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
Mia Hennen

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor

Mia Hennen is the managing editor for The Sunflower. Most recently, Hennen served as editor-in-chief for the 2023-2024 year. A senior English major, Hennen will graduate in May 2025.

All content by Mia Hennen
Music professor Tom Wine leads the Shocker Choir in rehearsal for their upcoming concert. Wine will retire from Wichita State University and higher education this spring.

Music professor Tom Wine leads the Shocker Choir in rehearsal for their upcoming concert. Wine will retire from Wichita State University and higher education this spring.

Music professor Tom Wine leads the Shocker Choir in rehearsal for their upcoming concert. Wine will retire from Wichita State University and higher education this spring.

Adjunct instructor Remington Putter explains his snowball throwing activity, where students wrote on a piece of paper, crumpled it up, and then threw it across the room. The activity was meant to teach students how they could incorporate fun learning into their future classrooms.

Disc Golf Club coach emphasizes holistic, fun approach to physical education

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
February 10, 2025
Adjunct instructor Remington Putter shows his Health, Movement and Physical Activity class how to view their screen time. Putter took an average of the class's screen time and showed students how much money they could make per week if they were paid for their screen time. He offered the class an incentive to lower their screen time. "Here's the big thing: If you can get (your screen time daily average) under one hour for a whole week, I will give you $20 cash," Putter told his class.

Freshman Amir Milushev returns the ball during Wichita State's tennis match against Drake on Jan. 26. Milushev picked up a singles win during Wichita State's sweep.

[Photo] Men’s tennis wins decisively in regular season home debut

January 26, 2025
Freshman Amir Milushev returns the ball during Wichita State's tennis match against Drake on Jan. 26. Milushev picked up a singles win during Wichita State's sweep.

Ilias Worthington prepares to hit the ball during a singles match against a Drake University opponent. Worthington helped Wichita State secure a 7-0 win against the Bulldogs.

Kristof Minarik sends the ball to a Drake University opponent during a Jan. 26 tennis match.

Joan Grosset talks to Kristof Minarik in between singles match sets. Minarik helped Wichita State secure a win over Drake University.

Kristof Minarik sends the ball to a Drake University opponent during a Jan. 26 tennis match.

Freshman Amir Milushev returns the ball during Wichita State's tennis match against Drake on Jan. 26. Milushev picked up a singles win during Wichita State's sweep.

[Photo] Men’s tennis wins decisively in regular season home debut

Evan Tong, Reporter
January 26, 2025
Luca Mindrut prepares to send the ball across the net during a singles match against a Drake University player.

Head men's tennis coach Darragh Glavin talks to Ilias Worthington and Vanja Hodzic between doubles sets on Feb. 26. Worthington and Hodzic won their match, 6-2.

[Photo] WSU men’s tennis excited to make strides in spring

January 27, 2025
Zaid Al Mashni prepares to hit the ball during a doubles match with Luca Mindrut on Jan. 26. The men's tennis team defeated Drake University, 7-0.

Barbara Myers, an administrative specialist in the College of Engineering, bundles up while walking to the on-campus post office on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

PHOTOS: Shockers brave cold for first day of in-person classes

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
January 24, 2025
The Wichita State University water tower stands on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

The Wichita State University water tower stands on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Coffee in hand, Claire Stewart walks around Wichita State between classes, attempting to familarize herself with the campus on Jan. 22.

[Photo] WSU campus open Wednesday, Feb. 19

February 18, 2025
Kyle DeVault wheels a dolly cart around campus on Wednesday, Jan. 22. DeVault delivers items for Shocker Printing Solutions.

Kyle DeVault wheels a dolly cart around campus on Wednesday, Jan. 22. DeVault delivers items for Shocker Printing Solutions.

Kyan Tenpenny, mechanical engineering major, and Damyin Allmond, aerospace engineering major, walk on campus together.

[Photo] Wichita State moves to remote operations on Feb. 18

February 17, 2025
A Wichita State student zips through campus on a bike during the second day back to class. Wichita State started its first day of classes remotely before resuming in person on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Ray-jhay Barnes looks for Devlin Hall on a campus map near the Rhatigan Student Center on the second day of the spring semester.

Juan Barrientos and Gabriela Gomez, students at Wichita State, search for Beggs Hall on the first day back for in-person classes. Wichita State started its first day of classes remotely before resuming in person on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

A squirrel carries dead leaves in its mouth as students trickle in and out of the Rhatigan Student Center on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

(Illustration)

International students and faculty weigh what Trump could mean for their future in the U.S.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
January 14, 2025
Junior forward Corey Washington attempts to block the Kansas City Roos from passing the ball into play. Washington occupied the court for nearly 30 minutes, scoring eight points.

[Photo] Men’s basketball defeats K-State for first time since 2001, avoids three-game losing streak

December 21, 2024
Senior guard Xavier Bell attempts to make a layup on Kansas City during the Dec. 17 game. Bell scored 21 points during the game, but the Shockers ultimately lost, 74-64, to the Roos.

A child sitting on the sideline plays with a rubber band between action at the Wichita State men's basketball game on Dec. 17.

Fifth-year guard AJ McGinnis goes for a lay-up during the WSU game against Kansas City on Dec. 17. McGinnis played 15 minutes during the losing game to the Roos.

Head coach Paul Mills and senior guard Bijan Cortes talk after a timeout. The Shockers played the Kansas City Roos on Dec. 17, losing 74-64.

[Photo] Men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills says Wichita State played 'entitled basketball’ in Kansas City loss

December 20, 2024
Senior guard Xavier Bell attempts to make a layup on Kansas City during the Dec. 17 game. Bell scored 21 points during the game, but the Shockers ultimately lost 74-64 to the Roos.

Senior guard Xavier Bell drives the ball down the court during the game against Kansas City on Dec. 17. Bell scored 21 points during the game, but the Shockers ultimately lost, 74-64, to the Roos.

Senior guard Xavier Bell looks to the basket as players attempt to shoot the ball. Bell scored 21 points during the game, but the Shockers ultimately lost 74-64 to the Roos.

Junior forward Corey Washington listens to head coach Paul Mills during a timeout on Dec. 17. Washington occupied the court for nearly 30 minutes, scoring eight points.

Kansas City's Cameron Faas puts up for a two-point shot as Wichita State's Corey Washington attempts a block. Washington occupied the court for nearly 30 minutes, scoring eight points.

Fifth-year guard Justin Hill attempts to score after grabbing a rebound. Hill was one of the top scorers of the evening, tallying 12 points in the game.

Fifth-year guard Justin Hill drives down the court, attempting to score on Kansas City. The Shockers lost to the Roos, 74-64

[Photo] ‘Not the standard’: Men’s basketball falls to UMKC

December 17, 2024
Fifth-year guard Justin Hill drives down the court, attempting to score on Kansas City. The Shockers lost to the Roos, 74-64

Firefighter Tony Massaglia passes Fire Station 10 Lieutaunt John Hattrup as the men tease each other about their workouts. The two make up a fire crew that has been together for around five years.

Ever noticed fire trucks outside of the campus YMCA? Meet the fire crew from Station 10.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
December 17, 2024
Arantxa Cortez smiles after competing in the pole vault event for track and field.

Weston Hulse watches video of his pole vault performance, recorded by Aliyah Fertig, the pole vault coach for track and field.

Weston Hulse propels himself over the pole vault bar during the Black vs Yellow Intrasquad match on Dec. 6.

Kylie Scott releases her pole after vaulting over the bar. Scott was on the yellow team during the Black vs Yellow Intrasquad track and field competition on Dec. 6.

Arantxa Cortez propels herself over the pole vault bar during the Black vs Yellow Intrasquad meet on Dec. 6.

Alexis Phillips vaults up during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad competition on Dec. 6.

Bailey Hartley watches video of her pole vault performance, recorded by Aliyah Fertig, the pole vault coach for track and field.

Sonya Haylor jumps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6.

Chairo Ogbebor jumps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Ogbebor competes in sprint and jump events for track and field.

Anna Bundy jumps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Bundy competes in multiple track and field events.

Amarrion Reese leaps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Reese competes in sprint and jump events for track and field.

[Photo] Track and field preview: Shockers aim for AAC crown

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 28, 2025
Chidera Okoro claps for Farrah Miller after she competed in the high jump at the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6.

Amarrion Reese leaps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Reese competes in sprint and jump events for track and field.

Senior Chidera Okoro leaps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6.

Junior Beau Kerschen pivots around during the hammer throw event at the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad on Dec. 6.

Track and field players and staff mark the point a player reached in the high jump event.

Kennady Washington leaps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Washington competes in both sprints and jumps for track and field.

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
Graduate student Taylor Jameson goes around a Northeastern State player during the exhibition game on Oct. 30. Last year, Jameson appeared in all 31 games as a senior at George Mason.

Women’s basketball’s Taylor Jameson comes ‘back home’ for final year of eligibility

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
November 6, 2024
(Illustration)

A WSU criminal justice professor was a theft victim. Now, she hopes her work will help others.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
October 24, 2024
(Courtesy of Madison Lackey)

Why a Wichita State student chooses to work local polls

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
October 16, 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
University President Richard Muma listens to the State of the Student Body address on Sept. 11. Muma is facing allegations of plagiarism, prompted by an article by the Kansas Reflector.

Wichita State president denies plagiarism allegations

Allison Campbell and Mia Hennen
October 7, 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
Cricket Club President Sai Karthik Garnepudi prepares to strike the ball during Cricket Club practice.

Kamran Hafeez prepares to throw the ball back to the bowler to put it into play at Cricket Club practice.

Samarth Joshi jumps into the air before bowling his ball toward the batter at Cricket Club practice. The team meets weekly.

Sai Charan Reddy laughs after a play during a Cricket Club practice.

Phani Teja Palakodety and Rohan Varma Dantuluri joke together during Cricket Club practice. The two are part of a more than 100-person league.

Satish Ankenapally bowls the ball toward a fellow teammate during practice on Sept. 27. The Cricket Club team played different tournaments throughout the month.

Kamran Hafeez prepares to hit the ball, delivered by a fellow teammate. Hafeez is one of more than 100 members on Wichita State's Cricket Club team.

Sai Charan Reddy and Kamran Hafeez hit their bats together and fistbump after switching positions in a game of cricket on Sept. 27. WSU's Cricket Club practices at Dr. Glen Dey Park weekly.

Sai Charan Reddy watches as the ball flies through the air. He is a member of WSU's Cricket Club team, which has operated in some form for more than 30 years.

Virasut prepares to bowl the ball to the batter. Virasut is a fresh member of the Cricket Club team, attending his first practice on Sept. 27.

Sai Charan Reddy prepares to hit the ball delivered by a fellow teammate. He is one of more than 100 members on Wichita State's Cricket Club team.

[Photo] ‘More than religion’: WSU Cricket Club provides home away from home for international students

October 2, 2024
Kamran Hafeez tosses the ball back to the bowler during practice on Friday, Sept. 27. WSU's Cricket Club has more than 100 members.

Cricket Club President Sai Karthik Garnepudi catches the ball after it goes out of play during practice. The Wichita State Cricket Club practices in Dr. Glen Dey Park on Fridays.

Sai Charan Reddy prepares to hit the ball, delivered by a fellow teammate. He is one of more than 100 members on Wichita State's Cricket Club team.

Grass being watered by a sprinkler across from Woolsey Hall. Due to the drought, campus is limited to how often it can water its outdoor areas.

How is Wichita State University responding to a historic city-wide drought?

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
September 24, 2024
Provost Shirley Lefever speaks to attendees of the 2024 Fall Address on Aug. 14. Lefever plans to retire at the end of 2024.

[Photo] GUEST COLUMN: Provost urges students to ‘embrace the unknown’ in her final year

Shirley Lefever, Provost
August 18, 2024
The pickleball courts on the east side of the Heskett Center are set to move between the lawn of Hubbard Hall and Heskett Center. Construction on the current courts are expected to start in September.

Wichita State’s pickleball courts are moving. Here’s how students are reacting to the unexpected change.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
August 16, 2024
The Innovation Campus at Wichita State celebrated 10 years on Aug. 15, 2024. The campus is a university initiative to increase research and enrollment at the university.

Wichita State celebrates 10 years of Innovation Campus, looks to increase research and enrollment

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
August 15, 2024
President Richard Muma speaks at the 2024 Fall Address, which focused on celebrating the 10th anniversary of the announcement of Wichita State's Innovation Campus.

[Photo] GUEST COLUMN: President highlights new Shocker Success Center in welcoming students back to campus

August 18, 2024
John Tomblin, who serves as WSU NIAR's executive vice president for research, industry, and defense program, speaks to attendees of the 2024 Fall Address. Tomblin talked about efforts to increase research at the university.

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