Author: Noelle Wilson

November is a month of celebration as it marks National Distance Learning Week and National Non-Traditional Week. The Office Online & Adult Learning (OAL) takes great pride in recognizing Shockers making great strides in their academic studies.

How to join the celebration:

• Follow OAL on social media as it spotlights student success stories all week (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Reconnect with OAL from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 during a Live Shocker Comeback Q&A, open to all current and former Shockers.
• Stop by the office any time Thursday, Nov. 20 in 302 Shocker Success Center a social, happening both on campus and virtually.

Wichita State is proud to celebrate National Student Transfer Week (Oct. 20-24) by recognizing the diverse journeys of all Shocker transfer students. WSU is kicking off the week by sharing the story of Kristen Knott, a health management online student who’s living out the very lesson she’s always taught her children: there’s no single timeline for success, and there’s more than one way to reach your goals.

Campus is invited to celebrate with the week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Shocker Success Center. Explore the building and connect with campus offices stationed across the lower level, first, second and third floors. Just like Kristen, WSU wants you to discover that you have a team of Shockers rooting for you to succeed.

Returning to college isn’t always easy, but Aria’s journey proves it’s worth it. Through the Shocker Comeback Program, Aria re-enrolled at Wichita State to pursue a more stable career with greater earning potential. Financial challenges and time constraints made the process daunting, but the Comeback Scholarship helped relieve the burden while WSU’s flexible online accounting program made balancing life and school possible.

November is a month of celebration as it marks National Distance Learning Week and National Non-Traditional Week. Whether online and adult learner students are pursuing their studies from a distance or embracing non-traditional paths, these students are a true testament to the power of dedication, resilience and hard work. The Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL) invites you to join in honoring their inspiring achievements and continued success.

Throughout the week, the OAL office will share the stories of these remarkable online and adult learner students making waves in their academic journeys:

• Sara Rhodes
• Scott St. Claire
• Steve Curbelo
• Mia Baldassano
• Ben Sauceda

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is thrilled to introduce the Students Who Are Parents (SWAP) Group. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for WSU students who balance academics with the responsibilities of parenting or caring for young dependents. SWAP will be hosted online through Blackboard, creating a focused community where student caregivers can connect, share resources and find support.

To learn more or join the group, visit the WSU SWAP Group website.

September is nationally recognized as Parent-Student Month, and the Office of Online and Adult Learning would like to honor all Shocker parent-students who are not just managing coursework, but also navigating the demanding journey of parenthood.

Their stories inspire everyone and emphasize the importance of support systems and the critical role of empathy in the higher educational community. To offer deeper insight into the unique experiences of parent-students, read Mason Moore’s Shocker journey.

Starting fall 2024, the Master of Education in sport management program will be available fully online, offering students nationwide access to its low in-state tuition rates. With expert faculty, comprehensive student support and affiliations with leading industry networks, this program provides an exceptional path for careers in sport management. This program is recognized for its top-tier quality and affordability, recently ranked as the nation’s most affordable in-state graduate sport management tuition and number six overall by Intelligent.com.

Jenae is a fully online RDH to BSDH student who recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. She has over 25 years of experience in the field and believes that laughter is the best medicine. With a huge heart and a contagious smile, she’s all about bringing holistic health to her patients and spreading joy.

When she is not brightening up smiles, you will find her chasing adventure outdoors. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and hunting for fossils. And with a bustling blended family of seven, there’s never a dull moment in her household.

Meet Arland Wallace. With a successful 40-year career in printing behind him, he courageously returned to WSU in 2019 to fulfill a dream he started in 1970.

He is currently majoring in anthropology with a focus in archeology. He enjoys learning alongside his peers, loves to share his passions and invests in giving back to his community. His perseverance is a testament to the fact that dreams never expire.

Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL) students are incredibly dedicated to completing their degrees while juggling their responsibilities such as full-time work, caring for their families and participating in their communities. They bring a wealth of experience, perseverance, creativity and a growth mindset to every course they take. OAL wants to share how its Shockers are making a difference.

Meet Sadie Svymbersky. Along with being a full-time student, Sadie is a para at an elementary school and coaches the Derby 8th-grade girls basketball team. Her unwavering dedication and passion to help students achieve their goals are nothing short of inspiring. Sadie is a true role model for all those who aspire to make a difference in the world of education.