Author: Morgan Zimmerman

Wichita State University’s Physical Education program made a strong impression at the 2025 Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention.

Senior Ian Stevens was named Future Professional of the Year, WSU students won first place in the College Bowl competition and Team K-12 presented an engaging session on “Cross-Curriculars for Elementary K-5.”

Led by Olivia Butler, program chair, 22 students attended the event, supported by funds from their annual Cornhole Tournament and Ablah Library sponsorship, gaining valuable professional experience and proudly representing the College of Applied Studies.

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) Ambassadors serve as a resource for the college, prospective students and their families. The CAS Ambassadors also serve as representation for their specific academic programs, exemplifying a broad knowledge of CAS culture, programs, and practices.

The Teacher Apprentice Program is looking for an outreach and retention specialist. The TAP outreach and retention specialist assists students in making personal and educational decisions to meet graduation requirements and achieve academic and career goals, interprets student needs, and provides individualized service and assistance while maintaining confidentiality.

Pay range begins at $22 per hour and is commensurate with experience

Wichita State University celebrated 126 graduates of its Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), which helps paraeducators become licensed teachers while continuing to work. Most are first-generation college students, now moving from earning about $11,000/year to starting salaries around $40,000.

The ceremony included starfish pins and TAP stoles, symbolizing the impact educators make. “The Teacher Apprentice Program provided me with the support, tools, and coaching I needed to grow into the educator I am today,” said graduate Janete Hernandez. “I’m proud to have completed this journey and excited to continue making a difference in the classroom.”

TAP also helps fill critical teacher shortages in Kansas – nearly 200 positions this year alone.

This event has been cancelled. Please stay tuned for future events.

Original post:

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jill Koyama at the February 14 summit, will join the Leadership & Ethics in Education Summit from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Eugene Hughes Metropolitan Complex virtually.

She is the vice dean of the Division of Education Leadership and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. The free event is to advance understanding of Principled Innovation and the work on developing initiatives based on its framework.

The School of Education will be having its third annual corn hole tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 5 at Social Tap.

There are competitive and recreational brackets and a cash prize for the winning competitive team. There is a $20 entry fee for each team, which can be paid through Venmo or cash.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

The College of Applied Studies is seeking a dedicated and passionate academic advisor to join the team. The position plays a key role in providing academic guidance to students concerning their academic plans, progress and academic and career goals in order to assist students in making personal education decisions and meeting graduation requirements. The candidate will interpret student needs and provide individualized service and assistance while maintaining confidentiality.

Candidates must have a strong understanding of higher education systems, excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, with prior advising or counseling experience.

Join a dynamic academic community and help students navigate their educational journey toward success. Apply now to make a meaningful impact in the lives of WSU’s student body.

Don’t miss this transformative opportunity to hear Dr. Jill Koyama, a cultural anthropologist and vice dean of the Division of Education Leadership and Innovation at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, as she delves into how the principles of innovation can reshape P-12 education at the Leadership & Ethics in Education Summit. The event is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14, 2025 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The Education Summit is part of the Corbin Connect Speaker Series presented by Credit Union of America

The objectives of this event include:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of principled innovation and its relevance for educational leaders.
• Explore how principled innovation can be applied to real-world challenges faced by educational leaders.
• Encourage leaders to reflect on their values, ethics, and practices to foster principled decision-making.
• Apply the concepts of principled innovation leadership challenges and opportunities, focusing on ethical decision-making and creative problem solving.
• Engage in reflective exercises to connect personal and professional values with the principles of principled innovation.

Wichita State students and faculty made a strong impact at the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD) Convention, held from Nov. 6 to 8 at Emporia State University. During the convention, 21 WSU physical education students participated, presenting interactive sessions on physical education games that combined fun and learning.

Ian Stevens was elected chair of the Future Professionals Committee, and faculty member Olivia Butler was voted president-elect of KAHPERD for the 2024-25 term. At just 29, Butler will be the second youngest president in the association’s history.

The convention featured over 80 sessions on health, physical education, recreation and dance. WSU students and faculty contributed to the event’s success, showcasing leadership and advancing the fields of health and physical education in Kansas. University Libraries and the School of Education sponsored the trip, enabling student participation and learning.

The College of Applied Studies is looking for a recruitment coordinator to join its team. The position will collaborate with faculty and staff in specific college, department, program or specific focal areas to coordinate and expand graduate student recruitment efforts.

The College of Applied Studies empowers students and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for success through education, research, innovation and community engagement to promote local and global change. Join in its vision as it strives to create a diverse learning community that enriches lives and strengthens communities through active engagement to promote generational success.