Newman University

Future Jets connected with faculty, explored resources, and started preparing for what’s ahead through two key spring events, Accepted Students Day and the Jet Pre-Check event.

“This helps students experience what life as a Newman student would be like,” Admissions Counselor Ashton Pacholski said.

Find the full story: https://bit.ly/4u9Fzmd

That's a wrap on the Wichita Riverfest! Thank you to Alex of T&J Studios for snapping these sweet shots of our Newman Jets during Riverfest's first College Days! 🌞

Manuel Perez, who balanced a new family and a full-time job at Mirror, Inc. while completing Newman's Master of Social Work program, said the department never let him feel like he was doing it alone.

“The social work department has been super supportive from the beginning,” Perez said. “They’d say, just take your time with things, communicate with us. If there’s something you’re falling behind on, let us know and we’re here to support you.”

Congrats, Manuel!

Read the full MSW pinning story: https://bit.ly/4v45KuG

Newman’s ‘double dean’ has a simple rule: Listen first, lead second 🕊️

In December 2025, Joshua Papsdorf, Ph.D., took on the deanship of the School of Arts & Sciences in addition to his existing role leading the School of Catholic Studies, making him one of the few people on campus whose job spans both sides of Newman’s liberal arts core.

Six months in, he’s still mostly listening.

“My first goal is to listen to people,” Papsdorf said. “I’m working on sitting down with faculty, students and community members to get a clear understanding of what’s been happening in the school and how we can best move forward.”

That isn’t hesitation. It’s the philosophy. Papsdorf doesn’t see his job as bringing a new agenda to the Schools of Arts & Sciences and Catholic Studies. He sees it as understanding what the faculty already need, then getting out of their way so they can do it.

“I really see myself as a facilitator,” he said. “We have great faculty who are connected with their students and need various types of support to engage with them effectively. I don’t need to come in and impose an agenda. I’m mostly trying to understand what the needs are on the classroom scale and the institutional scale and then figure out ways for us to effectively meet both sets of needs.”

Congrats, Dr. Papsdorf!

Find the full story: https://news.newmanu.edu/newman-dean-joshua-papsdorf/

Managing money well starts with making informed decisions.

Newman University’s Larry Straub, Ph.D., recently shared his expertise with KAKE viewers, offering practical insight on money management and financial decision-making.

Watch the interview: https://www.kake.com/news/video/dr-larry-straub-talks-money-management/video_99b1e04c-ce41-5edd-86e6-eeba0737a523.html

Abderrahman “Abdu” Khamsi (right) moved to Wichita from El Paso, Texas, to complete the Newman Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. He said his nursing background inspired him to pursue nurse anesthesia and expand his ability to care for patients.

“I felt like it was a good match for me,” Khamsi said. “I get to expand on my critical thinking skills and the interventions I can do for my patients. With this degree, I can have a bigger impact on my patients’ care. I also don’t have to work overtime … and can spend more time with my family.”

Khamsi credited the close-knit support system within Newman’s program for his success.

“Newman has been great. The staff, very supportive,” he said. “With the small class size, you develop very close relationships with your peers, professors and staff. It just makes you feel that you’re appreciated and you’re supported.”

Congrats, Abdu!

Read the full DNAP story: https://news.newmanu.edu/18-dnap-graduates/

Each semester, the Distinguished Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Graduate Award is presented to a student who exemplifies academic excellence, meaningful engagement in school and community activities and a deep commitment to the nursing profession. The spring 2026 award was given to Alysha Keck.

Director of Nursing Ashton Clarkson described Keck as an “exceptional example of leadership and service.” Beyond her nursing degree, Keck was involved in chorale and troubadours, cast in five musical productions, a member of the Honors Program, an ASC Service Award scholar and a tutor for students on campus. Off campus, she has volunteered for six consecutive years in her church nursery and served as a choreographer and assistant director for six shows at her alma mater, Sunrise Christian Academy. She also led worship sessions at the Catholic Care Center at Via Christi Village as part of her senior capstone project.

“It has been a true pleasure to learn and work alongside you,” Clarkson said. “We look forward to seeing you grow in your professional role as a nurse and to seeing how you will continue to embody the university’s mission of transforming society through the compassionate healthcare you provide.”

Keck said she felt honored to receive the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award.

“I definitely put a lot of work into it, and the encouragement and support of professors and friends — and getting to go through that with them — is a great way to see that my work has paid off,” Keck said. “I could not have done any of this without God’s help. It’s been a lot of prayers, leaning on him and trusting in his plan, especially when life was really crazy. I’m excited to help other people during vulnerable times, spreading the love of God through the gifts he’s given me.”

Congrats, Alysha!

Read the full story: https://news.newmanu.edu/50-graduates-healthcare-pins/

Newman University’s 2026 Ablah Award winners, Travia and Thomas, recently joined Mary Dake of Jabara Ventures for lunch at YaYa’s Bistro.

"Travia and Thomas are each so deserving of the Ablah Award and they will not only represent the award to the highest level, they represent Newman to the highest level as well. I enjoyed having an opportunity to learn more about them and their many accomplishments," Dake said.

Congrats again to our wonderful winners and all students who were nominated for the prestigious awards!

2026-27 Newman theater season pairs students with professional artists, features original alumni works 🎭🩰

Starting this fall, Newman students will rehearse and perform alongside professional artists from two of Wichita’s leading performing arts organizations: Ballet Wichita and Wichita Repertory Theater. It is the first time Newman University theater has partnered with either company.

Director of Theatre Mark Mannette designed both collaborations with the same principle in mind: what is good for students should also be good for Wichita.

“The main idea in forming community partnerships is that it demonstrates how Newman is an active player in the arts for the wider Wichita community,” Mannette said. “It shows that Newman is open to various collaborations and reaching a broader audience. Both cases have the goal of making sure that the partnerships are mutually beneficial.”

Find the full theatrical lineup: https://news.newmanu.edu/newman-theater-2026-27-season/