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
Maleah Evans

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor

Maleah Evans is the summer news editor for The Sunflower. Previously, Evans served as the arts and culture editor in the 2024-2025 year. Evans is studying history and communications with an emphasis on journalism. They plan to pursue a career working in a museum. In their free time, they can often be found ranting about cryptids or Greek Mythology. Evans uses they/them pronouns.

All content by Maleah Evans
Max Wheeler, the assistant coach for the women's tennis team at Wichita State, watches the match against Tulsa on April 8, 2024. Wheeler was recently arrested for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy with a child and electronic solicitation.

Case against former WSU assistant coach for child sex crimes moves forward

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor
June 20, 2025
Miniature pride flags fly outside various vendors' tents at the Big Gay Market. The event takes place annually in Wichita during pride month.

‘There’s no place like’ Wichita pride in 2025

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor
June 13, 2025
SGA Senators are sworn in at the 2025 inauguration. (File photo)

Wichita State Student Government courts investigating International Student Union election

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor
June 10, 2025
Kadrian Ayarza practices her lines in between takes for the show, "The College Tour." The show filmed students all over campus the week of Sept. 9.

Wichita State’s Amazon Prime television debut, now available to stream

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor
May 29, 2025
Pottery from China and Asia on display at the Lowell D. Holmes museum in Neff Hall. The exhibit featured displays curated by students at Wichita State.

[Photo] The final exhibit: Last student exhibition marks end of Holmes museum in Neff

May 1, 2025
Mia Dennett and AJ Corbett practice a fight scene for "She Kills Monsters." The show opens May 1 and runs until May 3.

‘She Kills Monsters’ deals with the perils of grief and loss through the excitement and adventure of DND

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
April 26, 2025
Jack Nichols hold a ball to show a magic trick for the opera rehearsals of "The Consul." The show will be held at Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

‘The Consul’ reflects political climate in timely, operatic fashion

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 28, 2025
Daniel Baird plays the handpan for residents at Homestead of Wichita. Baird played familiar songs like "Home one the Range," "You Are My Sunshine" and "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Handpan Dan ‘transports the mind’ for memory care patients in Wichita

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 28, 2025

OPINION: Living authentic and navigating gender identity in the current United States

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 24, 2025
WSU majorette dancers perform a choreographed dance during the women's basketball game on March 4. The team attends various basketball games at the Charles Koch arena.

WSU majorette dancers want to bring a new legacy to campus

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 8, 2025
(Illustration)

OPINION: Rap music is more than mindless violence and drug pushing

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 7, 2025
Program Director of the Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Management provides advice to a group of students as they work on a composition project. Through her position, Banke trains and develops the next generation of musical artisits.

Former oboe professor contemplates occupation switch after career-ending injury

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor
March 2, 2025
Guest walk into the Ulrich Museum of Art on Oct. 21, 2024. The Ulrich recently updated its hours for the 2025 semester.

Ulrich Museum of Art operating under new hours for Spring 2025

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Content Manager
February 14, 2025
Taylre McPherson and Allison Jabara hold a sign at the Wichita Ice Center vigil. McPherson and Jabara are members of the Wichita Figure Skating Club.

‘They were kind of our babies’: Development camp coach, figure skating community left devastated by Flight 5342 crash

Allison Campbell and Maleah Evans
February 7, 2025
Amy Nguyen poses for a photo while working in the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging.

‘Resources and representation’: New intern role creates spaces for APIDA students on campus

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Content Manager
February 4, 2025
This photo from 2017 shows Kiah Duggins, a senior at Wichita State at the time, in the White House briefing room as an intern. Duggins was one of 67 people who died in the flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C. crash on Jan. 29. (Courtesy photo)

American Airlines crash victim identified as Wichita State alumna

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Content Manager
February 1, 2025
Here are some cuter than cupid Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day events

Here are some cuter than cupid Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day events

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Content Manager
February 1, 2025
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu speaks to Wichita crowd during a prayer vigil. The vigil was held on Thursday, Jan. 31 to mourn victims of the Flight 5342 crash.

‘A horrible tragedy’: Wichita community gathers to mourn the lives lost in Flight 5342

Allison Campbell and Maleah Evans
January 30, 2025
Wichita community memebrs listen to religious leaders speak at a prayer vigil. The vigil was held to mourn those who lost their lives in the 5342 crash on Wedneday Jan. 30.

[Photo] Here’s what investigators have released so far about the crash of Flight 5342 that took off from Wichita

March 24, 2025
SGA Senators raise their hands for a vote. (File photo)

[Photo] Student body president race opens, SGA elections will be in April

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
January 30, 2025
Overlook of the Martin Luther King Jr. pop-up exhibit housed in the Ulrich Museum of Art. The now closed exhibit hosed pieces done by artists who are from underrepresented communities and dealt with activism. / Photo Courtesy of Taryn Trapani

‘We do it to honor him’: Ulrich reflects on MLK pop-up exhibit

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Content Manager
January 23, 2025
Kylee Hower, Wichita State's student body president, gives the State of the Student Body address in September. Hower recently signed an executive order creating a task force to look into Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliance at the university.

Student Government will look into ADA compliance and work to increase disability pride

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
December 9, 2024
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
Courtesy of Wichita State University

Wichita State’s new provost selected, set to start in January

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
November 13, 2024
The Wichita State dance team performs a routine at Shocker Madness on Oct. 5. For the 2024-25 season, some members of the dance team will sit in the stands during games.

‘Realized how horrible it was’: Dance team relocated to the stands for basketball season

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
November 6, 2024
Members of the Wichita State Young Democrats pose for a photo outside of the election watch party hosted by the organization. WSU Young Democrats were one of three student groups to hold election night events in the Rhatigan Student Center on Nov. 5.

Students attend watch parties for presidential candidates, unofficial local results available

Maleah Evans and Sophia Best
November 6, 2024
Sara Rue, the the assessment and user experience librarian, works at the reference desk in Ablah Library. Her position was created to focus of improving the experience for people who use the library.

New position in Ablah Library will focus on student experiences and needs

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
November 5, 2024
James Rhatigan remembered as a 'pillar' and ‘advocate’ for the Wichita State community

James Rhatigan remembered as a ‘pillar’ and ‘advocate’ for the Wichita State community

Allison Campbell, Ainsley Smyth, and Maleah Evans
October 31, 2024
Leslie Durham, James Gregory and Monica Lounsbery (Photo collage)

WSU will get a new provost in a few months. Here are the three contenders.

Ainsley Smyth and Maleah Evans
October 30, 2024
Parking lots that students park in will soon be closing temporarily for basketball game days. Signs will be posted in the lots to notify people to move their cars.

Game day parking to take effect soon

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
October 23, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: How to conduct deeper research on political candidates

Maleah Evans, Assistant news editor
October 18, 2024
Another Broken Egg's Bacquezo omelette, topped with sautéed chorizo cheddar jack cheese and green onions. It comes with an English muffin and country potatoes.

REVIEW: Another Broken Egg Cafe has Southern-inspired ‘comfort’ foods that fail to comfort

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
October 18, 2024
The outside of the Student Wellness Center, located in the same building as the Steve Clark YMCA. WSU health officials discussed ongoing changes to the Student Wellness Center's operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Students, staff and faculty can get flu vaccines at Student Health Services

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
October 11, 2024
(Courtesy photo)

REVIEW: Sink your teeth into Roxy’s newest horror comedy ‘Dracula a Comedy of Terrors’

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
October 10, 2024
Wichita State University campus view from the third floor balcony of the Rhatigan Student Center on May 2.

Full-time enrollment declines as university officials report historic enrollment numbers

Maleah Evans and Mia Hennen
October 4, 2024
A group of students work together to construct a freestanding tower during the RSO Summit on Sept. 28. The event was intended for RSO leaders to learn leadership skills and network with other leaders.

Summit teaches clubs how to retain membership through effective event planning

Ainsley Smyth and Maleah Evans
September 30, 2024
The Kansas Board of Regents meets in the Beggs Ballroom in the RSC. The board oversees public colleges and universities in Kansas.

Application fees waived at Kansas universities during Apply Free Days

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
September 26, 2024
Students appear at the Student Government Association appropriations on Aug, 28. Most student organizations that visited the meeting said the recommended funding for their organization was insufficient.

‘Smaller organizations are going to be hit the most’: What funding changes mean for student orgs

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
September 23, 2024
Breanna Fahs, Women and Gender Studies professor at Arizona State University. Fahs spoke at a "Words by Women" lecture at Wichita State. Photo courtesy of Breanna Fahs.

Professor dismantles ties between power and body hair on women

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor
September 22, 2024
Constuction workers work on removing and replacing the carpets on the first floor of Ablah Library. The library is going through renovations including new flooring and walls in some areas.

Ablah Library prepares to say goodbye to green carpet walls and unused journals

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 18, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Political group challenges natural-born citizenry

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 11, 2024
Microphones reserved for Student Government Assocation senators sit unused during the Student Senate meeting on April 10.

Student Government Association will stop livestreaming most of its meetings

Maleah Evans and Ainsley Smyth
September 4, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Ways to stay active don’t have to include sports or going to the gym

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 2, 2024
Student Engagement Advocacy and Leadership, known as SEAL merged with Diversity and Inclusion at Wichita State. They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement and Belonging (SEB).

New office unveiled through ODI and SEAL merger

Maleah Evans, Reporter
August 19, 2024
(Illustration)

Wichita State union hopes to increase pay for university employees

Maleah Evans and Jacinda Hall
July 15, 2024
Photo courtesy of Wichita State University

Wichita State offers new study abroad location

Maleah Evans, Reporter
July 2, 2024
Illustration by Savanna Nichols

OPINION: What is Juneteenth and why should you care

Maleah Evans, Reporter
June 19, 2024
Spirit AeroSystems on the Wichita State Innovation Campus. (File photo)

Wichita State ranked second for industry funded engineering and research and development

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 31, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Marijuana should be legalized in Kansas

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 27, 2024
The Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs is located on the second floor of Lindquist Hall. The school of study was recently ranked as the second best school of public affairs in the state and 99th in the nation.

Wichita State’s public affairs program ranked nationally

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 24, 2024
Students use computers in Ablah Library. (File photo)

$1000 research award given out to students by Ablah Library

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 21, 2024
Construction supplies are left outside of Clinton Hall, the site for the new Shocker Success Center. The facility is set to open at the end of summer.

Implementation of 10-year master plan, campus initiatives explain prolonged construction

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 16, 2024
Photo courtesy of Olivia Malanchuk.

‘I wanted to keep spinning’: Olivia Malanchuk reflects on competing in winter guard in Kansas

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 4, 2024
Photo courtesy of Columbia Records

REVIEW: Vampire Weekend releases the perfect album for reflecting while moving forward

Maleah Evans, Reporter
April 12, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Too white, too black: Growing up in the middle ground

Maleah Evans, Reporter
March 7, 2024
(Illustration)

REVIEW: ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at Roxy’s is a personality-splitting, hair-raising show

Maleah Evans, Reporter
March 2, 2024
Photo courtesy of Amber Williams

‘I came here to do big things’: Engineering alum discusses starting her own company

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 24, 2024
Photo courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

REVIEW: ‘The Underdoggs’ hides a wholesome chosen family story under questionable dialogue

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 21, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: The definition of sports should include athletes of all strenuous activity

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 12, 2024
Maria Romero Rodriguez, a graduate communications student, poses in her office on Jan. 30.

Hop around local restaurants with Hopping316, a new dining experience

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 1, 2024
Photo courtesy of Gellen Records

REVIEW: Kali Uchis’ ‘ORQUÍDEAS’ is the perfect album for protecting your peace

Maleah Evans, Reporter
January 18, 2024
Photos courtesy of ‎Liberation Ent

REVIEW: ‘A Very Cool Christmas’ and ‘Too Cool For Christmas’ are only for those who enjoy spoiled rich girls, early 2000s acting

Maleah Evans, Reporter
December 22, 2023
An acrobat leads the final performance of the cirque. He climbed all throughout the contraption, running alongside the outer edge and jumping rope.

REVIEW: Paranormal Cirque left jaws on the floor and hearts in the stomach

Maleah Evans, Reporter
November 17, 2023
A look at ticket sales over time for the women's and men's basketball games inside Charles Koch Arena.

A look at women’s and men’s basketball 2023-2024 season ticket numbers

Maleah Evans, Reporter
November 9, 2023
Definition of anti-Zionism from the Jewish Voice for Peace. Definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Panel discussion about Nazi regime turns into debate of anti-Zionism versus antisemitism

Maleah Evans, Reporter
November 1, 2023
Divinity Masters hosts Second Sunday Drag Brunch on Oct. 9, 2022 at Roxy's. Masters's, a Roxy's house manager, welcomed the audience with a performance to "I Put a Spell on You." This year's drag brunch will take place on Nov. 12.

Roxy’s Downtown holding drag brunch hosted by local drag queen

Maleah Evans, Reporter
November 1, 2023
(Illustration)

REVIEW: Crown Uptown’s opening night of Rocky Horror left audiences shivering with anticipation

Maleah Evans, Reporter
October 29, 2023
(Illustration)

OPINION: The pagan ties to modern day Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve

Maleah Evans, Reporter
October 29, 2023
(Illustration)

REVIEW: Ranking the haunts around Wichita

Maleah Evans, Reporter
October 29, 2023
(Illustration)

OPINION: Tattoos shouldn’t require a deeper meaning

Maleah Evans, Reporter
October 16, 2023
Students from Coleman Middle School hold signs sharing specific stories and red flags during the moment of silence. The students are a part of the World Changers club at their school, where they advocate for many social issues including domestic violence.

‘Keep shining’: Wichita community bands together to raise awareness for domestic violence at purple mile

Maleah Evans, Reporter
October 11, 2023
Melvin Kahn, an emeritus professor of political science, died earlier this week. Photo courtesy of Wichita State University

‘He kept those relationships alive for years’: Students, faculty remember former WSU professor

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 21, 2023
A child attending ICT Open Streets waves a flag in downtown Wichita. The event shut down four blocks of Douglas street to allow pedestrians, bikers and skaters to roam vendors and performances freely.

Open Streets and Shop N’ Grub take over Douglas in downtown Wichita

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 20, 2023
(Illustration)

OPINION: Ranking streaming services, most being lackluster at best

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 20, 2023
Founder's Day of Giving sign located in front of The Suites. Founder's Day is an opportunity for donors to donate money to Wichita State and show support for various organizations.

Wichita State celebrates second Founders’ Day

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 14, 2023
"Where We Belong: Refugee Stories from Wichita" highlights the experiences of those who came to Wichita after experiencing hardship in their home countries.

‘Emotion transcends language’: Ulrich exhibit features stories from refugee families

Maleah Evans, Reporter
September 9, 2023
TikTok on Wichita State's campus wifi has recently been blocked. (Photo illustration by Lisa Bolin and Kristy Mace)

Federally implemented TikTok ban shows up at Wichita State

Maleah Evans and Allison Campbell
August 31, 2023
Shocker Hall on May 4, 2023.

Table talk offers families essential tips for dorm move-in

Maleah Evans, Reporter
August 6, 2023
Melody McCray-Miller - cropped

‘Advocacy, action, and accountability’: Former teacher runs for school board, looking to better schools

Maleah Evans, Reporter, Copy Editor
May 25, 2023
History professor Jay Price and WSU alum Charles Lawrence get settled in at the Society of Public Historians meeting on May 17.

‘Bridging campus, community, and professionals’: Society of Public Historians discusses program

Maleah Evans, Reporter, Copy Editor
May 23, 2023
Wichita State has begin transitioning campus, website, and student healthcare services to reflect national changes regarding COVID-19 safety. Signage promoting social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene will be gradually removed from campus.

New changes to student health services’ COVID-19 testing and vaccinations

Maleah Evans, Reporter, Copy Editor
May 16, 2023
Photo courtesy of Piper Prichard

‘You can learn something from everyone’: Student battles cancer during college

Maleah Evans, Reporter
May 8, 2023
Cumin and Rex, therapy dogs in the WISE Clinc, sit for a photo.

Therapy dogs on campus free to anyone anyone in need

Maleah Evans, Reporter, Copy Editor
May 5, 2023
Land Institute researcher Stan Cox, producer for "Earth Emergency" Bonnie Waltch, geology student Josh Mallard, and physics professor Holger Meyer discuss questions and ideas about the film with audience members.

‘Earth Emergency’: Panelists talk climate change on Earth Day 

Maleah Evans, Reporter, Copy Editor
April 25, 2023
Customers browse Spekrum Muzik's record collection on Record Store Day.

Spektrum Muzik hosts Record Store Day 2023

Maleah Evans, Reporter
April 24, 2023
(Illustration)

Kansas senators pass bill to ban ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ statements in hiring process, impacts public universities

Maleah Evans, Reporter
April 13, 2023
During a panel on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students, three high school teachers came to the university to talk to professors and staff.

High school teachers visit university to offer advice about COVID-19 impacted learning

Maleah Evans, Reporter
April 12, 2023
Courtesy photo of Paramount Pcitures

OPINION: Paramount Pictures rolls a natural 20 on DND adaptation

Maleah Evans, Reporter
April 10, 2023
On Feb. 24, SAC hosted a Shocker Night Life event starring hyptnotist Chris Jones. Jones kept the audience laughing all night at the family friendly show.

REVIEW: Hypnotist dazzles skeptics and believers alike

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 26, 2023
On the ground photo of Antakya, Turkey, after Feb. 6 earthquake.

Turkey earthquake survivor illustrates depth of loss to students

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 21, 2023
REVIEW: Rockazilla's second leg sweeps you off your feet

REVIEW: Rockazilla’s second leg sweeps you off your feet

Maleah Evans, Reporter
February 20, 2023
Eyes to the skies for the top astronomical events of 2023

Eyes to the skies for the top astronomical events of 2023

Maleah Evans, Reporters
February 8, 2023
Galyn Vesey, a lifelong Wichita native and civil rights activist, hugs Gregory Vandyke Jr., the Speaker of the Senate in SGA, at the 15th annual MLK Commemoration on Jan. 31. Vandyke read an excerpt of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, before Vesey gave his keynote speech.

‘It’s the young community who brings about change:’ Civil rights activist comes to WSU

Maleah Evans and Maegan Vincent
February 1, 2023
Remains of a Mayan temple in the Muyil Archeological Zone

OPINION: How to not be that tourist

Maleah Evans, Reporter
January 30, 2023
Coffee Daze offers a cozy atmosphere to accompany drinks and food.

REVIEW: Spend your days at Coffee Daze

Maleah Evans, Reporter
January 20, 2023
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