WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State held an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 30 for the new Student-Athlete Center.
Wichita State donors gathered for the ceremony on Devlin Court in Charles Koch Arena that featured Provost and Acting President Dr. Rick Muma, Foundation President and CEO Dr. Elizabeth King and Athletic Director Darron Boatright as speakers. Tours of the new Student-Athlete Center and Charles Koch Arena renovations were also provided.
"The Student-Athlete Center will impact the academic experience of every one of our student-athletes during their career at Wichita State," Boatright said. "By providing larger study spaces, more private study areas, and individualized tutor rooms, this shows a commitment that our donors and our institution have toward the academic success of all student-athletes."
The project has two main components including the Charles Koch Arena renovations which were completed in July 2020 and the new Student-Athlete Center that opened in August 2020.
The largest component of the project is the Student-Athlete Center, a 36,000-square-foot facility devoted to the academic and athletic development of Wichita State student-athletes. The two-level building, located just south of Charles Koch Arena, features a 3,000-square-foot study hall, tutoring rooms and a computer center. Wichita State's track and cross country programs also have a dedicated space in the facility including men's and women's locker rooms, a team room, an athletic training facility and strength and conditioning center.
The other part of the project included the renovation of administrative offices inside Charles Koch Arena to create more space for the men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball programs.
The project was funded by private donations through the generosity of Wichita State supporters who contributed to a fundraising campaign led by the WSU Foundation and WSU Athletics.
Naming opportunities are still available. A complete overview of the project can be seen at goshockers.com, or a brochure can be requested by contacting the Wichita State Athletics Development Office at (316) 978-7276.
