A photo collage featuring three images related to a water treatment utility tour. In the top left, a group of Water Science Communication Fellows wearing hard hats and safety vests pose together for a group photo at a water treatment plant. In the bottom left, a group of smiling students stands outside with a water aeration tank in the background. On the right, students wearing hard hats and safety vests inspect an open underground utility chamber.

Undergraduate students can earn a $500 stipend by participating in a Water Science Communications Fellowship during the fall 2026 semester. The program will help you learn about careers in environmental science and communication, strengthen your resume and network with professionals in the community.

This semester’s fellows will focus on water cybersecurity and explore the intersection of technology and water. The fellowship is ideal for undergraduate students interested in environmental or civil engineering, public affairs, cybersecurity and/or public communication who want to build connections and strengthen their resumes through real-world experience and applied learning.

For more information, attend a Q&A session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 in 202 Rhatigan Student Center, Shocker ‘70 Football Room. This is a come-and-go event where you can stop by to learn more and ask questions.

This fellowship is organized by the Environmental Finance Center at WSU and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is open to citizens of the United States, its territories, or possessions or to individuals lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residency.

Dr. Stephanie Newbold proudly poses for a photo with Luke Grimes and Nathan York at the KCCM Conference, where they received scholarships.

Two graduate students from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs received scholarships from the Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM). Luke Grimes was awarded the Virgil Basgall Scholarship, while Nathan York received the KACM Scholarship.

This achievement marks the third consecutive year that WSU has secured two out of the three KACM scholarships. Additionally, for the second year in a row, a WSU student has been awarded the prestigious Basgall Scholarship.

The KACM scholarships are awarded annually to graduate students who are either interested in pursuing a career in city or county management or currently working in local government in Kansas and aspire to become city or county management professionals. Faculty from KU, K-State and WSU nominate Master of Public Administration (MPA) students for these scholarships, which are presented at the Spring Kansas City/County Management Conference.

Education with Purpose, Explore our NEW undergrad classes in public and nonprofit management! wichita.edu/hws

The Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs is excited to announce the launch of new undergraduate courses in public and nonprofit management for summer/fall 2026. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the community, these courses are designed to guide you toward a fulfilling career in government, public service or nonprofit work.

Enroll in courses such as “Introduction to Public Administration,” “Public Policy Processes,” “Contemporary Issues in Democratic Governance” and “Managing People in Government and Nonprofit Organizations.” Gain essential skills like analytical problem-solving, effective writing and presentation. By joining these courses offered by the Hugo Wall School, you will also connect with a close-knit network of accomplished faculty and alums, opening doors to valuable internships and job opportunities.

For more information on these new courses, visit the Hugo Wall School’s webpage at wichita.edu/hugowall.

Hugo Wall School Faculty and Staff stand in front of a yellow wall with the word "BECOME" in large black letters.

WSU’s public affairs graduate program has achieved its highest ranking in the school’s history, according to U.S. News & World Report for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program, part of the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, is now ranked No. 92, an improvement from 96th the previous year. The program ranked No. 16 among public affairs graduate programs in the Midwest, and it secured the second position in Kansas.

Additionally, the program’s specialty in public finance and budgeting has been ranked 17th by U.S. News, which ties it with Harvard University.

“Our rankings reflect a deep commitment to public service both in and out of the classroom. We are incredibly proud of the work being done by our faculty and staff, students and alumni, the Environmental Finance Center, and the Kansas Public Finance Center,” Hugo Wall School Director, Dr. Stephanie Newbold, says.

A group of students wearing hard hats and safety vests pose in a water treatment plant with pipes and machinery.

This spring, undergraduate students can earn a $500 stipend through participation in a Water Science Communications Fellowship designed to enhance their understanding of careers in environmental science and communication. This program not only enriches their resumes but also fosters networking with local professionals in the field.

Students will engage in approximately five to seven project meetings, three field trips and collaborate on a group project. Students from all disciplines are encouraged, including both STEM and humanities fields, to apply.

For more details, you and students are invited to attend a Q&A session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 in 238 Rhatigan Student Center, Meeker Room. This will be a flexible event where you can drop by to learn more and address any questions you may have. Share this opportunity with students who may be interested.

This fellowship is organized by the Environmental Finance Center at WSU and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is open to citizens of the United States, its territories or possessions, or to individuals lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residency.

Hugo Wall Day 2025, "Advancing Public Service in Times of Uncertainty," Oct. 17, 9am-3pm, Wichita State Connect Building

Join the Hugo Wall School at Hugo Wall Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at Wichita State Connect. The theme for this year’s event is “Advancing Public Service in Times of Uncertainty.”

The annual networking and learning event brings alumni, students, faculty, staff, and local government and nonprofit professionals together in the spirit of Dr. Hugo Wall’s commitment to the study and practice of public administration.

Attending Hugo Wall Day is a fantastic opportunity for students to network with experienced professionals in public administration and learn more about careers in public service within the government and nonprofit sectors, as well as the Master of Public Administration program. You’ll also have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with experts, making it a valuable experience for your academic and professional growth. Plus, it’s free for WSU students and lunch will be provided.

Register Now - Hugo Wall Day 2025 - "Advancing Public Service in Times of Uncertainty" - Oct. 17 - 9am-3pm - Wichita State Connect Building

Join the Hugo Wall School at Hugo Wall Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at Wichita State Connect. The theme for this year’s event is “Advancing Public Service in Times of Uncertainty.”

The annual networking and learning event brings alumni, students, faculty, staff, and local government and nonprofit professionals together in the spirit of Dr. Hugo Wall’s commitment to the study and practice of public administration.

Hugo Wall Day is a time to celebrate and reflect on the importance of public service in our communities, the state of Kansas, the nation and the broader process of democratic governance.

Join the conversation is Dr. David H. Rosenbloom, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and a leading scholar in administrative and constitutional law, human resources management and democratic governance.

Registration is $40, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. WSU students can attend for free.

Undergraduate students can earn a $500 stipend by participating in a water science communications fellowship. The program will allow you to learn about careers in environmental science and communication, enhance your resume and network with professionals in the community.

Participants will attend around five to seven project meetings and three field trips and complete a group project. Students from all majors, including STEM fields and the humanities, are encouraged to apply.

For more information, join the Q&A session 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 in 238 Rhatigan Student Center, Meeker Room. This is a come-and-go event where you can stop by to learn more and ask questions.

This fellowship is organized by the Environmental Finance Center at WSU and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

This semester, undergraduate students can earn a $500 stipend through participation in a water science communications fellowship designed to enhance their understanding of careers in environmental science and communication. This program not only enriches their resumes but also fosters networking with local professionals in the field.

Students will engage in approximately five to seven project meetings, three field trips and collaborate on a group project. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

For more details, a Q&A session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 in RSC Meeker Room. This will be a flexible event where you can drop by to learn more and address any questions you may have. Share this opportunity with students who may be interested.

This fellowship is organized by the Environmental Finance Center at WSU and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is open to citizens of the United States, its territories or to individuals lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residency.

Sedgwick County Budget Simulator - Help us prioritize our funding and resources.

WSU faculty, staff and students who are Sedgwick County residents are invited to take part in the Sedgwick County Budget Simulator. The online tool offers an opportunity for residents to understand more about the county’s budget and operations while providing a platform for them to express their opinions.

Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Dr. David Guo, contributed to developing the simulator, an interactive tool designed to enhance public engagement and transparency in the budgeting process.

The Sedgwick County Budget Simulator serves as an opportunity for citizens to dive deep into the intricacies of Sedgwick County’s finances. Users can explore the allocation of public funds and understand the nuanced trade-offs involved in making budget decisions. The last day to participate in the budget simulator is May 23.