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
Courtney Brown

Courtney Brown, Former news editor

Courtney Brown was one of the news editors for The Sunflower during the 2023-2024 year. She previously worked as a reporter and assistant news editor. Brown uses she/her pronouns.

All content by Courtney Brown
A Wichita State University police car parked on campus (file photo)

[Photo] ‘Suspicious device’ that caused bomb threat alert near campus was crashed drone

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
March 21, 2025
The entrance to Hadley Middle School. Hadley is one of six schools in the Wichita School District to close.

Wichita State alum says leaving Hadley Middle School is ‘the hardest thing’

Courtney Brown, Reporter
June 5, 2024
Wichita State Connect on April 2. According to Provost Shirley Lefever, Wichita State Connect's goal is to help K-12 students and their parents understand the purpose of college.

Wichita State Connect aims to “demystify college,” engage with community

Courtney Brown, News Editor
June 2, 2024
Student Government Association Acting President Sophie Martins gives the executive report during the SGA session on Feb. 7. Martins served as acting president from Feb. 2 to Feb. 12.

Sophie Martins jumps from graduation to law school

Courtney Brown, News Editor
May 5, 2024
(Graphic)

Two Black freshmen said a white student committed a hate crime against them on campus. Here’s how Wichita State responded.

Courtney Brown, News Editor
April 25, 2024
Maria, the vice president of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), sits alongside at least 25 other attendees who came before the Student Senate to again advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. Maria and other SJP members presented to the Student Government Association on Wednesday, March 27.

Kansas representative criticizes Student Government’s Gaza ceasefire resolution

Courtney Brown, News Editor
April 21, 2024
Members of Students for Justice in Palestine clap and cheer in support after the Ceasefire in Gaza resolution was passed by the Student Government Association. "Free Palestine," members said, yelling in unison at the conclusion of the Senate meeting.

Gaza ceasefire resolution meets criticism from Jewish Student Alliance president, passes anyway

Courtney Brown, News Editor
April 14, 2024
(Illustration)

A dog in dance class and other ways service animals, emotional support animals help Wichita State students

Courtney Brown, News Editor
April 14, 2024
Student Body President-elect Kylee Hower grins with Tessa Fry, the clerk of the Senate, as the unverified SGA 2024 General Election results are announced during Wednesday night's Student Senate meeting. Hower and her vice president, Matthew Phan, received 59.95% of the student body's votes.

Hower, Phan elected student body president, VP for 67th session

Courtney Brown, News Editor
April 3, 2024
Members of Students for Justice in Palestine display a banner with the total number of killed Palestinians during the Student Senate meeting on Wednesday, March 27. According to Aljazeera, over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza as of March 30, with UNICEF stating that over 13,000 children are dead.

Supporters calling for Gaza ceasefire return to Student Senate, resolution in progress

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 30, 2024
Norah O'Donnell listens as an audience member asks her a question. O'Donnell, the CBS Evening News Anchor, participated in a Q&A session for students in the Rhatigan Student Center on March 21.

News anchor Norah O’Donnell details ‘career of a lifetime’ to students

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 24, 2024
Student body vice presidential candidate Matthew Phan and presidential candidate Kylee Hower pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of Hower and Phan.

Hower, Phan presidential campaign aims to increase outreach, retention through student connections

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 20, 2024
Sapphie, a student drag performer, ends her first performance of the evening at Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies' Winter Drag Show on Dec. 9.

Theater major channels sewing, drag skills in stage performances

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 18, 2024
Katie Dakan poses for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Dakan)

Communications alum finds joy in ‘helping people tell their own stories’ via memoirs

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 11, 2024
Pete Nájera, the president and CEO of United Way of the Plains, speaks at the Wichita Journalism Collaborative event on Monday, Feb. 26. Nájera and United Way work to "strengthen our pipeline of housing" in the Wichita community through grants and investments.

Wichita Journalism Collaborative creates space to listen to housing issues 

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 4, 2024
Damian Montañéz, Alec Dulaney, Timber Keller and Greg Chewning pose for a photo during a recording session for their mental health podcast on Sunday, Feb. 25. The four are all clinical mental health counseling students at Wichita State. Photo courtesy of the group.

Student-made podcast aims to offer ‘fresh perspective’ on mental health 

Courtney Brown, News Editor
March 2, 2024
Olivia Ramos and another Wichita State student hold up a banner reflecting the number of Palestinian lives lost since the start of Israeli bombings in Gaza. Dozens of community members, students and WSU faculty and staff assembled at the Student Senate meeting on Wednesday night to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Forty-five people gather to call for Gaza ceasefire resolution from Student Government

Courtney Brown, News Editor
February 29, 2024
This week's news in brief — Feb. 24

This week’s news in brief — Feb. 24

Courtney Brown and Allison Campbell
February 24, 2024
Nicholas Heald, a WSU alum, speaks to a student outside of the Rhatigan Student Center on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Heald expressed anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments to students and passers-by.

Anti-abortion preacher returns to Wichita State, attracts police attention

Courtney Brown, News Editor
February 22, 2024
Acting President Sophie Martins and Speaker of the Senate Kylee Hower give the first read of Retention of the Rhatigan Student Center Bond during the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Feb. 7.

Student Government passes resolution supporting distribution of emergency contraceptives

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
February 8, 2024
Sami Hood (#14) runs past the bases to home plate after hitting a home run. The freshman is a common starting player, and hit her fourth home run of the season.

Sami Hood strives to improve her leadership skills as shortstop

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
February 8, 2024
The Student Supreme Court judges listen to the appeal made by Vishnu Avva on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Avva's claim is the third to be submitted regarding the special election for the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act.

Student Senate removes at-large seats, special election found constitutional

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
February 2, 2024
Chief Elections Commissioner Gigi Guzman announces the unofficial results of the special election during the Student Government Assocation session on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Constitutional amendment was unofficially passed with 246 votes in affirmation.

Vote allows Student Government Association to change make-up of Senate seats

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
January 24, 2024
Former Staff Senate President Denise Gimlin shakes incoming President Jason Bosch's hand at the meeting on June 20.

Staff Senate President to depart from Wichita State

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
January 23, 2024
What Wichita State gets right when accommodating students with disabilities — and areas to improve

What Wichita State gets right when accommodating students with disabilities — and areas to improve

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
January 19, 2024
Telly McGaha (Courtesy of Strategic Communications)

Telly McGaha announced as new Wichita State Foundation president, CEO

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
January 17, 2024
Snow covered the ground before the Rhatigan Student Center on Feb. 17, 2022. (File photo).

Wichita State will go remote first day of spring semester

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
January 15, 2024
Yolanda Camarena receives an honorary doctorate from Wichita State at the fall 2023 graduation commencement ceremony on Dec. 17. Camarena and her husband, Gene, were both awarded this honor.

Commencement speaker urges graduates to show gratitude for support systems

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
December 19, 2023
ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

‘I had done everything right’: Students with disabilities receive citations despite registered ADA parking

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
December 7, 2023
ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

ADA parking spaces on Dec. 6.

Organization provides community, support for students with Type 1 diabetes

Organization provides community, support for students with Type 1 diabetes

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
December 4, 2023
Arab Student Association and Asian Student Conference hosted the fundraiser for Palestine on Nov. 20 in honor of Carol Chakra and Lian Awadi, who died in a car crash on Nov. 15. Chakra was pro-Palestine and an ASA member.

Pro-Palestine fundraiser honors those dead in car crash

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 21, 2023
Student senators vote on a bill during the Nov. 15 meeting.

‘Long overdue’: Student Government Association supports gender-neutral restrooms on each floor of new buildings

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 19, 2023
Stella Gage, the president of SHARE, and At-large Sen. Jasmine Peng speak to senators regarding a newly proposed resolution that aims to improve the accessibility of emergency contraception on campus. “Access to EC is an important way for students to maintain bodily autonomy and prevent unwanted pregnancies,” Gage said.

Sexual health group advocates for increased access to emergency contraception on campus

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 19, 2023
New Liberal Arts and Sciences gen ed requirements take effect in fall 2024

New Liberal Arts and Sciences gen ed requirements take effect in fall 2024

Courtney Brown
November 14, 2023
Sophomore center Quincy Ballard tries to get open on offense. On Dec. 3, Wichita State traveled to Manhattan to play against K-State, losing 55-50.

‘Buys into his process’: Quincy Ballard returns from injury

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 6, 2023
Student Body Vice President Sophie Martins speaks to the Student Senate on Nov. 1.

Gender-neutral bathrooms could be encouraged in each floor of new buildings

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 4, 2023
At-large Sen. Joshua Mallard holds up an advertisement for Green Valley Smoke Shop. Mallard spoke during public forum at SGA on Nov. 1 about his concerns regarding smoke shop advertisements in The Sunflower.

Student government senator expresses disappointment about Sunflower advertisements from smoke shop

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
November 2, 2023
MyWSU login opened on a computer. (File photo)

Students required to use Microsoft’s Multi-factor Authentication for log ins starting Tuesday

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 31, 2023
Wichita State University President Richard Muma says what his "hype song" is at the Student Government Association Town Hall on Oct. 26. Muma's hype song was "Faithfully" by Journey.

WSU administration addresses supporting diversity after affirmative action struck down

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 29, 2023
Joe Hanford, marketing officer Carla Cummings, and membership and outreach officer Mia Dennett listen to virtual attendees at the first Disability Rights, Education, Activism and Mentorship meeting on Oct. 25.

​​Disability rights group aims to educate about inclusion, accessibility

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 26, 2023
Brandon Whipple and Lily Wu debate at a mayoral forum at Wichita State on Oct. 18 (Photo illustration)

Whipple, Wu visit Wichita State for debate

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 19, 2023
Nadeen Abu-Sherbi, Carol Chakra and Maddox Kafka listen as different vigil attendees share their thoughts and perspectives. The vigil was hosted on Oct. 12 to commemorate Palestinian victims of violence and war.

‘It’s impactful’: Vigil honors Palestinian lives lost, educates about violence in Palestine and Israel

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 16, 2023
Refika Sarıönder Kreinath, a Wichita State lecturer in German, smiles while speaking with community members Christa Wallin (left) and Christa Nelson (right). Kreinath organized the Oktoberfest gathering on Oct. 6.

German language department breaks out the apple juice in celebration of Oktoberfest

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 9, 2023
Elizabeth Wingo, director of risk management for Sedgwick County, speaks during the Humanities Panel in the RSC on Oct. 3. Wingo sat between Susan Castro and Robin Henry.

‘Come alive’: Panelists share value of humanities, encourage stretching comfort zones

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
October 6, 2023
Faculty Senate on Aug. 28.

KBOR revises academic program review, pulls control away from universities

Courtney Brown and Trinity Ramm
September 28, 2023
Matty Schrag poses for a photo on her first day of teaching in August. Photo courtesy of Matty Schrag

‘I have 17 kids’: 20-year-old teacher loves bonding with students

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
September 21, 2023
Chris Prout plays a competitive match of table tennis on Sept. 12. Prout is a second year player for the Wichita State team.

‘Lifelong sport’: Table tennis team embraces competition, community

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
September 14, 2023
The Shockers Vote Coalition aims to encourage students to vote and learn more about local candidates through its fall events and voter registration drives. In the past, they have distributed pins, stickers and informational flyers to the Wichita community.

Shockers Vote Coalition aims to educate students on voting, local candidates

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
September 11, 2023
Student Body President Iris Okere speaks to various people at Wichita State at the State of the Student Body on Sept. 6.

Student body president addresses organizations’ budget cuts, announces upcoming projects

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
September 6, 2023
Photo of the "Okere Administration Should Resign" flyer in Hubbard Hall on Sept. 6.

Okere administration impeachment petition circulates on campus, SGA president responds

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
September 6, 2023
Gabriel Fonseca, interim executive director of Student Engagement, poses with Valeria Paunetto, the director of legislative affairs and policy for SGA, at the photo booth on Aug. 30. The ODI open house event was hosted in the ODI office, on the second floor in the RSC.

Interim executive director of student engagement wants ODI to be ‘home away from home’

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 31, 2023
Wichita woman found dead after domestic violence incident at apartment complex near Wichita State

Wichita woman found dead after domestic violence incident at apartment complex near Wichita State

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 26, 2023
Student Body President Iris Okere speaks to the Student Senate on Aug. 23.

Agency presidents could receive financial compensation

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 26, 2023
The Shocker Racing Formula SAE team speaks to the Student Senate on Aug. 23 in hopes of recieving additional funding for their team. The team built cars for competitions.

‘Heartbreaking’: Several student organizations at risk due to lack of funding

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 25, 2023
Former Staff Senate President Denise Gimlin talks to newly installed President Jason Bosch's at the meeting on June 20.

‘Cheerleader for the underdog’: Staff Senate president enjoys building relationship with students, faculty

Courtney Brown, News Editor
August 20, 2023
Faculty Senate President Jolynn Dowling and Staff Senate President Jason Bosch joke about their senates beating the other in the Stock the Shocker Support Locker Challenge. Dowling and Bosch spoke at the 2023 Faculty and Staff Fall Address on Aug. 16.

Wichita State to prioritize boosting economy, affordability

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 18, 2023
"My Broken Language: A Memoir" by Quiara Alegría Hudes.

‘Jumping between languages’: Common Read depicts navigating different cultures, changing careers

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 15, 2023
Stephen Patton, candidate for dean of university libraries, speaks to public forum attendees on Aug. 9.

Dean of libraries candidate encourages entrepreneurial mindset, lifelong learning

Courtney Brown, Investigative News Editor
August 10, 2023
Artist talk participants listen to employees at the Ulrich Museum of Art on July 19.

Day jobs and ‘chaos’: Artists talk creative processes

Courtney Brown, Reporter
July 20, 2023
Julie Rose Stroud speaks at a mayoral candidate forum held on July 17. The forum was hosted by The Wichita Beacon.

‘Fresh new figure’: Mayoral candidate prioritizes environmental safety, mental health

Courtney Brown, Reporter
July 13, 2023
Cropped gender neutral restroom map (part 2)

‘Time of need’: SGA, Spectrum partner to make gender-neutral bathrooms accessible

Courtney Brown, Reporter
July 5, 2023
Mia Dennett, a film major, speaks to a reporter on Trans Day of Visibility on March 31. Students walked out of their classes, holding signs and pride flags .

‘Preludes to more’: WSU students share concerns about anti-transgender legislation

Courtney Brown, Reporter,
July 3, 2023
Josh Saxe, Wichita-based computer scientist, discusses his work revolving around artificial intelligence at an artist talk at the Ulrich Museum of Art on June 15.

Local computer scientist raises moral, philosophical questions on AI

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
June 20, 2023
Wichita State baseball head coach Brian Green poses for a photo during his introductory press conference in June 2023.

‘Person first, player second’: Baseball head coach hopes to cultivate relationships with baseball players, community

Courtney Brown, Reporter
June 10, 2023
Michele Valadez

Wichita State alum promotes entrepreneurship through pageant competitions

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
June 5, 2023
Following executive orders to appoint individuals to certain positions by Student Body President Iris Okere, senators discuss their thoughts on the appointments.

Concerns raised about conflict of interest in student government

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
May 30, 2023
The nationwide Adderall shortage began toward the end of last year, but the stimulant medication is still in short supply, causing issues for those reliant on it.

‘It’s getting complicated’: Nationwide Adderall shortage impacts Wichita State students

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
May 23, 2023
With the rise of artificial intelligence, several stakeholders at Wichita State sat down to discuss the use of AI in higher education.

ChatGPT sparks conversation about campus usage

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
May 21, 2023
Senior Alyssa Pfeifer works on a project for her photography class. Pfeifer will graduate in December, and she will obtain a Bachelor of Media Arts with a concentration in filmmaking and a minor in graphic design.

‘I want to try everything’: Film major embraces opportunities at Wichita State and to come

Courtney Brown, Reporter
May 7, 2023
Marie Bukowski, a candidate for fine arts dean, presents her accomplishments from her time at Kent State University during a public forum for faculty, staff and students on May 3.

‘Natural synergy’: Finalist for fine arts dean’s goals align with WSU’s strategic plan

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
May 5, 2023
Ngoc Vuong

‘Product of Wichita Public Schools’: Psychology student runs for Wichita school board, seeks to involve community

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
May 5, 2023
Jesse Boroski - cropped

Clinical psychology student runs for Wichita school board, prioritizes mental health curriculum

Courtney Brown, Assistant News Editor, Reporter
April 28, 2023
Kenna Green gave an emotional performance with her poem "The Perspective of a Black Girl in Kansas." The vulnerable free verse was Green's first live poetry performance.

Poetry slam brings artists together

Courtney Brown, Reporter
April 14, 2023
The Cheerleading team cheers on the Shockers during the game on Feb. 2 against Houston at Charles Koch Arena.

Cheer team faces challenges as program recovers from pandemic, deals with lack of university support

Courtney Brown, Reporter
April 10, 2023
Drag Show MC A'Keria Davenport, known for appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race and Lizzo's music video "Juice," laughs with the crowd at the 13th Annual Drag Show. The Drag Show, unlike other years, restricted the show to those 18 and older.

Annual drag show imposes age restriction, students react

Courtney Brown, Reporter
April 5, 2023
Daniel Hoyt, an author and Kansas State professor, answers a student's question. Hoyt gave a reading of his novel, "This Book Is Not For You," on April 4.

Kansas State professor reads award-winning novel, shares writing advice

Courtney Brown, Reporter
April 5, 2023
Daniel Hoyt, an author and Kansas State professor, answers a student's question. Hoyt gave a reading of his novel, "This Book Is Not For You," on April 4.

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