Unlocking student potential

Since the revitalization of Wichita State’s Honors College in 2013, the program has dramatically expanded its scope and impact. In 2014, it became the first degree-awarding honors college in the region. The students in this selective program are committed to developing their academic and leadership potential to make the world around them a better place. Your gift to the Cohen Honors College provides our brightest students access to smaller class sizes, additional scholarship opportunities, personalized study options and innovative applied learning experiences.

A ribbon cutting photo of the newely expanded Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College at Wichita State University.

Ribbon cutting for the newly expanded Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College.

What's new at Cohen Honors College?

In 2015, the honors college was named in honor of Dorothy and Bill Cohen, whose $4.75 million gift vaulted the program to new levels of excellence and prestige. The couple made additional gifts, helping to build a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that benefits students and faculty. In addition to a challenging, personalized curriculum and research opportunities, students engage broader communities in the world via service learning, internships and study abroad.

Honors students can join a Living Learning Community in Shocker Hall, living on the same floor, participating in special programming and belonging to a strong network of faculty and students. Additionally, the Honors College has committed to creating a stronger, more intellectually engaged community by increasing diversity. General need-based scholarships and funding for first-generation and underserved minority Honors students will contribute significantly to this goal and support the overall university goals to make a high-quality college education more affordable and accessible to all.

As education continues to evolve in the 21st century, the Cohen Honors College will lead the way at Wichita State, bringing faculty, students and disciplines together for innovative research and the transformation of our communities.

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Inside Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College at Wichita State University

Wichita State University's Shocker Hall home to Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College

The Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College is housed in Shocker Hall on the WSU campus.

WSU President Golden visits with honor college students

WSU President Jay Golden visits with Honors College students.

Your gift, our future

As our world grows more complex and interconnected, there is no better time to make your gift to the Cohen Honors College. The Honors College fulfills a unique but critical mission at Wichita State. When we bring our best and brightest students, faculty and partners together, transformational ideas are born. Your gift ensures the program continues to expand and evolve to serve our university and community for years to come.

The video at right features Eddie Sandoval, an Honors College alumnus who won the top prize in the Shocker New Venture Competition while a WSU student.

Video courtesy of Wichita State Admissions Shock Doc.

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Because of you

Giving to the Shocker Fund provides flexible funds to meet student needs. With additional resources, more students will have access to programs that enhance their student experience like tutoring, study abroad, applied learning experiences, travel to conferences and competitions, and community services opportunities.

Because of your support, our students will have the funding they need to succeed.

On behalf of Wichita State students, thank you Shocker Nation.

Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College