WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Wichita State Athletics are two of the city's most recognizable institutions.

This season, their longtime partnership elevates in prominence with Shocker Athletics' recognition of NIAR's impact through a jersey patch for all Wichita State sports. It is the first jersey patch recognition for Wichita State Athletics and symbolizes NIAR's contributions to the university and city.

"The NIAR jersey patch is much more than exposure," Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. "It showcases our university's mission and a vital campus partner of Wichita State Athletics. It highlights NIAR's deep connections to research in the aviation industry, the United States military and defense agencies and the Kansas economy.  The jersey patch honors NIAR's critical role on our campus and in our community, as well as its past, present and future support of Wichita State Athletics."

Wichita State fans will see jersey patches displayed on all Shocker Athletics sports team jerseys beginning no later than November 1, 2026.  NIAR's distinctive logo, in black and yellow, was adopted in 2013 and features the NIAR acronym accented by its signature airfoil.

"Shocker Athletics embodies the innovation, determination and community spirit that define Wichita State," said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. "NIAR is proud to stand alongside our student-athletes through this elevated partnership. The jersey patch is a visible reminder of how our two organizations work together to strengthen the university, support the city we love, and showcase Wichita's leadership in aviation and research."

Established at WSU in 1985, NIAR's mission is to strengthen university research capabilities; provide applied learning opportunities for students; and support the aviation and manufacturing industries while driving innovation and prosperity for the community, region and state.

"This partnership is a perfect combination of Wichita's outstanding reputation for aerospace and aviation innovation, its passion for the Shockers and our goals related to academic and athletic excellence," Saal said. "We are proud to make a public statement of that partnership on our jerseys whenever we compete."

NIAR provides research, design, testing, certification and training to the aviation, defense and manufacturing industries. With yearly research and development expenditures topping $400 million and more than 2,000 employees, NIAR is the largest university aerospace R&D institution in the nation.  

The partnership follows a recent change to NCAA Division I rules allowing schools to place additional logos on uniforms, apparel, and equipment. The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved the change in January, with the new policy taking effect Aug. 1, 2026.