Author: Trang Bui

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships proudly hosted its fifth year of Shocker Promise Academy from Aug. 3-7, welcoming 69 first‑year scholars and 16 mentors – the largest cohort to date.

Throughout the week, scholars explored essential campus resources, built connections, strengthened financial literacy skills and completed a course with Dr. Bobby Berry, which focused on the core habits and mindsets that support college success.

The office extends a heartfelt appreciation to all departments who contributed to this year’s academy. A special thanks to Resource 2 Success, whose support included providing laptops and hot spots, which helped set its scholars up for a strong start.

When asked about her experience at the end of the week, student Natalia Malcolm said, “I had a great time, I learned a lot of things and it’s such a good opportunity to meet a lot of people.” This program is also an opportunity for previous Shocker Promise Scholars to become mentors for the new class coming in. Luvley Williams said, “I recommend being a mentor because you’re able to be a part of something bigger than yourself, be challenged, and grow alongside your peers.”

As the semester begins, scholars will continue engaging with their mentors, their cohort and the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship throughout their first year to ensure they have consistent support and connection as they navigate college life.

Summer classes on your mind? Make sure your financial aid is ready to go.

Wichita State’s summer Financial Aid application is officially open, and now’s the perfect time to lock in support for your summer coursework.

How to apply for summer aid:

• If you have not already submitted a 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to Wichita State, be sure to complete and add Wichita State’s school code (001950) to your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• Enroll for summer courses at Wichita State
• Complete the WSU Summer 2026 Financial Aid Application* on your myWSU student portal.
  • The application can be found under the myFinances tab, within the Financial Aid Links section. Click on “Summer Aid Application”
  • Priority date to submit your application is May 1

For help, make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships or call 316-978-3430.

Trang Bui‑Tieu serves as the manager of student impact in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships and has been working at Wichita State for more than six years. She joined the Staff Senate in 2024 to strengthen connections across campus and help ensure staff feel supported, valued and represented. What keeps her rooted at WSU is the sense of community – the colleagues who care deeply about students, the moments of collaboration that make the work meaningful and the joy she feels watching students cross the graduation stage knowing she played a small part in their journey.

Outside the office, Trang finds joy in traveling, spending time with her family, learning photography and exploring her love of food, whether she’s cooking at home or discovering new places to eat. She’s energized by experiences that bring people together and believes that celebrating small wins and leaning on one another – especially during challenging times – is what makes the Shocker community so special.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Join in celebrating Angie Linder as she retires after more than 25 years of exceptional service in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at WSU. Angie’s commitment to students and her 20 years of leadership in the Staff Senate have left a lasting impact on the campus community.

Honor her achievements and contributions at a come‑and‑go reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room. Remarks will begin at 3:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served as we gather to recognize and celebrate Angie’s legacy.

Kevin Duffy, administrative specialist in psychology, has been with Wichita State for four years and joined Staff Senate in 2024 to help ensure staff feel heard and valued. He isn’t afraid to ask tough questions or challenge the status quo if it means improving the workplace. Kevin loves the sense of community at WSU, the diverse people he gets to learn from and the strong benefits that support employees. He says the connections he’s built across campus feel like family, and he’s committed to making WSU the best place to work – now and long after his time on senate.

Outside of work, Kevin finds his greatest joy in spending time with his family, whether they’re watching movies, playing games, traveling or enjoying time outdoors. Evenings often include playing with his kids and ending the day with a good show or movie with his wife, Amanda. No matter his role, Kevin says he’ll always advocate for staff and believes that when people work together, they can accomplish great things.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Preston Schroeder has served Wichita State for two and a half years as the director of investigations in the Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance. New to Staff Senate, he was drawn to the opportunity to continue a long-standing commitment to public service – something he carried with him after 15 years at Sedgwick County. For Preston, Staff Senate is a way to stay connected to his new community by advocating for fellow staff members and serving as a supportive, approachable liaison. He values the important work his office does, but it’s the people and daily interactions across campus that make each workday meaningful.

Preston wants the campus community to know that he is located in the lower level of the Shocker Success Center in the CTAC suite, where visitors are always welcome, and the candy bowl is usually full. The relationships built through these everyday moments bring him joy and reinforce why he loves being part of WSU.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Anne Marie Brown has spent eight years supporting the School of Music as an administrative specialist and six years serving on Staff Senate. She’s motivated by the chance to help make Wichita State an even better place to work, using her role to amplify staff voices, build connections and collaborate with colleagues who care deeply about positive change. She loves the people who make WSU special – students, faculty and staff – and enjoys being involved across campus through Staff Senate, the College of Fine Arts Staff Council and the WSU Spark Society.

Outside of work, Anne Marie finds joy in her three cats, time with family and creative hobbies like reading, quilting and glass fusing. She wants others to know that every day at WSU brings something new, and she takes pride in helping make those challenges and opportunities successful.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Monica Bergkamp serves as a first year advisor for the College of Engineering through OneStop Student Services and has been part of Wichita State since 2020. After a year and a half on Staff Senate, she values the opportunity to bring concerns and ideas directly to the people who can help create positive change – or provide clarity when change isn’t possible. She appreciates many aspects of working at WSU, especially the outstanding service from the post office and library, as well as the leadership of Aaron Hamilton and Kylie Johnson, whom she considers exceptional supervisors.

Monica finds joy in the moments that keep her grounded and energized, like a perfect sunny run, a good book, meditation and the occasional black and white cookie from XO Desserts. Running and mindfulness help her maintain balance, while reading offers an escape. As the university navigates a challenging season shaped by budget cuts, she wants the campus community to know that Staff Senate is fully aware of the concerns many are feeling. Senators are working hard – every meeting and every day – to listen, advocate and support staff through the changes ahead.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

John Keckeisen serves as the office coordinator for the Department of History and has been part of Wichita State for just over seven years. In his seven months on Staff Senate, he has been motivated by a desire to advocate for his fellow staff members and serve as a bridge between employees and university leadership. He values the opportunity to represent staff perspectives and help ensure their voices are heard. One of his favorite parts of working at WSU is the daily interaction with a diverse mix of students and faculty — no two days look the same, and that variety keeps his work engaging and energizing.

John finds joy in life’s simple comforts, especially that first cup of coffee in the morning — and the next few that follow. Outside of work, he is deeply involved in Wichita’s theatre community, performing at Mosley Street Melodrama, Roxy’s Downtown and MTWichita. Theatre fuels his creativity, while his role on Staff Senate fuels his commitment to supporting colleagues across campus.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Courtney Henry serves as a Human Resources business partner in WSU’s Human Resources office, supporting the Division of Industry and Defense Programs. In her nearly two years at Wichita State – including six months on Staff Senate – she has been motivated by a desire to help employees feel supported, connected and engaged with the broader campus community. Serving on Staff Senate allows her to strengthen those relationships and advocate for the needs of the staff she works with every day. She loves being part of WSU because of the people and the purpose, calling it the best job she’s ever had. Watching the innovation and industry partnerships within the division, as well as seeing students achieve their goals through applied learning, makes her work especially meaningful.

Courtney finds joy in both the big and small moments of life – watching her children reach their goals, spending time with her husband, staying connected with friends and playing with her three dogs. Reading is her favorite way to unwind, offering a chance to unplug and explore new ideas. She hopes the campus community remembers that Staff Senators are here to listen, support and advocate. Whether attending a meeting or reaching out directly, she encourages staff to think of their senators as a resource and a partner in navigating their work at WSU.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.