Tyler Winnβs journey at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ has been shaped by perseverance and applied learning. After transferring from a community college to ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ in 2023, he quickly connected with faculty and gained valuable internships, including with the Wichita Thunder and NCAA March Madness.
Tyler is one of more than 2,100 students eligible for spring 2025 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
Bachelor of Arts in sport management with a minor in communication
What is your hometown?
Kansas City, Missouri
What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?
- Leeβs Summit North High School in Missouri
- Metropolitan Community College - Longview in Missouri
Why did you choose ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½?
I'd wanted to attend Wichita State since graduating high school, but attending a four-year institution came with a steep cost. So when I graduated from my community college, I still wanted to attend ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½. Little did I know that the effort I put into my community college granted me many scholarships and grants to attend ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½. The financial hardships were taken care of, making my transition easier. Additionally, as an out-of-state student, advisors and professors ensured a smooth transfer and prepared me for the next two years at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was coming in as a transfer and feeling like I was behind. However, upon transferring, I met with Dr. Mark Vermillion, professor and chair of the Department of Sport Management. He talked with me and connected me to great resources. Since then, I have applied to many internships and have the opportunity of putting my name out there. With help of my peers and visiting the Shocker Carrer Accelerator, I was able to build a resume and start my journey in the sports industry.
Did you have any applied learning experience as a student? If so, what was it?
The applied learning opportunities I have been a part of have been second-to-none. From October 2023 to April 2024, I had an internship with the Wichita Thunder as a fan engagement intern. The summer of 2024, I worked at a corporate sponsorship internship with Peak Sports Management at Missouri Western State University in St. Joesph, Missouri; and I assisted the Kansas City Chiefs during summer camp. Then recently I interned for the NCAA March Madness, working operations alongside ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to continue getting my name in the sports industry. In the coming weeks, I will start a new position in softball grassroots marketing for Athletes Unlimited Softball League. From there, I hope to gain experience and learn more about the sports business from a marketing standpoint. Given this opportunity, I look forward to building toward potentially working in collegiate athletics.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
There are opportunities all around you, no matter what major you are. Applying is the first step to accomplishing your goals. Often, scholarships, grants or jobs are open; and by just applying, you get an opportunity to showcase what you do. Also, be friendly and do your best no matter how simple the task is. In the end, we all go to college to find a job, and that person that is hiring could be watching you perform. You never know who can be that professor or classmate who can help you achieve your next step. Ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible manner is a crucial skill to master.
If you were given the opportunity to do a TED Talk, what would your topic be?
I would choose to talk about going at your own pace. During my college career, I have thought about what I need to be doing or what others are doing. But every single person is in their own race, just at a different pace. Paying attention to my dreams and aspirations has helped me build my future and get connections to certain people because I stayed at my own pace. No matter what you want to do in life, there will be always someone doing better. But the effort you put in will determine your next success. A quote I often live by is βComparison is the thief of joy.β Staying on your course is important because you never know what the next person could be struggling with.
About ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ 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), ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ main campus, is one of the nationβs 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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