39 Interesting Facts about Wichita State University

Dan April 15, 2023

Wichita State University (WSU) is a public research university located in Wichita, Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1895 as Fairmount College and became Wichita State University in 1964. The university is located in the heart of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, and has a student population of over 16,000.

WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts and sciences. The university is also home to several specialized centers and research institutes, including the National Institute for Aviation Research and the Center for Economic Development and Business Research.

In addition to its academic programs, Wichita State University is known for its strong athletics program. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Shockers, compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference in sports such as basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

Do you want to know more about Wichita State University? Let’s take a look at these 39 interesting facts about Wichita State University.

1. Wichita State University was founded in 1895 as Fairmount College.
2. The university became Wichita State University in 1964.
3. The university is located in Wichita, Kansas, which is the largest city in the state.
4. Wichita State University has a student population of over 16,000.
5. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
6. Wichita State University is classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.
7. The university is home to the National Institute for Aviation Research, which is one of the largest aerospace research institutes in the world.
8. The university’s aerospace engineering program is ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
9. Wichita State University has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, and is home to the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Innovation Campus.
10. The university has a highly respected business school, the W. Frank Barton School of Business.
11. Wichita State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
12. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.
13. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Shockers.
14. Wichita State University is a member of the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.
15. The university has won numerous conference championships in sports such as basketball, baseball, and volleyball.
16. Wichita State University is home to the largest Greek system in the state of Kansas.
17. The university has a number of on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.
18. Wichita State University has a strong commitment to community service, and offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for students.
19. The university has a highly respected nursing program, which is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
20. Wichita State University has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Economic Development and Business Research and the Center for Aging Studies.
21. The university’s psychology program is highly ranked and is known for its strong research focus.
22. Wichita State University has a highly respected art and design program, which includes a world-class glassblowing studio.
23. The university’s campus includes a number of museums and galleries, including the Ulrich Museum of Art and the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology.
24. Wichita State University has a highly respected engineering program, which is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
25. The university’s computer science program is highly ranked and is known for its strong focus on cybersecurity.
26. Wichita State University is home to the Kansas Health Foundation Physical Activity and Wellness Lab, which conducts research on physical activity and health.
27. The university’s theater program is highly respected and is known for its strong focus on new play development.
28. Wichita State University has a highly respected music program, which includes a world-renowned jazz program.
29. The university has a highly respected communication sciences and disorders program, which is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
30. Wichita State University is home to the Center for Urban Studies, which conducts research on urban issues and provides resources for urban planning and development.
31. The university’s political science program is highly respected and is known for its strong focus on public policy.
32. Wichita State University has a highly respected education program, which includes a number of specialized programs for teachers.
33. Wichita State University’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of majors, including anthropology, history, philosophy, and more.
34. The university’s engineering program has partnerships with major aerospace companies such as Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation.
35. Wichita State University is home to the GoCreate makerspace, which provides students with access to tools and resources for innovation and entrepreneurship.
36. The university’s physics program is highly respected and is known for its strong focus on research in areas such as materials science and nanotechnology.
37. Wichita State University is home to the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in public administration, criminal justice, and more.
38. The university’s English program is highly ranked and is known for its strong focus on creative writing.
39. Wichita State University is home to the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, which provides academically talented students with a challenging and supportive learning environment.

Wichita State University is a premier institution of higher learning that provides students with a world-class education and a supportive community that fosters personal and academic growth. With its strong focus on innovation, research, and hands-on learning, WSU is an excellent choice for students looking to gain real-world experience and make a difference in their fields of study. Whether you’re interested in engineering, business, healthcare, or the liberal arts, Wichita State University has something to offer. As one of the top universities in the region, WSU is committed to providing its students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.