WSUFAE welcomes new Board and Advisory Council members
Beginning July 1, Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement is proud to welcome new members to the WSUFAE Board of Directors and National Advisory Council (NAC). These accomplished leaders bring a wide range of professional expertise, experience and passion for Wichita State that will help advance the university’s mission and strategic priorities.
Please join us in welcoming our newest Board and NAC members.
Joining the WSUFAE Board of Directors
KEVIN POTUCEK ’84, BUS ADM, retired as vice president of product management for Hayward Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment. Potucek has served on the National Advisory Council since 2017 and the Barton School Advisory Board since 2016. He resides in Naples, Florida.
MITCHELL SLAPE ’89, BUS ADM, is the former CEO of Massmart, the second-largest distributor of consumer goods in Africa. A veteran international business leader, Slape spent more than 25 years with Walmart, serving in leadership roles across the globe. As a student, he was active in Student Government Association, the Honors Program, Student Alumni Association and Delta Upsilon fraternity. He has served on the National Advisory Council since 2010. He currently lives in Dallas, Texas.
JOAN WAGNER ’99/04, IND E, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State and has remained a proud alumna and supporter of the university. She was recognized in 2025 as the Volunteer of the Year at the annual alumni awards ceremony, and has served on numerous boards and advisory councils across the university. She brings a lifelong connection to Wichita State and its alumni community.
Joining the National Advisory Council
SAM COHLMIA ’89, CHEM, is an eye surgeon with Cohlmia Eye Center in Wichita. A highly engaged alumnus, he was active in Student Activities Council, Student Alumni Association, Mortar Board, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served as a WuShock while attending Wichita State. He lives in Wichita.
RAE NILES ’85, ELEM ED, ’06 PHD ED LEAD, is a lifelong educator and educational leader. After serving as a teacher and administrator with Sedgwick Public Schools, she joined Apple as senior manager for Apple Professional Learning. Following her retirement from Apple, she founded Red Barn Samplers before returning to serve as superintendent of Sedgwick Public Schools. Niles currently serves on the College of Applied Studies Advisory Board. She resides in Sedgwick, Kansas.
KEN HUSH, former president of Emporia State University, brings decades of executive leadership experience in industry and higher education. Prior to leading Emporia State, he held senior leadership positions with Koch and later served as owner and CEO of BLI Rentals. Hush previously served on the Wichita State Board of Trustees and remains active in educational and economic development efforts across Kansas, including service on the Kansas Council on Economic Education Board of Directors. He resides in Emporia, Kansas.
EVAN WESSEL ’15, BUS ADM, is a private wealth advisor with Stoutheart Financial Group and a former Shocker men’s basketball student-athlete. He currently serves on the Alumni Engagement Advisory Council and previously served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He lives in Andover, Kansas.
As these new members begin their service, WSUFAE is grateful for their leadership, expertise and commitment to advancing Wichita State University’s future. Their perspectives and dedication will help strengthen alumni engagement, philanthropy and student success for years to come.
View the full list of WSUFAE Board of Directors and NAC members.
