College of Engineering Student Success Annual Report

2024-2025 STUDENT SUCCESS

ANNUAL REPORT

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Leah Lamunyon PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Gavin Peters WSU Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing

JEFFREY PIERRE THOMAS: INNOVATOR, MENTOR AND HANDS-ON ENGINEER Jeffrey Pierre Thomas is a first-generation college student majoring in electrical engineering at Wichita State University.

His journey to becoming a Shocker began close to home when the university’s recruitment team visited his school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Jeffrey was drawn to the university’s welcoming community, hands-on approach and opportunities to grow. After that day, he knew Wichita State was where he wanted to be. Through the Shocker Engineering Academy (p. 18), he received an early introduction to the program and the College of Engineering Student Ambassadors (p. 13), a connection that would later shape his college experience.

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Now, Jeffrey proudly serves as the member-atlarge for the ambassador group, helping with recruitment, retention and outreach initiatives to inspire future Shockers. Since fall 2022, he’s also been part of the Project Innovation Hub (pp. 13, 15), where he works as a student lead — teaching fellow engineers how to safely use equipment, guiding problem-solving projects and leading workshops on industrial machinery and design software. Most recently, in summer 2025, Jeffrey completed his second internship with the Bobcat Co. in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he helped design harness systems and develop a new prototype machine. After graduation, he plans to enter the automotive and motorsport industry, leveraging his experiences at Wichita State to drive meaningful innovation and impact.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Meghan Wolfe

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter From the Assistant Dean

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Student Engagement

16

Student Success Overview

5

Student Spotlights

17

Impact Highlights

6

Student Support

18

K-12 Outreach

8

Student Spotlights

19

Scholarships

11

Academic Advising

20

Recruitment

12

Staff and Faculty

22

First-Year Student Experience

14

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LETTER FROM THE ASSISTANT DEAN STUDENT SUCCESS OVERVIEW

WELCOME, and thank you for taking time to review the College of Engineering’s first Student Success Annual Report. This report highlights the collaborative work taking place across the college to support students inside and outside the classroom. Student success is shared work — led by faculty, academic advisors, staff members, peer mentors, student leaders and industry partners. The Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC), founded in 2012, is one of the longest-serving student success departments at Wichita State University and helps connect many of these efforts across academics, mentoring and engagement. Together, we support students in building community, gaining confidence and progressing toward degrees in engineering and computer science.

Early applied learning continues to be one of the most impactful parts of that experience. More than 420 first-year students participated in the Shocker Design Experience (p. 14), where they learned to design, build and solve problems as a team. Students who participated persisted at rates 11 percentage points higher than those who did not. The Engineering Living Learning Community (p. 16), ACE Mentoring Program (p. 16) and Spirit Strong Scholar Program (p. 11) further reinforce that students do better when they have people and spaces they can rely on.

Academic support is also central to student progress.

The GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center (p. 18) recorded more than 3,000 student visits and 4,600 hours of tutoring and guided study across highimpact engineering, computer science and math courses.

Students who participated in the Calculus Clinic (p. 18) performed better in key progression courses where early 4

confidence matters. The Project Innovation Hub (pp. 12, 15) adds to this by giving students hands-on access to tools, guidance and workspace — supporting more than 1,100 students per semester, more than 8,000 hours of instructional and technical assistance, and both more than 200 first-year students and 40 senior design teams each term.

Our work also begins well before students arrive at Wichita State. Kansas BEST Robotics (p. 9), Shocker MINDSTORMS (p. 9), Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (p. 9) and Engineering Summer Camps (p. 9) provided hands-on STEM experiences for more than 1,000 K-12 students across the region. These programs help young people see themselves as future engineers and computer scientists — often for the first time.

The momentum in this report reflects the shared commitment of our entire college community. When we work together, our students are supported, connected and prepared to persist and graduate with confidence.

DR. JACOB MENDEZ Assistant Dean of Student Success

The College of Engineering at Wichita State University approaches student success as a connected and continuous experience, reflected in the student journey shown in the graphic. From early K-12 outreach and scholarships that broaden access to recruitment and first-year programming that build confidence and belonging, to advising, student support and engagement that sustain academic progress, each part of the college plays a coordinated role in helping students thrive.

By supporting the whole student — academically, personally and professionally — we work together to ensure our students persist, grow and graduate as capable and confident engineers and computer scientists.

Fostering belonging, connection and academic success through high-impact programming and strategic support services A first-year student experience designed to improve freshman-tosophomore retention

Student Engagement First-Year Experience

Student Support

Academic Advising

Recruitment

Driving student enrollment growth through classroom visits, events, fairs and campus tours

Promoting a smooth transition into the rigor of engineering studies, retention and academic achievement

Ensuring academic success, supporting timely graduation and empowering students to make informed decisions

Scholarships

Financial assistance through need-based and merit-based scholarships

K-12 Outreach

Encouraging children’s interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

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IMPACT HI G HLI G HT S

College Snapshot

Student Engagement and Support (pp. 16, 18)

K-12 Outreach and Recruitment (pp. 8, 12)

2,415

37%

1,000+

55

32

Applied Learning (p. 14)

Total Undergraduate Enrollment

Countries Represented

First-Generation Students

U.S. States Represented

K-12 Outreach Participants

SHOCKER DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Fun Facts

Students Engaged Through Recruitment

First-Year Student Participants

77% First-Year Retention From Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 *Excludes students who were unable to return due to immigration-related circumstances

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Engineering Student Success Center Founded in 2012

PROJECT INNOVATION HUB (PIH)

11%

Higher Persistence of Participating Students

8,000+

200+

40+

First-year students are supported through the PIH each term.

4,600+

ACE Mentoring Program Participants

Tutoring and Study Hours in GEEKS

Scholarships (p. 11)

1,100+

Students use the PIH each semester.

3,000+

GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center Visits

4,300

420+

170+

Students in Engineering Living Learning Community

2024-2025 Academic Year

2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

68

Hours of instructional and technical support are provided through the PIH each semester.

Senior design projects are supported through the PIH each term.

$1M+

In College of Engineering scholarships are awarded each year.

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196

Students competed in the Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering in fall 2024.

Wallace Scholars were named, with a scholarship award of $30,500 each.

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K-12 Program Spotlights FALL 2024 COMPETITION

K-1 2 OUTRE ACH

254

Student Participants

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The College of Engineering at Wichita State University offers a wide range of K-12 outreach programs that inspire future engineers by fostering interest and strengthening aptitude in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects among elementary, middle and high school students. Led by dedicated faculty, staff and industry partners, the programs provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to pursue engineering and computing degrees, advancing the college’s mission to expand the domestic engineering pipeline.

Kansas BEST Robotics Each fall, the college sponsors and hosts the Kansas BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) robotics competition for students in grades 9-12.

Teams

SPRING 2025 CHALLENGE

210+

Student Participants

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Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge Each spring, the College of Engineering sponsors and hosts the Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge, a robotics competition for students in grades 3-8 or ages 8 to 14.

Teams

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Featured Partner: USD 259 SPRING 2025 EVENT

BY T H E N U M B E R S | 2024-2025 Academic Year Winner of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN) and DiscoverE Girl Day Award

1,000+ TOTAL STUDENT PARTICIPANTS (For the four featured programs)

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$55,000 INDUSTRY SUPPORT (For the four featured programs)

35 SCHOL ARSHIPS PROVIDED (For students from the Shocker Neighborhood to participate in programs)

163 Student Participants 87 Mentors 9 Industry Partners

Every spring, the college sponsors and hosts Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED), a day to inspire and encourage students to consider careers in STEM fields through mentorship. High school students engage with professional and collegiate role models from engineering and computing fields. Attendees participate in hands-on STEM activities, listen to inspirational speakers and get to know each other. Participants also network with industry representatives through the Opportunity Fair.

SUMMER 2025 CAMPS

280 Student Participants 14 Camps 35 Scholarships Provided

Engineering Summer Camps Each June and July, the College of Engineering offers youth a chance to explore their interests in engineering and computing through several week-long summer camps for students in grades 4-12.

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Featured Collaborations The College of Engineering actively partners with schools, libraries and community organizations to inspire future generations of STEM leaders. Through engaging workshops, bilingual family events, teacher development sessions and student-led outreach, these collaborations foster curiosity, confidence and college readiness among K-12 students and their families.

Equipando Padres Academy (workshops) Supported by the SHPE Leading Hispanics in STEM student chapter at Wichita State, the college co-hosts workshops as part of a nationwide initiative that helps parents of pre-collegiate students prepare for college and explore STEM career pathways.

Día or Noche de Ciencias (in local schools)

S C HOL ARS HI PS The College of Engineering at Wichita State University awards nearly $1 million each year in both needbased and merit-based scholarships to College of Engineering students. These awards are made possible by generous donors, which allow the college to provide more than 200 students with financial assistance as they pursue their degrees.

Scholar Programs

Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering

SPIRIT STRONG SCHOL AR PROGRAM

2024-2025 Program

The Spirit Strong Scholar Program is a program for incoming first-time, full-time freshmen College of Engineering students who are first-generation and have limited financial resources. It is designed to empower the students with mentorship, support and internship opportunities.

Participants Continued

WALL ACE SCHOL AR PROGRAM

The winners of the WISE competition receive the prestigious designation as Wallace Scholars. During their time as scholars, they are encouraged to attend various events, including career workshops, the Wallace Scholar Picnic at the President’s Residence and the Wallace Scholar Senior Brunch.

In partnership with the SHPE Leading Hispanics in STEM student chapter at Wichita State, the college supports bilingual sessions for parents and hands-on activities for children as part of a nationwide initiative to promote awareness of STEM careers.

USD 259 In-Service (on campus at Wichita State) The director of recruitment annually hosts an in-service for local STEM teachers, showcasing Wichita State and the College of Engineering while providing hands-on activities they can use in their classrooms.

Pre-College Initiative with Student Organization (in local schools) Supported by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) student chapter at Wichita State, the nationwide Pre-Collegiate Initiative (PCI) empowers K-12 students to explore STEM through hands-on activities, mentorship and academic enrichment, inspiring confidence and curiosity in future engineering and technology careers.

Evergreen Library (in local library) Assisted by the SHPE Leading Hispanics in STEM student chapter at Wichita State, engineering students co-host story time and hands-on activities for young students.

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The Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering (WISE) is an exciting competition held each fall for eligible high school seniors interested in studying engineering or computing at Wichita State. Out of 196 competitors from 14 states, nine $30,500 Wallace scholarships were awarded to the winners of the 2024 WISE competition.

31 Student Participants 90% of Fall 2024 Student (in engineering at Wichita State for spring 2025)

84% of Fall 2024 Student Participants Continued

(in engineering at Wichita State for fall 2025)

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Featured Collaborations 2024-2025 AMBASSADORS

R EC RUI T M ENT

850+

Hours of Service

32-Hour Average

Wichita State University’s recruitment efforts continue to deliver record-breaking enrollment for the university. The College of Engineering has a hand in that enrollment success. The recruitment team partners with the Office of Admissions to drive growth through classroom visits, events, fairs and campus tours — targeting prospective engineering and computing students. In 2024-2025, the team surpassed the previous period’s recruitment numbers and expanded opportunities for student engagement. The college is proud to position Wichita State as the state’s leading destination for engineering and computing education.

Per Ambassador Per Semester

Engineering Student Ambassadors

The College of Engineering Student Ambassadors (CoESAs) is a group of energetic and high-achieving students who work closely with the recruitment team. The students are a vital part, assisting in recruitment, retention and outreach efforts. Students selected for ambassadorship must be actively engaged on campus and trained to be knowledgeable about information related to the college. The organization is led by five members who make up the cabinet of the organization and provide leadership to nearly 30 active members.

Learning Lab: STEM Activity

In 2024-2025, the recruitment team built ties with the Wichita Learning Lab, a collaborative ecosystem of education and co-learning space in downtown Wichita. The space hosted CoESAs for an engineering workshop and outreach activity. The recruitment team tested its newest engineering activity that was then used at the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day event with more than 100 high school students.

BY T H E N U M B E R S | 2024-2025 Recruitment Efforts

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545

3,087

4,300+

CAMPUS VISITORS (324 individuals and 15 groups)

INTERACTIONS AT EVENTS AND FAIRS (37 events, 26 fairs and 24 classroom visits)

TOTAL STUDENTS ENGAGED

Project Innovation Hub

The recruitment team also utilizes on-campus spaces like the Project Innovation Hub (PIH) in recruiting prospective students. The PIH is the college’s shared center for design, prototyping and manufacturing. The recruitment team was fortunate to host several high school groups in the PIH to learn more about the engineering process and to engage in engineering activities.

Spirit AeroSystems: K-12 Initiatives and Classroom Visits

The recruitment team partnered with Spirit AeroSystems to integrate recruitment and outreach efforts with industry engagement through their K-12 classroom visit program. Together, the teams visited Wellington High School, Independent High School, and the Andover Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) vocational school, presenting joint opportunities and applied learning pathways for Wichita State students.

The partnership also broadened outreach to local engineering and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educators.

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FIRST-Y E A R S T U D E N T E XPERI EN CE The College of Engineering at Wichita State University has developed a first-year student experience designed to improve freshman-to-sophomore retention, including the Shocker Design Experience (SDX) program that involves an applied project course to give students hands-on experience and the exciting Koch Innovation Challenge (KIC). The data shows such results have paid off — 2024-2025 SDX program participants persisted at a rate 11 percentage points higher than students who did not participate in the program.

Looking Ahead The SDX program, which includes the KIC, is driving significant student success. Program participants persist at a rate 11 percentage points higher than students who do not participate in the program. This demonstrates the program’s powerful role in improving freshman-to-sophomore retention within the college.

The SDX Program

How It Works

The SDX Program

Project Innovation Hub

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (FYS)

2024-2025 PROGRAM

The Project Innovation Hub (PIH) is the college’s shared center for design, prototyping and manufacturing.

In addition to supporting the SDX program, the PIH supports hands-on teaching, senior design, multiple project-based classes and faculty research.

As the first part of the SDX program, students take an introductory course and construct a low-fidelity mock-up of a product by the end of the semester.

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Student Participants

Motivated by their projects in the KIC, SDX program students collaborated with the School of Business to form the NextGen Entrepreneurs student organization, creating a lasting forum for innovation across campus.

APPLIED PROJECT (UTILIZING PROJECT INNOVATION HUB)

As the second part of the SDX program, students enroll in an optional applied project course where they design and build a prototype of their “big idea” utilizing the college’s Project Innovation Hub (p. 15) and GoCreate, a Koch Collaborative makerspace.

COMPETITIONS

Project teams have the opportunity to compete in the KIC, including the Angel Competition and the Grand Champion Competition. One winning team is awarded a travel grant to advance to the national Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Pitch Competition the following fall.

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89

BY THE NUMBERS

Student Teams

80%

Retention of All Majors

11%

Higher Retention of Engineering Majors

200+

40+

1,100+

8,000+

First-Year Students in SDX Program Supported Each Term

Students Engaged Per Semester

Senior Design Teams Supported Each Term

The program engages students from a variety of backgrounds, helps students learn how to work effectively in teams, and develops more professionally focused and work-ready students.

Hours of Instructional, Technical and Project Support Provided Per Semester 15

STUDE NT EN G AG E M E N T Student engagement in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University continues to foster belonging, connection and academic success through high-impact programming and strategic support services. Signature events bring students together through mixers, mentoring and hands-on activities. Retention-focused initiatives provide targeted academic and social support. These efforts reflect a holistic approach to student engagement, blending celebration, connection and care to support engineering students.

Program Spotlights

Welcome Week Welcome Week in the fall offered a vibrant start to the academic year, engaging students through a series of events designed to build community, introduce campus resources and spark excitement.

Across four signature events — Engineering Launch, Dessert with the Deans, the Engineering Block Party and Clash of the Colleges — students connected with peers, faculty and industry professionals.

The week drew more than 500 check-ins and featured more than 20 engineering student organizations and multiple campus partners.

Engineers Week

Engineering Living Learning Community The Engineering Living Learning Community (LLC) offers 60 to 70 first-year engineering students a collaborative residential experience across three dedicated floors. In fall 2024 and spring 2025, the LLC served 68 students, providing shared academic experiences, cocurricular programming and increased access to tutoring and mentoring.

Engineers Week in the spring celebrated the spirit of innovation and community within the college through a series of interactive events.

Students, faculty and staff participated in activities such as the Golden Calculator Hunt and the Wichita State Engineering 5K run/walk, fostering connections across campus and with the broader community.

Each fall, incoming freshmen and transfer students in the ACE Mentoring Program are paired with upper-division mentors from across engineering majors. Mentors meet monthly with their mentees and participate in social events designed to build connection and support.

FALL 2024 SPRING 2025

(Incoming freshmen and transfer students) 16

38 Mentors

(Upper-division students)

86% of Mentees

Persisted Into Fall 2025

Doryian Marshall:

Alex Troth:

COMMUNITY BUILDER, LEARNER AND ENGINEERING ADVOCATE

MENTOR, ENGINEER AND ADVOCATE FOR STUDENT GROWTH

Doryian Marshall is a mechanical engineering student at Wichita State University whose college journey was shaped by his experience in the Engineering Living Learning Community (LLC) (p. 16). Originally from Plano, Texas, the LLC helped Doryian build lasting friendships, connect with campus resources and feel at home. His resident assistant played a key role in helping him navigate academics and adjust to college life. The LLC also introduced Doryian to events, faculty and industry professionals tied to his major, creating a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth.

Academically, the LLC gave him access to peer networks and tutoring through the GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center (p. 18). For Doryian, the LLC was more than a place to live — it was a launchpad for connection, confidence and achievement.

Wichita State Engineering 5K

ACE Mentoring Program

138 Mentees

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Event Spotlights

133 Registrants $3,600 Raised for Scholarship Fund

The Wichita State Engineering 5K is a signature event during Engineers Week that brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members for a USATF-certified run and walk across campus. Each year, registration fees raise money for the College of Engineering’s needbased scholarship fund, which helps students overcome financial barriers to their education.

Jennifer Miranda: POWERING CHANGE THROUGH ENGINEERING AND OPPORTUNITY

Growing up in Emporia, Kansas, Jennifer Miranda was inspired by her parents — Mexican immigrants who taught her the value of hard work, education and community. Curious about how electricity powered the world around her, she developed a passion for technology and sustainability. That curiosity grew into a purpose: to use electrical engineering to modernize the power grid and create cleaner, more efficient energy systems.

Originally from Frontenac, Kansas, Alex Troth is an industrial engineering major at Wichita State and a dedicated mentor in the ACE Mentoring Program (p. 16). Over the past three years, he has helped guide new students by sharing insights from his own college journey, encouraging mentees to explore opportunities and build confidence. Through mentoring, Alex has strengthened leadership and communication skills, developed a deeper sense of purpose in engineering, and found renewed motivation in academic and professional goals. He also credits the program’s Shocker Strengths trainings with helping build self-awareness and better study habits. Whether opening doors for others or refining their own path, Alex continues to lead with empathy, curiosity and a commitment to student success.

Before attending Wichita State, Jennifer joined the Shocker Engineering Academy (p. 18), where she found a supportive community and built the confidence to pursue engineering. At Wichita State, she has participated in the Spirit Strong Scholar Program (p. 11) and NASA Jump Start Program, as well as completed internships with Caterpillar Inc. and Burns & McDonnell.

Jennifer is also a dedicated scholar and mentor. She serves as academic

chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and as a College of Engineering Student Ambassador (p. 13), encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Under faculty mentorship, she researches metasurfaces for advanced communication technologies.

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STUDE NT S U P P ORT

Calculus Clinic for Engineering

The Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC) in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University offers targeted academic support through key programs, including the Shocker Engineering Academy (SEA), Shocker Bridge to Math Success, the Calculus Clinic for Engineering, and the Great Expectations: Engineering Kansas Scholars (GEEKS) Tutoring and Academic Success Center. Together, these programs promote retention, academic achievement and a smooth transition into the rigor of engineering studies.

Program Spotlights Shocker Engineering Academy

Shocker Bridge to Math Success

The SEA is a summer pre-season program to help new engineering students transition to Wichita State and to increase their academic success. Through a week of engagement in academic enrichment sessions, hands-on activities and fun social events, students can jump-start their education. In partnership with the WSU GoBabyGo program, students modify ride-on cars for young children with mobility issues. They also travel to a campsite for team-building activities, participate in math review sessions, and interact with peers, faculty and staff.

The Shocker Bridge to Math Success is a free online four-week summer bridge program designed to help incoming freshmen and transfer students build a strong foundation in math to succeed in their coursework from day one. The rigorous program strikes a balance between online lectures with group discussions and individual practice. Utilizing ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning assessments, students can determine whether they are college math-ready.

28 Student Participants

SUMMER 2024 PILOT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

(14 women and 14 men) 93% Retention from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 86% Retention from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025

Fall 2024 Math Classes 3.141 Average GPA in Fall 2024 Math Classes

SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM

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0.936 Points Higher GPA Average in

Calculus Clinic for Engineering offers free weekly Precalculus, Calculus I and Calculus II sessions. The sessions are designed using databacked active learning techniques to reinforce core concepts. These sessions help a wide range of students, from those struggling to those who just need a little extra practice. An impressive 85% of the spring 2025 attendees passed their math class, versus 61% of non-attendees.

GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center The GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center is a free, drop-in tutoring service that supports student success in more than 50 engineering and computer science courses. Staffed by certified peer tutors, the program ensures high-quality academic support tailored to each tutor’s expertise. Open Monday through Saturday during the academic year, GEEKS remains a cornerstone of the college’s retention strategy.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS Whitney Salmans:

Tyler Beatty:

TUTOR, CONNECTOR AND CHAMPION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

MENTOR, ADVOCATE AND STUDENT LEADER

An industrial engineering major at Wichita State University and a member of the GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center (p. 18) team, Whitney Salmans is originally from Hanston, Kansas. Through her work, she supports fellow Shockers by sharing knowledge, building confidence and helping students navigate academic challenges. GEEKS has given Whitney the chance to connect with peers across disciplines and build strong relationships with faculty and staff. Her impact is felt in moments of clarity — when a student’s stress turns to relief and understanding. Whitney’s ability to explain complex concepts efficiently has sharpened her own academic skills, making her a more effective learner and problem-solver. For her, GEEKS is more than a job — it’s a community built on support, growth and shared success.

AUGUST 2024 TO MAY 2025

3,092 Student Check-ins 4,644 Hours of Tutoring and Studying Logged 90-Minute Average Per Visit

Israel Torres: ENGINEERING DREAMS, EMPOWERING OTHERS AND BUILDING A LEGACY

For Israel Torres, engineering began in his family’s garage in Wichita, Kansas. Watching his father repair cars sparked a fascination with how things work and move. Born to parents who left high school early, Israel became one of the first in his family to graduate high school and pursue college. His curiosity and perseverance led him to mechanical engineering — a field that lets him explore innovation across industries.

Originally from Parker, Colorado, Tyler Beatty is an aerospace engineering student and a mentor in the ACE Mentoring Program (p. 16), where he shares insights and strategies to help fellow students navigate college more confidently. His approach to mentoring centers on reducing barriers and building community through shared experience.

The ACE Mentoring Program has also helped Tyler grow academically and professionally, introducing him to campus events and resources he might not have discovered otherwise. Whether offering advice or learning alongside his mentees, Tyler is committed to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the student body and university community.

Before his first semester at Wichita State, Israel joined Shocker Engineering Academy (p. 18), where he found mentorship and a sense of community.

Now a mechanical engineering major, he is a Rudd, Timothy P. O’Shaughnessy, and Koch Scholar, recognized for his excellence and leadership. He has completed internships with Textron Aviation and GE Aerospace, and in summer 2026, he will intern at Burns & McDonnell.

Beyond academics, Israel leads with purpose. He is the president and local founder of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. and serves as the director of fundraising and treasurer for Engineers Without Borders USA at Wichita State. He also mentors and volunteers through the Spirit Strong Scholar Program (p. 11), Shocker Buddies and Student Ambassador Society.

Israel hopes to build innovations that make the world safer and more connected.

From his family’s garage to the forefront of engineering, his journey reflects resilience, curiosity and service.

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I M PA C T A N D F U T U R E G O A L S | 2024-2025 Academic Year

AC ADEM I C ADV I SI NG Academic advising in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University is a dynamic, student-centered partnership between students and their professional and faculty advisors. This ongoing relationship fosters academic success, supports timely graduation and empowers students to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

4,721 Scheduled Appointments

19,627 Outreach Campaigns Sent

with Professional Advisors

(Plus an additional 4,743 SMS messages)

2,216 Students Advised

96% of Students Satisfied

(Professional and faculty advising combined)

or Very Satisfied

STUDENT VOICES

“I had a positive advising experience where my academic advisor provided clear guidance, was responsive to my concerns, and offered valuable support in helping me navigate my academic path.”

(As reported in feedback surveys)

Looking Ahead

Advising Services Departmental Assignment

Comprehensive Support

STUDENT VOICES

Students are assigned both a professional and faculty advisor within their specific department.

Advising goes beyond course selection to include: • Exploration of academic and professional opportunities.

• Understanding degree requirements and university policies.

• Strategic planning for internships, research and postgraduate goals.

“Very knowledgeable and insightful; excellent communication that is precise and easy to understand.”

Mandatory Advising All engineering students are required to meet with either their professional academic advisor or faculty advisor every semester before enrolling in courses.

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Reduce Wait Times The wait time target is under one week during non-peak advising times and under two weeks during peak advising times.

Enhance Outreach The team is launching more targeted student outreach each semester to improve semester-to-semester retention.

“I really appreciate how supportive and approachable my academic advisor is.

She listens carefully, offers helpful guidance tailored to my goals, and makes sure I understand my options clearly. I always leave our meetings feeling more confident and focused on my future.”

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FE ATUR ED S TA F F A N D FAC U LT Y Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC) Dr. Jacob Mendez

Assistant Dean for Student Success

Katie Brady-Wark, M.S.

Academic Advising

Project Innovation Hub

Featured Information: Pages 20–21

Featured Information: Pages 13 and 15

Andrea Gartman, M.S. Director of Advising

Nathan Smith

Director of the Project Innovation Hub

Shelby Berry

Featured Programs: Engineering LLC (p. 16), ACE Mentoring Program (p. 16), Welcome Week and Engineers Week Events (p. 16), GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center (p. 18)

Senior Academic Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

Richard Sack, M.S. Project Innovation Hub, Research Support Manager

Katherine Brewster, M.S. Academic Advisor, School of Computing

Adriana Fraga Cintra Soares Academic Advisor, Applied Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Undecided Engineering, Dual Advising

Featured Program: Engineering Summer Camps (p. 9)

Featured Programs: Kansas BEST Robotics (p. 9), Engineering Student Ambassadors (p. 13), Learning Lab (p. 13), Spirit AeroSystems Collaboration (p. 13) 22

Dr. Christin Manning

Dr. Lizzie Butler

Assistant Teaching Professor

Director of Scholarships and Scholar Programs

Featured Programs: Shocker Design Experience (p. 14–15), First-Year Seminar (p. 14)

Featured Programs: Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering (p. 11), Wallace Scholar Program (p. 11), Spirit Strong Scholar Program (p. 11)

Casey Spinder, M.S. Assistant Educator Featured Programs: Shocker Bridge to Math Success (p. 18), Calculus Clinic (p. 18)

Featured Programs: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (p. 9), Shocker Engineering Academy (p. 18)

Director of Recruitment

Featured Programs: Shocker Design Experience (p. 14–15), First-Year Seminar (p. 14), Koch Innovation Challenge (p. 14–15)

Director of Cybersecurity Education

Additional Featured Staff Member

Student Engagement Coordinator

Terrance Williams, M.Ed.

Featured Programs: Shocker Design Experience (p. 14–15), First-Year Seminar (p. 14), Koch Innovation Challenge (p. 14–15)

Joe Jabara, J.D.

Angela Blackerby, M.A.

Taylor Cazabat

Director of Student Support

Assistant Educator

Associate Educator

Lead Academic Advisor, Aerospace Engineering

Ana Montanez Chacon, M.Ed.

Janelle Birkner, M.S.

Samantha Corcoran, M.S.

Director of Student Engagement

Featured Programs: Engineering LLC (p. 16), ACE Mentoring Program (p. 16), Welcome Week and Engineers Week Events (p. 16), GEEKS Tutoring and Academic Success Center (p. 18)

Featured Faculty

Jake Frazee Academic Advisor, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering

Critical Partnership The Office of Student Success at Wichita State University provides the College of Engineering with a dedicated success coach, Stefanie Coronado. She offices in the ESSC and works individually with students, assessing their strengths and needs to develop personalized action plans.

Stefanie Coronado, M.L.S. Success Coach 23

1845 Fairmount Street Wichita, KS 67260-0044

WICHITA.EDU/ENGINEERING @WSU_Engineering @WSUEngineering Wichita State College of Engineering