Wichita State Poised For Massive Growth

[Veritas]

Greater Wichita Partnership president Jeff Fluhr has said that, eventually, up to 12,000 people could be on campus.
according to the Wichita Business Journal.

Not sure where he gets his estimates, but count on more needed parking and a possible off-campus dorm for WSU students unless we see an explosion of private apt developers.
This might truly be a game changer for Downtown.

It is great to see vision become reality unlike River Walk, a new convention Center, new performing arts center, and a repurposed CII and library (and of course the sluggish West Bank development.)

[SubGod22]

I believe there's already some student housing planned for the area. Gonna be a big need for more apartments regardless though and some of those are going to need to be affordable. The talk from the beginning has been about these students essentially living and studying downtown

[WuDrWu]

I doubt "affordable" is in the cards. I agree, it should be, or at least should meet the demand. The problem is that money for students POURS from the spigot with no end in sight. So if nearby rent is 2 grand a month, they will get loans for 2 grand a month. We need a different model.

[pogo]

I doubt "affordable" is in the cards. I agree, it should be, or at least should meet the demand. The problem is that money for students POURS from the spigot with no end in sight. So if nearby rent is 2 grand a month, they will get loans for 2 grand a month. We need a different model.

I know the Federal Government will forgive student loans for Doctors and lawyers . For Doctors it is practicing in areas that are under served and for lawyers 10 years in public service. The Army will pay up to 40 grand a year for three years for Doctors on active duty.

[SubGod22]

KWCH - Building demolition planned as part of money-saving project at Wichita State

State universities across Kansas report saving a lot of money by demolishing outdated buildings instead of renovating them. The demolition is part of a program created by the Kansas Board of Regents. So far, the board said, this program has saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

On Wichita State University’s campus Brennan Hall is in the crosshairs of demolition plans. The building, constructed in the 1950s has window units that show how inefficient the old residence hall is.

Parts of the building, a three-unit complex constructed as a men’s dormitory, are not ADA accessible, have no elevators to the upper floors, and include the window air conditioning units, WSU Director of Facilities Planning Emily Patterson said. The window units she said, make it difficult to control the temperature.

Wichita State estimates that bringing Brennan Hall up to code would cost nearly $4 million while relocating the programs inside would cost about $1 million. To avoid the high cost of those updates, the Kansas Board of Regents is helping to provide demolition funds, used by all six state universities in Kansas: The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University.

[SubGod22]

KSN - WSU's NIAR receives more funding for Air Force B-1 program

NIAR says over the past 18 months that they expanded the program beyond just the structure of the B-1 to systems and weapons support. They have been able to reverse-engineer parts that are no longer available, many of which were made through old and less precise manufacturing processes like casting and forging molten metals and other materials, and create new parts using modern machining.

The original contract for the B-1 program awarded NIAR $100 million. The Air Force is increasing the award ceiling to $200 million.

“Expanding the support NIAR provides to the B-1 SPO from primarily structures to a wholistic weapons system approach is key to maximizing the benefits of digital engineering,” said John Tomblin, WSU senior vice president for Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “Increasing the breadth of support we are providing on B-1 also expands the unique educational opportunities for applied learning we can offer to students at Wichita State.”

For more information about the National Institute for Aviation Research, click here.

[C0|dB|00ded]

Maybe a stretch but the project is about $100m short with KU schools of Internal medicine and Psychiatry staying on 9th street. Wonder if KU couldn’t provide all of the required funding. Fund raising continues in order to build the 2nd phase.
Curious comment by KU Minns “working through culture differences”, and “ we’re still friends.” Obviously, but why state it.

KU med and pharmacy schools to take top 3 floors.
I’d require that the building signage reflects WSU as first and or highest sign listed.

If Wichita State gets dinged on the signage, vandalism is not out of the question...

[C0|dB|00ded]

https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wsus-niar-receives-more-funding-for-air-force-b-1-program/

NIAR says over the past 18 months that they expanded the program beyond just the structure of the B-1 to systems and weapons support. They have been able to reverse-engineer parts that are no longer available, many of which were made through old and less precise manufacturing processes like casting and forging molten metals and other materials, and create new parts using modern machining.

The original contract for the B-1 program awarded NIAR $100 million. The Air Force is increasing the award ceiling to $200 million.

This is more than impressive to me. NIAR has come a LONG way.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - U.S. Air Force transports retired bomber to Wichita's NIAR as part of $200M deal

The U.S. Air Force Midnight Prowler had an engine failure in 2022 and its flying days are now over, but the aircraft has a new life in the Air Capital.

The B-1 bomber traveled from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 25-28 on an 18-wheeler to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research.

Last week, the Air Force increased its B-1 partnership with NIAR, doubling its contract to $200 million.

The bomber will serve as a prototype for NIAR's research, enabling the crew to have a hands-on experience as it tests prototypes of new parts and repairs.

"We are extremely excited to begin this program with the Air Force in support of the B-1," John Tomblin, WSU senior vice president for Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director, said in a news release. "The ability to provide support to airmen and increase readiness is a primary objective of this program and we hope that the results of this can impact future maintenance and sustainment for this aircraft, as well as provide a platform for decades to come."

The retired bomber will help the Air Force predict the future of its supersonic bombers.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - WSU Tech City Center renovation to help automotive programs bring on more students

WSU Tech is embarking on a building renovation effort at its City Center campus aimed at increasing student opportunity in a high-demand industry.

Construction work recently began on Building C — which houses the college's automotive service technology program, as well as its alternative fuel maintenance and advanced electronics program — to add a classroom, lab space and help the school bring on more students in those programs.

The project, at 301 S. Grove St., is expected to be complete in time for the fall semester.
.....
"We really want to be top of the line, not just regionally but nationally, to provide students the best education that they can get," said Lane, adding the upgrades will better allow the school to host industry partners who are giving large lectures or contributing to other events.

Lane said currently the two transportation programs — which have more than 200 students combined and four on-site faculty members — are at capacity in the decades-old building.

The modernization is expected to increase student capacity by 32. The number goes up to 48 with the addition of an instructor, "if demand follows growth trends," he said.
.....
WSU Tech's automotive service technology program teaches secondary and post-secondary students how to diagnose, repair and service various automotive vehicles through classroom and lab instruction.

The alternative fuel maintenance and advanced electronics program is similar, Lane said — but with more of a focus on electric and hybrid vehicle work. That includes students each year getting to build an electric vehicle from the ground up.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, there will be around 67,700 openings nationwide each year through 2032 for automotive service technicians and mechanics.

Meanwhile, research from TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes professional technician careers, has found that the number of graduates from automotive sector postsecondary programs has fallen 20% since 2020.

Lane said growing the WSU Tech programs has the potential to help with "extremely high" local demand for workers in the industry.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - One Small Step political dialogue tool heads to Wichita State University

The aim of One Small Step is to bring strangers with differing political views together for conversations not about politics, but to become familiar with each other as fellow citizens. The national program began its Wichita initiative in 2022.

Beginning this week, One Small Step has started training students to become facilitators for conversations. Some of the first facilitators will come from the Elliott School of Communication's audio storytelling class.

“Wichita State’s partnership with StoryCorps’ One Small Step will further enrich our commitment to fostering a campus environment that values dialogue, understanding and unity,” WSU president Rick Muma said in a news release. “By engaging in One Small Step conversations, we believe our students, faculty, staff and alumni can contribute to building bridges and promoting the shared humanity that unites us all.”

Not the worst thing. I've often said we're all more alike than not, but too often we let specific political aspects keep us apart from others and then we demonize them and stop seeing them as human essentially. Nothing positive comes from that. This program seems to look to change that and open people up to what we truly do share and that we're really not that far in most things that actually matter.

[SubGod22]

WSU - Ulrich spotlights sculpture collection with help from NEA grant

A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will help the Ulrich Museum of Art celebrate the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary special programming.

Fully Dimensional: Artists of the Outdoor Sculpture Collection is a multimedia exhibition at Wichita State University that celebrates 35 artists of the sculpture collection and explores elements of their larger bodies of work.

Itis supported by a $10,000 grant from the NEA Challenge America awards.

"Fully Dimensional is an experiential exhibition, one that encourages discovery, interactivity and inquiry in connecting visitors to the artists represented, to the outdoor sculpture collection, and ultimately, to each other,” said Jo Reinert, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the museum. “The show also was an opportunity to recontextualize around 95 permanent collection works and emphasize the strength of the Ulrich collection as a resource for the Wichita community."

In total, the NEA will award 257 Challenge America awards.

“The NEA is delighted to announce this grant to the Ulrich Museum of Art, which is helping contribute to the strength and well-being of the arts sector and local community,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson. “We are pleased to be able to support this community and help create an environment where all people have the opportunity to live artful lives.”  

Anchored by pieces from the Ulrich permanent collection, alongside special loans from across the U.S., Fully Dimensional encourages a deeper connection with these multifaceted artists and their sculptures on the WSU campus by delving into their creative processes, complex identities and diverse media. 

The show features works by Louise Nevelson, Hank Willis Thomas, Robert Indiana, Joan Miró, Alice Aycock, Louis Alfonso Jiménez, Ursula von Rydingsvard and Andy Goldsworthy, to name a few. 

Through a collaborative partnership with WSU’s School of Digital Arts, Fully Dimensional features an interactive augmented reality (AR) component for visitors, which uses the camera function of handheld devices to project digital sculptures into the gallery space. This engagement component, designed and created by student and faculty artists, marks the first use of AR in an Ulrich Museum exhibition and the first major collaboration with WSU’s School of Digital Arts.

In connection with Fully Dimensional, the Ulrich will host artist and scholar talks, as well as artist workshops, throughout spring 2024 that are free to attend. Certain programs are collaborations with the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries Clayton Staples Gallery and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

On Dec. 7, 2024, the Ulrich Museum of Art will officially turn 50 years old. In its half a century, the museum has grown into an invaluable asset to Wichita State University and Wichita communities, bringing cutting-edge contemporary art to the region and amassing a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art.

[WstateU]

Check out the coolest office in town! Wichita State's Woolsey Hall, home of Barton School of Business, was crowned the winner of the 2024 Coolest Office in Wichita competition by Wichita Business Journal. Thanks to everyone who voted!

Dovetail on my previous post…

Congratulations Faith!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3YRWAUrcPo/?igsh=MTViZndlMW9vbjh3YQ==

[SubGod22]

Technology Today - Bombardier Launches U.S. Technician Apprenticeship Program in Collaboration with WSU Tech

Bombardier today announced it has collaborated with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) to create an apprenticeship program aimed at training future airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics. During the two-year paid apprenticeship program, students will complete hands-on instruction at Bombardier Group’s Wichita site and in-class training at WSU Tech. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and aviation maintenance leaders, as well as gain valuable knowledge on Bombardier’s world-class portfolio of business jets.

Upon successful completion of this state-registered A&P apprenticeship program – the first of its kind in the state of Kansas – students will have obtained their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P certification, as well as on-the-job training. Their job classification will transition from apprentice to full-time A&P technician at Bombardier, expanding the company’s technician roster and enabling the growing delivery of timelier OEM maintenance services.

“We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the U.S. through the launch of this foundational program in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice-President, Aftermarket Services & Bombardier Strategy, Bombardier. “The start of this apprenticeship program highlights Bombardier Group’s ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients.”

“WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at their state-of-the-art facility in Wichita,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech and VP of Workforce Development at WSU. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business, and industry, resulting in success. We are profoundly grateful for the fiscal support from the State of Kansas, which played a crucial role in making this opportunity a reality. Through such dynamic alliances, we can offer our students impactful, real-world experiences, significantly enhancing our skilled workforce and reinforcing our strong commitment to applied learning.”

Over the past few years, Bombardier has expanded its service centre network around the world and has since added close to one million sq. ft. of new service capacity to its worldwide aftermarket footprint. By training and hiring highly skilled technicians, Bombardier further showcases its commitment to developing its aerospace pipeline.

On top of its widely recognized and growing service centre, Bombardier also has a strong footprint in the Air Capital of the world with the presence of Bombardier Defense and its world-renown Bombardier Flight Test Centre, which is currently putting the world’s fastest and farthest flying business jet, the Global 8000 aircraft, through its paces as part of an ongoing certification campaign ahead of its expected entry into service in 2025.

[SubGod22]

This isn't something I'd normally share here, but it does point to the positives behind the Shocker City Partnership that offers in-state tuition to certain students in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

WSU - Texas Shocker Spotlight: Lexi Jensen

Hometown


Frisco, Texas

Major


Integrated marketing communication

Year


Freshman

How did you first hear about Wichita State University?


I first heard about Wichita State University when I was at the gym one night. I learned Collin County (Texas) students receive in-state tuition. I went home that night and looked up the school and was immediately interested.

How did Wichita State compare to the other universities you considered attending?


Originally out-of-state college was out of the picture. I considered other universities such as University of North Texas and West Texas A&M because I liked the small-school feel.

Why did you choose WSU?


I decided WSU was going to be the best school for me because the campus has more going on around it than West Texas A&M, while also having the smaller school feel.

I also liked how close it was to home. I am only five hours from Dallas, and that is about how far West Texas is from my house, as well. The best plus was that I was going to be getting in-state tuition, which was what made this school a real possibility for me.

What are some of the opportunities and activities you've participated in at Wichita State?


WSU has many opportunities and activities you can partake in.

I attended the Immersive Leadership Institute right before classes started and that was a great opportunity to meet people before starting my college journey. It also provided space for self-reflection to be a better leader. Another activity I tried was the rowing team during my first month of college. It was a cool experience and allowed me to meet more people.

What were your perceptions about the city of Wichita before you visited for the first time? And how do those perceptions compare to your current perception of the city?


Before visiting Wichita State, I was excited to see it wasn’t a college town, but more based in a city. I did not know what to expect before visiting.

When I first visited the campus, I did not have much time to explore the surroundings, so I thought there was not going to be much to do. Living here I know that that is not true. There are a lot of cool places near campus and there is plenty of shopping, lunch places, and diners.

What would you tell someone who's considering Wichita State?


Something I would tell someone who is considering attending Wichita State is it is a great school, it's in the middle of being small and big.

I was very impressed with the dorms. I also loved that there is a nice YMCA on campus we all can use. If do not have a car you have everything you need on campus. WSU offers many majors, and it really feels like a community here with all the help and support you get as a student.

I enjoy reading some of these but I don't think I've ever shared one here.