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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
Ainsley Smyth

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor

Ainsley Smyth is the news editor of The Sunflower. Smyth previously worked as a reporter. She is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s in communications with an emphasis in journalism and media production.

All content by Ainsley Smyth
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
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
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
Emergency vehicles parked on 17th St. near Wichita State's campus. A fire truck, ambulance and police were on the scene for an accident on Nov. 18

WSU police respond to accident on 17th street, possible injured pedestrian

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 18, 2024
Student Body Vice President Matthew Phan reports to the Student Senate. Phan updates the senate of what the Legislative

SGA creates form for student concerns

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 15, 2024
Sen. Josh Mallard asks the Student Senate to support his committee's bill, the Advisor Feedback Act on Nov. 13

Concerns about academic advising prompt response from Student Government

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 14, 2024
Shocker Hall, one of Wichita State's two residence options for new students. Shocker Hall also houses the university's dining hall.

Campus housing rates to go unchanged, meal plans to increase

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 13, 2024
The Student Senate votes on a bill during the Nov. 7 meeting. The Senate decided on several bills.

Pickleball courts relocation halted as student government denies extra funding

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 7, 2024
Celeste Racette, a candidate for Sedgwick County Commission speaks with Jeffery Jarman, a candidate for Kansas Board of Education. Both lost their races, according to unofficial election night results.

State Board of Education seats go to one Republican, one Democrat

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 6, 2024
Shockers vote coalition hosted the national voter registration day in the north patio of Rhatigan Student Center on Sept. 17. Food and games were provided to encourage students to register.

Wise, Blubaugh win county commission seats

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
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.

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

November 5, 2024
Corey Washington calls for the ball to be passed to him during the first half. Washington, a junior, is in his first season with Wichita State and scored 15 points on Oct. 27.

Men’s basketball transfer Corey Washington plans to make his family proud, at WSU and beyond

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 4, 2024
A new building being constructed on Wichita State's innovation campus. The Hub for Advanced Manufacturing will open in the fall of 2025.

Construction underway on new NIAR building. Here’s what it will look like.

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 4, 2024
A rendering of the Wichita Biomedical Campus. Wichita State's proposed school of dentistry would likely be located across the street, according to Zach Gearhart, WSU's chief of staff. (Courtesy of WSU Strategic Communications)

Wichita State wants to try out a dentistry school. It would be the first in the state.

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
November 3, 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
Sedgwick County Commission candidate Stephanie Wise gives her opening remarks at the Wichita Journalism Collaborative's forum on housing. Wise works in real estate and discussed the importance of affordable housing.

Meet the Sedgwick County 3rd district commission candidates: Stephanie Wise and Celeste Racette

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 31, 2024
A sign indicating the tornado shelter in Elliott Hall. Wichita State has more than 80 shelters on its campus.

A sign indicating the tornado shelter in Elliott Hall. Wichita State has more than 80 shelters on its campus.

[Photo] Wichita under tornado threat Wednesday afternoon. Here’s how to prepare on campus

October 30, 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
Dental hygiene sophomore Selah Walker pets therapy dog Alice during SGA's mental health awareness calm and craft in the RSC on Oct. 22.

Furry friends, first aid and fresh air: Students destress at annual ‘Safety Week’

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 24, 2024
The "Wellness to Go" vending machine in the Heskett Center. (Photo courtesy of Heather Stafford)

‘Wellness to go’: New vending machine in Heskett offers health supplies

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 18, 2024
Student Body President Kylee Hower proposes a bill that would allocate an expenditure from the special projects and capital fund to replace the roof of the Rhatigan Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The piece of legislation was passed with unanimous consent.

Part of the Rhatigan Student Center may get a new roof as early as next spring

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 11, 2024
Two cars collided on 17th and Harvard on Oct. 11. No one was injured.

No injuries in car crash near WSU campus

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 11, 2024
Wichita State University President Richard Muma at the Student Government Association Town Hall on Oct. 26.

Academic misconduct allegations against Wichita State president garner campus response

Allison Campbell, Mia Hennen, and Ainsley Smyth
October 10, 2024
Gigi Dominquez reads the uncertified election results on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Abby Whisler livestreamed the annoucement on the Student Government Association's Instagram.

Student Government sees low turnout in first midterm election

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 8, 2024
Christopher Montford, an aerospace engineering major, watches candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz during the vice presidential debate watch party on Oct. 1.

‘Refreshing’: Wichita State students react to respectful vice presidential debate

Jacob Unruh and Ainsley Smyth
October 2, 2024
Victoria Owens, speaker of the SGA senate, answers a question from one of the representatives. SGA has weekly meetings to pass legislation related to WSU's students.

SGA cancels meeting because of ‘empty agenda’

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
October 2, 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
Senators attend an SGA meeting on Sept. 25. Senators include representatives from all academic colleges and several other student populations.

SGA will hold midterm elections to fill empty Senate seats, increase student representation

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 27, 2024
The second floor ofShocker Success Center looking over the Plaza of Heroines on July 26. The second floor houses the Shocker Learning Center, which includes several tutoring services.

Shocker Learning Center to temporarily close early

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 26, 2024
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The office houses Shocker Finacial Wellness, which holds events for students and offers finacial advice.

[Photo] Shocker Financial Wellness Team offers tuition raffle to students who attend workshops

Sophia Best, Reporter
September 22, 2024
Graduate Senator Andrew Bobbitt speaks at an SGA meeting. Bobbitt wrote a piece of legislation restructuring the student organizations council.

Student Government is changing the way student orgs are represented

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 19, 2024
Fabián Armendáriz, Wichita Public Schools Director of Operations, spoke with a high school student during a statewide conference hosted by Wichita State University's HALO program on Sept. 16.

Wichita State is moving toward a 25% Hispanic student body. WSU Tech just hit that mark

Baylor Henry and Ainsley Smyth
September 19, 2024
Kian Williams, an SGA senator for the underrepresented, talks about the importance of recognizing Kansas as a remarkable state. Williams pushed for the celebration of a Kansas holiday, three other senators spoke in favor of the idea.

SGA calls for Kansas Day to be recognized as official holiday, wheat as state crop

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 15, 2024
A line of Wichita State University Police Department patrol cars line department's parking lot. On Sept. 13, campus police responded to a break in at Alpha Phi Sorority.

Sorority house broken into

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 14, 2024
Andrew Bobbitt, SGA graduate senator, talks to the other representatives about the importance of parking on campus. "We need to prioritize student parking over visitor parking." said Bobbitt. "Growing pains with this new system have proven that a little bit of wiggle room is more than appropiate."

SGA opposes Shocker Hall parking restrictions

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 14, 2024
A Wichita State University Police Department car parks on campus. On Sept. 6, Facility Services staff found a spent bullet outside Beggs Hall and turned it in to campus police.

Bullet found by Beggs Hall

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 14, 2024
A sign reading "Lot closes Saturday" is displayed outside of Lot 1, located near Hillside St. The lot will close on Sept. 13 and will reopen the following Sunday.

Many parking closures expected to start this week

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 13, 2024
Fine Arts senator Patrick Murphy speaks during an SGA meeting on Sept. 12. The senate voted on funding for 64 student organizations.

SGA allocated funding to student orgs. Here’s how it stacked up to last year’s funds.

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 12, 2024
Kylee Hower, the student body president, delievers the State of the Student Body address. Hower spoke Wednesday night about discrimination she's faced as a woman in leadership, the duties and responsibilities of Student Government and unfinished Senate business.

SGA shares goals for the year

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 5, 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
Baseball club president Collin Dugan takes front toss batting practice towards the end of the club's meeting on Aug. 26.

Meet Wichita State’s baseball club

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 3, 2024
Abdelkarim Jibril represents students for Justice for Palestine at the Student Government Association meeting on Aug. 28. The organization requested additional funding for an event it's planning to host with a five time Nobel prize nominee speaker.

SGA delayed allocating student org funding. Here’s why it’s taking longer than expected.

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 30, 2024
A pillar sign of the Shocker Success Center located at the building's south entrance. The Shocker Success Center is a newly renovated building on the main campus of Wichita State.

See what relocated campus services will open next month

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 30, 2024
Pamela O'Neal, and Cynthia Pizzini sit in a conference room. O'Neal is the associate director of Online and Adult Learning and Pizzini is an adult learner who mentors her peers.

New program connects adult learners with peers and resources

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 28, 2024
The Charles Koch Arena parking lot on Jan. 17, 2022. The parking lot is typically filled up on gamedays.

Student senator argues against parking restrictions

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 27, 2024
Jia Wen Wang's gavel lies on the table as the Student Fees Committee Hearings take place on March 4. Wang serves as the student body treasurer for the Student Government Association.

Student government updates election rules, adds in-person polling location

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 27, 2024
Student Government Association Sen. Andrew Bobbitt answers a question during the Senate meeting hosted on Aug. 21. Bobbitt authored three different pieces of legislation, one of which was a resolution encouraging the university to reconsider the location of the new pickleball courts.

Student senator proposes changing new pickleball courts location

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 25, 2024
Cecillia Rivas, an exchange student from Paraguay, goes through items at Shocker Support Locker. The Shocker Support Locker will move from its location in Grace Wilkie Hall to the new Shocker Success Center.

Student services moving to new success center after permit delay

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 22, 2024
Lounging and study areas designed for students in the new Shocker Successs Center located next to the Rhatigan Student Center and Ablah Library at Wichita State. The Shocker Success center opened in August.

‘All together’: Shocker Success Center opens, bringing nearly 20 services into one building

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 17, 2024
The Wichita State pickleball courts on Sept. 12. Most nights, the court was packed with casual players and teams. (File photo)

WSU’s pickleball courts will move to new location

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 5, 2024
Wilkins Stadium is undergoing renovations that will see the additions of two new complexes. The stadium was built in 1997 and has been used since the 1998 season.

Wilkins Stadium upgrades expected to start in October

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
July 30, 2024
A graduate student poses for a photo with the finished CubeSat. Photo courtesy of WSU News.

NASA-funded project at WSU aims to study sun. It’s getting closer with a satellite on campus.

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
July 29, 2024
Corbin Education Center on May 4, 2023. (File photo)

Corbin Education Center will not reopen for fall semester. What does that mean for students?

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
July 11, 2024
Kendra Nguyen, WSU's public health program specialist, and Tate Penner, WSU's marketing coordinator, chat at GROW during a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12. Nguyen and Penner helped coordinate the event to help others foster an interest in women’s leadership. 

Women’s Leadership Initiative addresses concerns about campus climate

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
June 17, 2024
A newly painted fire hydrant outside of the Rhatigan Student Center reflects light from the afternoon sun. The hydrants were recently repainted to prevent rust.

Wichita State’s fire hydrants have a new look. Here’s why.

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
June 7, 2024
Aasa Dara and Dedeepya Movva, graduate students at Wichita State at the "Makers and Masterpieces | Sketch & Sculpt" event in Ulrich on June 1.

Ulrich visitors try hands-on approach to looking at art

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
June 3, 2024
Photo courtesy of Esau Freeman

‘If you like freedom’: Wichita State alum and former employee runs for Congress

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
May 18, 2024
Senior Nate Adler screams and celebrates after closing off the ninth inning on April 3 against KU. Adler had four strikeouts, three of which came in the ninth.

Nate Adler looks back on three years of WSU baseball and ahead to the future

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
May 5, 2024
Larry Burks Sr. and Sierra Riley transport the chili for Veteran Students Organization's first event of the year from the second to first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center on Feb. 13. Students were able to get a bowl of chili for $3, with the proceeds going to the organization.

‘If no one else will do it, it’s gotta be me’: Trio of students bring back veteran organization

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
April 17, 2024
Jack DiGiovanni, Luke Goter and Paul DiGiovanni of Ferris Wheel Regulars. (Photo courtesy of Ferris Wheel Regulars)

Midwest band Ferris Wheel Regulars are Wichita regulars, too

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
April 17, 2024
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Jens Kreinath, professor of anthropology, presents a slideshow about Palestinian history alongside Abdelkarim Jibril, president of Students for Justice in Palestine.

[Photo] Anthropology professor, student organizations teach Palestinian history

April 15, 2024
Jens Kreinath, professor of anthropology, presents a slideshow about Palestinian history alongside Abdelkarim Jibril, president of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Anthropology professor, student organizations teach Palestinian history

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
April 15, 2024
President Rick Muma speaks at a virtual town hall on Friday, April 5. Muma, Vice President for Student Affairs Teri Hall and Provost Shirley Lefever provided updates on various topics.

From renovations to AI: What to know from the latest student town hall

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
April 8, 2024
Aubany Russell poses for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Russell)

Black Student Union President is prioritizing ‘community and unity’

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
March 25, 2024
Clara Byom, Scott Brewer, Paul Hunton, Travis Rourk and Jesse Culberson

New Mexico band, Dust City Opera, is bringing ‘haunted grunge folk’ to Wichita

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
March 20, 2024
Angela Linder speaks to customers at the Black Wall Street Maker's Market on Feb. 21. The Maker's Market was intended to showcase Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

Makers Market highlights Black-owned businesses

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
February 27, 2024
Kansas Leadership Center building located in downtown Wichita. The Kansas Leadership Center is holding a listening session on housing in Wichita on Feb. 26.

Wichita residents invited to discuss affordable housing

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
February 16, 2024
A view of the gallery featuring “Puck on a toadstool” by Harriet Hosmer. She was born in 1830 and was sometimes known to flow between femininity and masculinity. In William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Puck is not assigned a gender in the play and can be played by any person.

Wichita Art Museum to hold free College Night

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
February 14, 2024
Joey Wise prepares to throw his first disc at tryouts on Jan. 27. The Wichita State Disc Golf Club is a recreational sport at the university.

Wichita State Disc Golf Club has nationals in sights

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
February 6, 2024
The Ulrich Museum on Nov. 18, 2021

Ulrich celebrates 50 years with ‘visitor-focused’ exhibits

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
January 29, 2024
Marco Hernandez talks with guests at his artist talk at the Wichita Art Museum on Jan. 19. Hernandez highlighted his printmaking process and what inspires his art. Hernandez is also an assistant educator of print media at Wichita State.

Artist and educator explores his Mexican-American identity

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
January 22, 2024
Photo courtesy of Marrice Anthony

‘Two things can be true:’ Rapper Marrice Anthony on collaboration, complaining and reexamining his life at 30

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
January 18, 2024
The Ulrich Museum of Art will welcome illusionist Scott Silven to celebrate 50 years. Tickets for the show, including a three course meal, are on sale for $175 dollars. 24 WSU students will be picked from a drawing for free entry.

Ulrich continues focus on refugee stories with documentary screening

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
December 5, 2023
Wichita-raised AJ Harvey performs for a crowd at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum. The event was a fundraiser for The Stumblingbear Regalia Cupboard, which aims to loan traditional attire to Native American youth.

Local singer returns to community to raise money for cultural clothing

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
December 5, 2023
A sculpture of Hester Prynne is featured in Lesley Dill's sculpture exhibit, available at the Ulrich Museum of Art until Dec. 2. Dill recently spoke at the Wichita Art Museum alongside Beth Lipman and John Douglas Powers.

‘Damn, I’m an artist’: Three sculptors share inspiration at WAM artist talks

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
November 20, 2023
The first edition of Mikrokosmos, published in the spring of 1958, features a collection of poetry, art and prose by Wichita State students. The journal persists today and is currently edited by Clarence Albury.

Editors of university literary journal plan to face challenges head-on

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
November 15, 2023
Scot Pierce announces at the women's basketball game against Presbyterian on Nov. 8. Pierce announces games for both Wichita State and Friends University.

‘Worth a million dollars’: WBB announcer Scot Pierce reflects on four seasons at WSU

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
November 10, 2023
Hunter Gromala & the Disorders performs to draw the night to a close as the headlining band for this year's Monster Mash.

Monster Mash event returns for a second year despite past controversy

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 31, 2023
Oi! Bones! illustration (courtesy of James Owsley)

Punk zine ran by WSU student combines music, politics

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 26, 2023
Surf Machine members Maric and Floyd perform at Oct. 19 Halloween Bash. The event took place at Odd Fellow Hall. Surf Machine performed alongside Social Cinema at the event.

Midwest rock band Social Cinema talks inspiration for first album at Halloween Bash

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 24, 2023
Keo & Them, a bad based in Wichita, got together in 2018. The band will be releasing their first EP later this Oct. (Photo courtesy of Keo & Them)

Local neo-soul band Keo and Them kicks off tour ahead of album release

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 20, 2023
Sandy Wilson, Kayla Vix and Carole Neal from the League of Women Voters handed out QR codes with voter registration information on Sept. 19.

‘Where I want my vote to count’: Out-of-state student shares challenges on voting

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 16, 2023
Gnar Gnar Jinx prevents Dog Pile from completing a pass in sparring practice.

‘We’ve had to completely rebuild’: Roller derby team makes post-pandemic return

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 10, 2023
Students, faculty members and university deans enjoyed a light breakfast together as they chatted about college initiatives and related subjects. Dine with the Deans was hosted on Oct. 4 as a part of Shocktoberfest, a week-long series of events on campus.

Dine with the Deans creates connections over breakfast

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 9, 2023
Eiran Saucedo-Rodarte does a Q&A on stage with Quiara Alegria Hudes about her book and this year's Common Read, "My Broken Language." Hudes is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

‘Make your place in the world’: Author discusses community, imposter syndrome and taking chances

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
October 1, 2023
James Clark, an educator that teaches to students all around Wichita, and his interpreter Darla DeSpain, said it is important that ASL is at least taught to everyone due to a shortage of interpreters.

Fairmount College welcomes ASL faculty to language department

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
September 25, 2023
The Embarassment, Wichita band, experienced the height of their popularity in the 1980s after meeting as students at Wichita State University. Photo courtesy of Bill Goffrier.

Forty years later, documentary tells the story of Wichita band, The Embarrassment

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
September 21, 2023
A student receives a free Monster outside of the RSC. Free Java Monsters were given to any participants passed by the truck.

Discounts, freebies and tabling attract students to RSC open house

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
September 14, 2023
Community member Allison Sutton gazes at ledger art by local artists for the "Twice Removed" exhibition on Sept. 8.

WAM artist talk introduces exhibit highlighting local Native artists

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
September 12, 2023
Several organizations discussed their roles in local education during the “Cultural Institutions and Educator Support” panel on Aug. 29.

Educators discuss ways to help students at Corbin Connect Panel

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
September 2, 2023
The Zahy Tentehar film is available for viewing at the Ulrich Museum of Art on campus until December.

Zahy Tentehar’s ‘The Civilized,’ imagines the future through indigenous identity

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
August 29, 2023
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