After starting her career at Newman as a staff accountant in the business office, Melissa Castle is now Director of Human Resources — a role she never planned on.
Accomplishments
Senior Grecia Nunez-Palomares wins 2026 medallion hunt
Senior Grecia Nunez-Palomares uncovered the medallion in Newman’s 2026 medallion hunt, earning her a $200 cash reward.
How faith and family led Kiah Nesbitt to nursing
Growing up, Kiah Nesbitt ’24 had the privilege of spending a lot of time with her grandmother, who played a major role in her life. During winter and summer breaks,… Continue reading How faith and family led Kiah Nesbitt to nursing
Student-athlete, coach and professor receive Newman’s 2026 MLK Distinguished Service Awards
Newman University recognized three community members with its annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr Distinguished Service Awards. The MLK honors are given to individuals who exemplify King’s call to service,… Continue reading Student-athlete, coach and professor receive Newman’s 2026 MLK Distinguished Service Awards
Project HOPE puts Newman at forefront of community research
As Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Kristi Barton Edwards reflects on Project Hope — a multi-year, data-driven effort to address issues of violent crime and homelessness within Wichita’s urban center… Continue reading Project HOPE puts Newman at forefront of community research
Georgia Drewes ‘12 named Newman’s director of admissions
Alumna Georgia Drewes stepped into the role of director of admissions after more than 12 years working at Newman.
Newman alumnus Easton Herring lands DI role as player development director
Newman University alumni Easton Herring lands role at Texas A&M Softball
Newman honors employees for years of service
Newman University held its annual Spring Institute on January 13, 2026, an event designed to celebrate, communicate and honor the Newman community. The morning session featured updates on academics, enrollment,… Continue reading Newman honors employees for years of service
Newman’s 12th Heritage Month begins Feb. 1
Each year Newman University students, faculty, staff and alumni celebrate the university’s founders and Catholic traditions during Heritage Month. Newman will host a series of events Feb. 1 through March… Continue reading Newman’s 12th Heritage Month begins Feb. 1
Newman alumnus J.D. Campbell honored with lifetime achievement award in collegiate athletics
When Jonathan David “J.D.” Campbell graduated from Kansas Newman College in 1986, he could not have imagined the path that lay ahead. Nearly four decades later, the Las Vegas native… Continue reading Newman alumnus J.D. Campbell honored with lifetime achievement award in collegiate athletics
Newman University celebrates December 2025 graduates
Newman University officials have announced the students who completed the requirements to earn a degree at the close of the 2025 fall semester. The university is proud to welcome these… Continue reading Newman University celebrates December 2025 graduates
Newman University announces Fall 2025 Dean’s List
Newman University has released its 2025 fall Dean’s List. A total of 468 undergraduate students achieved the qualifications required: completing at least 12 credit hours and achieving a grade point average of… Continue reading Newman University announces Fall 2025 Dean’s List
Newest respiratory care, nursing graduates honored with ceremonial pins
Newman supporters packed the DeMattias Performance Hall on December 5 for the fall 2025 nursing and respiratory care pinning ceremony.
Podcast: Professor Umbarger shares spiritual meaning behind his new book
On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, Professor Matthew Umbarger discusses his book, “A Table in the Presence of My Enemies.”
Three outstanding professors honored during Newman’s Faculty Excellence Awards
Newman University honored three faculty members for outstanding teaching during the 2025 Faculty Excellence Awards Banquet on Nov. 14.
Your weekly athletics recap: Nov. 13-20
Read this weekly review of Newman University Athletics to ensure you don’t miss the biggest news, scores, updates and more.
Pop-up clinic by Newman graduate Sebastian Salcedo-Vaquera ’25 serves Wichita’s vulnerable
Newman graduate Sebastian Salcedo-Vaquerq is expanding access to free medical care in downtown Wichita through a monthly pop-up clinic he founded.
Cross country runner Timothy Kiprotich qualifies for NCAA National Championships
Newman cross country runner Timothy Kiprotich qualified for the national championships after setting a record time for the Jets.
From New Jersey to Newman: Jaden Schaefer ‘25, striking ‘kindness’
2025 graduate Jaden Schaefer is excited to use her nursing degree from Newman University to transform society for the better.
Your weekly athletics recap: Nov. 6-13
Read this weekly review of Newman University Athletics to ensure you don’t miss the biggest news, scores, updates and more.
Men’s soccer qualifies for postseason championship for second consecutive year
For the second year, and the second time in Jets history, the Newman men’s soccer team has qualified for the postseason championship.
Your weekly athletics recap: Oct. 30 – Nov. 6
Read this weekly review of Newman University Athletics to ensure you don’t miss the biggest news, scores, updates and more.
A London dream, a Newman journey: Elle Johnson ‘25
In spring 2025, Elle Johnson graduated with her bachelor’s degree — an achievement that demonstrated perseverance, adaptability and courage.
Podcast: Professor John Brungardt discusses newly published book
On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, Professor John Brungardt discusses his book, “Natural Philosophy: An Introduction.”
Your weekly athletics recap: Oct. 23-Oct. 30
Women’s Volleyball in prayer (Courtesy photo: Richard Rico)
Newman celebrates its senior soccer players
Newman University recognized 31 senior soccer players between the men’s and women’s teams during senior nights this fall.
A Broadway classic: ‘Carousel’ to grace the Newman stage Nov. 6-9
An exciting musical is coming to Newman University’s Performance Hall November 6-9: “Carousel” by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Your weekly athletics recap: Oct. 16-23
Women’s Soccer (courtesy photo: Richard Rico)
Theology Professor Matthew Umbarger publishes first book
After 20 years of research, revision and persistence, Matthew Umbarger, Ph.D., associate professor of theology, has published his first book, “A Table in the Presence of My Enemies: Banqueting and Battling in Ancient Israel.”
Sisters in southwest Kansas use degrees to set a positive example
For sisters Samaria Estrella and Mariana Landa, earning their degrees from Newman University was about setting an example for their children.
Your weekly athletics recap: Oct. 9-16
Read this weekly review of Newman University Athletics to ensure you don’t miss the biggest news, scores, updates and more.
‘I wanted to keep growing’: Yazmin Puentes Probedo earns two Newman degrees
Yazmin “Yaya” Puentes Probedo didn’t plan to walk across Newman’s commencement stage twice in two years, but when the opportunity came, she took it.
Your weekly athletics recap: Oct. 2-9
Read this weekly review of Newman University Athletics to ensure you don’t miss the biggest news, scores, updates and more.
How three Icelandic golfers found a home at Newman
For the first time ever, Newman University is home to three Icelandic golfers: Halldor Vidar Gunnarsson, Asdis Eva Bjarnadottir and Tomas Hugi Asgeirsson.
Courtney Klaus ’20 follows in father’s footsteps as Party on the Plaza emcee
Newman alumna Courtney Klaus ’20 stepped into the spotlight Sept. 27 as Master of Ceremonies for Party on the Plaza.
Meet first-generation graduate student: Angelica Rodriguez
Angelica Rodriguez is a first-generation graduate student at Newman, and says earning her higher education is her way of honoring her parents and heritage.
Your weekly athletics recap: Sept. 25-Oct.2
Men’s Golf
From Spain to Newman — and back again: Fernando Rubio Garcia
When Fernando Rubio Garcia first arrived at Newman University, he was chasing a dream of balancing soccer with academics.
Students express gratitude for Party on the Plaza donations
For many Newman students, this year’s Party on the Plaza wasn’t just a celebration — it was a chance to show gratitude for the scholarships making a difference in their lives.
Student Jordan Glenn-Hawkins turns adversity into inspiration on and off the court
Newman University student-athlete Jordan Glenn-Hawkins knows what it means to battle back, both on the basketball court and for his life.