Wichita State University is a public research university located in Wichita, Kansas. The university was founded in 1895 as Fairmount College, and it became Wichita State University in 1964.

The name “Wichita” in the university comes from the Wichita people, a Native American tribe who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The name “State” in the university’s title refers to the fact that it is a public institution, meaning it is funded by the state government and is governed by a board of regents appointed by the governor of Kansas.

The university has a long history of serving the community of Wichita and the surrounding region, providing access to higher education and conducting research that addresses significant challenges facing the state and the world. Today, Wichita State University is known for its vital programs in aerospace engineering, business, and health sciences, among others, and it is a vital contributor to the economic and cultural life of the region.