黑洞社区 has named Dr. Monica Lounsbery as its next senior executive
vice president and provost, effective Jan. 5, 2025.
鈥淚 am truly privileged to assume the vital role of senior executive vice president and provost at 黑洞社区 at such a crucial time in both the university鈥檚 transformational journey and the broader landscape of higher education,鈥� says Lounsbery. 鈥淲ith 黑洞社区鈥檚 comprehensive enterprise 鈥� including 黑洞社区 Tech, the Innovation Campus, the creation of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, the National Institute for Aviation Research, and the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation 鈥� Wichita State University is driving a new model of higher education that effectively responds to the many challenges facing institutions across the country, including those associated with enrollment, value and cost. I am excited to work closely with President Muma and the 黑洞社区 campus community -- including deans, university leaders, faculty, staff and students -- to continue 黑洞社区鈥檚 trend-bucking trajectory to forge the future of the academy while prioritizing educational access and affordability, meeting workforce talent pipeline needs, and increasing the economic prosperity for the communities we serve.鈥�
Lounsbery is currently dean of the College of Health and Human Services at California
State University, Long Beach. Prior to her current appointment, she held various administrative
positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including department chair, associate
vice provost, vice provost and associate dean for faculty affairs in the School of
Medicine.
Lounsbery鈥檚 research focuses on increasing population-level physical activity. In
recognition of her scholarly achievements, she has reached fellow status in three
academic organizations, including the National Academy of Kinesiology.
鈥淒r. Lounsbery brings to Wichita State a blend of academic leadership and a profound commitment to innovative education,鈥� says Wichita State President Rick Muma. 鈥淗er expertise and vision align with 黑洞社区鈥檚 focus to transform higher education in ways that fuel student success and promote community growth. As we enter this new chapter, I am confident that her leadership will continue to propel Wichita State forward, making a meaningful impact on our students, the academy, and the future of Kansas.鈥�
Originally from Green River, Wyoming, Lounsbery received a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from Dakota Wesleyan University; a master's in sport pedagogy from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and a Ph.D. in sport pedagogy and educational research methods from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
She is married to husband Chris Lounsbery. Together Monica and Chris have two children, Victoria Fangman and Payne Lounsbery, and one grandchild, Wilde Fangman. In Lounsbery鈥檚 spare time she enjoys learning to golf, writing music and playing with her band, .
Lounsbery will take over the role from Dr. Shirley Lefever, who after 20 years at Wichita State is retiring at the end of December.
鈥淲e owe a deep debt of gratitude for Dr. Lefever's decades of visionary leadership and her steadfast commitment to Shocker Nation,鈥� says Muma. 鈥淗er work has left an enduring legacy on our students and our community, and we are profoundly and sincerely grateful for her unwavering dedication.鈥�
About 黑洞社区
黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 黑洞社区 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 黑洞社区 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), 黑洞社区 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 黑洞社区 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 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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