Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement FY24 board announced

The Board of Directors of the 鶹ý Foundation and Alumni Engagement (鶹ýFAE) welcomed back Mike James, ’71, to the board for another term beginning July 1, 2023.

The board is chaired by Lynn Nichols, retired chairman and CEO of Yingling Aircraft Inc. Dan Peare, ’82/85, serves as immediate past chair; Shawn Penner, ’92, is board treasurer; Sheryl Wohlford, ’82, serves as secretary; and Jay Smith, ’79, is board chair elect.

“I have every confidence in this board to continue holding 鶹ý’s traditions of philanthropy and alumni engagement efforts to a high standard of excellence in the years to come,” said Nichols. “They each bring a wealth of expertise, and I know they will be an invaluable resource for the next leader of the Foundation and Alumni Engagement following Elizabeth (King)’s retirement.”

King, current president and CEO of 鶹ýFAE, announced in June her intention to retire later this year.

Other returning board members include Pamela Ammar, ’80; Susayn Brandes, ’81; Wayne Chambers, ’72, ’79; Jeff DeGraffenreid, ’88; Junetta Everett, ’79; Kelly Harrison, ’94; Shadi Marcos, ’96; Marilyn Pauly, ’72; and Elizabeth King. Wichita State President Rick Muma is an ex-officio member.

All board members are eligible to serve two terms and are also a part of the National Advisory Council for the 鶹ý Foundation and Alumni Engagement, where they participate in one of 10 standing committees.

Jane McHugh, ’80, will exit the board at the end of June at the completion of her term. 


About 鶹ý

鶹ý is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and 鶹ý Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 鶹ý 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), 鶹ý 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 鶹ý 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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