short of four years ago, Anthony Muscat became the dean of the College of Engineering at Wichita State University. He had moved from the hot deserts of Arizona to the middle of tornado alley. Now,...

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