Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award

The Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award honors Wichita State University faculty and staff whose careers reflect the spirit of Laura (McMullen) Cross through exceptional service, institutional stewardship and lasting contributions to the university community.

Named for Laura Cross, whose nearly 70 years of service helped shape Wichita State University, the award recognizes individuals whose commitment and contributions have helped shape, strengthen and sustain Wichita State. The award is intended to recognize a career of meaningful service rather than a single achievement or project.

The annual Laura Cross recipient will be recognized at the Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon each year.

Nominations close December 17, 2026

Make a Nomination

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility

Nominees must:

Be a current or retired Wichita State University faculty or staff member
Have a minimum of 10 years of service to WSU

Nomination Process

To nominate an individual for the Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award, complete and submit the nomination form.

Selection Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate the following characteristics:

Long-term dedication to Wichita State through a sustained record of service and commitment to the university’s mission, values and long-term success.
Lasting institutional impact through contributions that have meaningfully shaped WSU, its programs, services, operations, student experiences, alumni engagement or future direction.
Institutional stewardship and advocacy through efforts that elevate and advance the university and strengthen its relationships with students, alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, donors and community partners.
A legacy of service whose influence extends beyond a specific department, position or initiative.
Professionalism, integrity and commitment, consistent with the values exemplified by Laura Cross throughout her career of service to Wichita State.

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. The committee will evaluate nominees based on the established eligibility requirements and selection criteria and will recommend a recipient to WSUFAE and university leadership.

“The Grande Dame of Fairmount Hill”

Laura McMullen Cross (1903-98) threw the force of her irrepressible personality behind the mission of higher education with more than 70 years of service to Wichita State University. During her long tenure, she personally knew nine of the school’s 11 presidents, and she recruited thousands of students. She is WSU’s matriarch, the individual who, more than any other, lived the history and was the spirit of Wichita State. Her dedication to lifelong learning stands as her legacy to the university she loved.