Meet a Shocker: Reid Williams

When Reid Williams decided he wanted to become a physician associate, he set his sights on ϱ. He said the rigorous program was challenging, but “100% worth it.”  

Reid is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2024 graduation. Learn more about his time at ϱ and what's next for the grad.  


What degree will you be earning in May?

Master of Physician Associate 

What is your hometown?

Lawrence, Kansas 

What made you choose ϱ?

I've wanted to come to ϱ since I learned about its program and decided I wanted to be a PA. WSU has a highly respected and long-established program here in Kansas. 

What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was coming back to school after getting my bachelor’s in 2017 and working for five years. I had to quit my job, change my lifestyle, and redevelop good study skills to succeed in the challenging PA program. It was difficult but 100% worth it. 

What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?

I tried to narrow it down, but there are too many spots I love in Wichita. If I could shout-out a few, they would be and restaurants, the  and . 

What would be the title of your autobiography?

"Work Hard, Play Hard" 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently looking for job opportunities back in Lawrence. My fiancé and I will get married in September and want to return home to Lawrence to start a family. 

What advice would you give other ϱ students?

This applies more to undergraduate students, but my advice would be to take advantage of all the cool opportunities and activities that ϱ offers. Go to a campus event, join a club or an intermural sports team, and attend some Shocker sports team games. 


About ϱ

ϱ is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. ϱ and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), ϱ provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the ϱ main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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