By WSU Strategic Communications
The eighth cohort of Rudd Scholars includes 14 Kansas high school seniors who have chosen to attend Wichita State University.
Each Rudd Scholar will receive a full-ride scholarship, which includes tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and considerable networking and coaching support along the way. All Rudd Scholars are from Kansas and will attend Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State or Kansas State.
“We’re eight years into the Rudd Foundation and Wichita State partnership, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the newest class of Shocker Rudd Scholars this fall,” said Bobby Gandu, associate vice president of strategic enrollment management, applied learning and director of admissions. “This scholarship is more than just financial support — it’s an opportunity for these students to thrive in a community built on mentorship, coaching, and a network of lifelong connections. Thanks to the Rudd Foundation’s generosity, our scholars can focus on their academic and professional ambitions without the burden of debt.”
In addition to living on campus and carrying a full load of classes toward their college degree, scholars will receive mentoring and success coaching to help them graduate in four years. They will also participate in many developmental activities outside the classroom, network with leaders in their future professions, build strong relationships and serve to help the next generation of scholars through an active and connected alumni association after graduation.
“Shocker Rudd Scholars experience much more than a traditional college education,” Gandu said. “In addition to excelling in the classroom, they engage in leadership development, community-building, and hands-on networking opportunities. This holistic support helps them succeed during their time at Wichita State and as they embark on their careers and graduate school journeys.”
This brings the greater total of Rudd Scholars studying at WSU in the fall of 2024 to 62 students, the most of any Rudd Scholar partner university. Since its inception, the Rudd Foundation’s scholarship program has awarded 263 Kansas students the Rudd Scholarship, with the 2025 cohort being the largest since the program began. This reflects an overall investment of about $10.2 million into Kansas students and universities.
The Rudd Scholarship, sponsored by the Rudd Foundation, aims to remove financial barriers to a college education. Chosen scholars are expected to achieve a high level of excellence on campus in preparing themselves to be leaders in their profession and in their communities after graduation.
Corri Roberts, vice president of the Rudd Foundation, said the program focuses on going beyond meeting the financial needs of the students.
“We see Wichita State University as more than just a place of learning — it’s a launchpad for success,” she said. “Our scholars thrive as Shockers, embracing the countless opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Through innovative programs and unwavering support, our scholars are able to achieve their dreams while upholding the values of the Rudd Foundation. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the Rudd Scholars.”
Wichita State University 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. Wichita State 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), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU 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 Wichita State University 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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Contact for News Reporters: Lainie Mazzullo-Hart, director of communication, 316-978-3409 or lainie.mazzullo@wichita.edu.
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