ϱ

ϱ Connect is the campus hub for engagement with preK-12 students and families, educators, and community members.

Speaker at WSC event

Inspiring the next generation of innovators, educators and leaders

Welcome to ϱ!

Located in the heart of the campus, ϱ Connect provides a gathering space and launchpad for preK-12 field trips to campus, mixers and events, professional development for educators, and programs that engage WSU’s academic colleges with innovation campus industry partners, admissions, college readiness programs, schools, and community organizations.

ϱ Connect serves as a university gathering place for campus experiences for preK-12 students and their families, particularly among underrepresented and underserved communities in the Shocker Neighborhood, offering transformative applied learning experiences and college readiness programs for students.

How to find ϱ Connect

ϱ Connect is located in the geographic center of campus between Mid-Campus Drive and Research Place roads.

PARKING LOTS:

  • Lot 15 E, just north of the building (9 parking spaces reserved for ϱ Connect).
  • Lot 13 and Lot 15, just west of the building. WSU visitor parking rules allow visitors to park in lots with the Blue and White "V" signage three times each semester (fall and spring) while school is in session. Parking permits are not enforced after 5 p.m.; when classes are not in session or during the summer sessions.
Map to ϱ Connect

Executive Staff

Alicia Thompson

Associate Vice President of K-12 Connections & Special Projects

alicia.thompson@wichita.edu

316-978-5287

 No photo available of Tiffanie Henderson

Executive Administrator of K-12 Connections & Special Projects

tiffanie.henderson@wichita.edu

316-978-5287

Naquela Pack

Director of K-12 Connections & Special Projects

naquela.pack@wichita.edu

316-978-5955

Major Focus Areas

books and apple icon

PreK-12 Connections

To create stronger PreK-12 partnerships and reciprocal relationships in Shocker Neighborhood and beyond.

diploma icon

Shocker Neighborhood

Helping families through access and affordability and enhancing partnerships and engagement.

Learn more

classroom icon

ϱ Connect Space

Activate space to encourage creating, learning and collaboration.

Learn more

ϱ Connect muralϱ Connect mural

Special Project: Shocker Neighborhood

The Shocker Neighborhood is both an identity and a geographic location wherein residents, people, businesses and other entities are encouraged to be in close partnership with the university.

Visit the Shocker Neighborhood website
Shocker Neighborhood boundaries map

Our Partners

As our name suggests, connections and partnerships are the lifeblood of ϱ Connect. We're proud to work hand-in-hand with over 30 representatives of the entities and initiatives.

K-12 Partners

  • Storytime Village
  • Heroes Academy
  • Rise Up For Youth
  • Destination Innovation
  • Love Schools (Buckner)
  • BAASE
  • GEAR UP
  • Trio Student Support Services
  • Upward Bound
  • League 42
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Urban Life YoungLife Wichita
  • Wichita Public Schools
  • Credit Union of America
Shocker Neighborhood Schools
  • Elementary
    • Gordon Parks Academy
    • Mueller
    • Buckner
    • Spaght
    • Ingalls
    • Urban Prep
    • Holy Savior
    • Adams
    • Hyde
    • Washington
  • High School
    • East
    • Chester Lewis
  • Middle School
    • Robinson
    • Brooks
  • PreK
    • Little Early
    • Tops
Shocker Neighborhood Partners
  • Storytime Village
  • BAASE
  • GEAR UP
  • Destination Innovation
  • Love Schools
  • League 42
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • The City of Wichita- Way to Work Program
  • YMCA- Job Prep 
Shocker Neighborhood, Neighborhood Associations
  • Fairmount
  • Price-Woodard
  • Murdock
  • The Elm
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Country Overlook
  • Ken-Mar
  • Northeast Central
  • Northeast Heights
  • Northeast Millair
  • Atwater-Woodard
  • McAdams
  • Macdonald
Churches
  • Tabernacle Bible Church
  • The Bridge Church
  • Mark United Methodist
  • Paradise Missionary Baptist
  • Progressive Missionary Baptist
  • Unity of Wichita Church
  • New Life Church & Outreach Center
  • University United Methodist
  • Paul University Parish