Newman University honored two employees from more than 40 nominations during its 2026 Staff and Teaching Excellence Awards ceremony May 21.
Staff & Faculty
Riverfest will feature Newman’s mobile ag lab, athletics and more May 30
As thousands gather along the Arkansas River for this summer’s Riverfest celebration, Newman University will be a part of the excitement.
Newman Athletics announces Derrick Young Jr. as first director of track and field/cross country
Newman Athletics has announced the appointment of Derrick Young Jr as its first director of track and field/cross country on May 15.
Class of 2026 called to be ‘lifelong learners’ at commencement
Newman University honored the class of 2026 during its annual commencement ceremony at Heartland Credit Union Arena on Saturday, May 16.
Helping future Jets plan their path + FAQ
Newman University offered accepted and incoming students a closer look at campus life through two key spring events.
Clinical simulation day tests students’ healthcare skills
The School of Healthcare Professions hosted a clinical simulation to test students’ skills on April 17 at Newman University.
Spike Out Cancer volleyball tournament to benefit student Brooklyn Lane
Two Newman volleyball players will host the Spike Out Cancer volleyball tournament in support of junior Brooklyn Lane’s cancer diagnosis.
Former coach Mark Potter opens up about battle with depression
Former basketball coach Mark Potter returned to Newman this January, but it wasn’t for the sport.
Inside Newman’s Master of Social Work program
In Newman’s Master of Social Work program, students can pursue specialized tracks while building a foundation rooted in advocacy.
Podcast: Students dive in to Newman history
On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, Newman students Andrew Meyer and Cameron Schroder dive into Newman’s history.
Podcast: Professor Cheek’s journey from women’s health care to teaching
Assistant Professor of Nursing Rachel Cheek, APRN, CNM, shares her journey from women’s health to teaching in this podcast episode.
Seven Newman professors recognized with campus promotions
Newman University announced that several of its faculty members have been awarded academic tenure or received a promotion in faculty rank.
Newman’s music department launches new youth choir
A new youth choir at Newman gives high schoolers a chance to develop their musical talents while connecting with Newman’s music program.
Newman traditions celebrated during 12th Heritage Month
Newman University closed out its 12th annual Heritage Month with continued traditions and new memories for 2026.
From first-generation student to student advocate
For Lawna Kurtyka, director of Navigator at Newman University, the recent Ad Astra Conference — hosted at Wichita State University — was deeply personal. The conference, which brings together first-generation… Continue reading From first-generation student to student advocate
Alumna Melissa Castle named director of human resources after 10 years at Newman
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.
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.
Kaylyn Disbrow ’25 returns to Newman for MBA and as graduate assistant
Kaylyn Disbrow, a 2025 biology graduate and student athlete, returned to Newman this fall as a graduate assistant for the volleyball program and to pursue her master’s degree.
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.”
Newman team celebrates the launch of new student information system J1
After two years of development and campus-wide work, Newman University has launched its new student information system, Jenzabar One (J1).
Video update from President Jagger
President Kathleen Jagger shares a video message expressing gratitude to staff and faculty and outlining upcoming events.
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.
Podcast: Benefits of Newman’s Center for Teaching and Learning
In “The Newman Bond” podcast, director Marguerite Regan discusses the benefits of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) on campus.
President Jagger attends Vatican ceremony honoring St. Newman as Doctor of the Church
Pope Leo XIV officially declared Saint John Henry Newman, namesake of Newman University, the 38th Doctor of the Church on November 1.
Newman community gathers for prayer breakfast focused on love and tolerance
Newman University held its annual prayer breakfast on Nov. 5, bringing the community together for reflection and prayer centered on the theme “Love and Tolerance.”
Newman community rallies to restock Jets Resource Hub amid SNAP benefit delays
As the government shutdown continues, the Newman community is stepping up to support one another through the Jets Resource Hub.
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.”
Steckline Gallery presents ‘Intersections, Loops, & Undulations’ for November exhibition
The Steckline Gallery presents “Intersections, Loops, & Undulations” during a First Friday exhibition November 7 at Newman University.
Meet the new director of campus security: Carlos Atondo
After 28 years with the Wichita Police Department, Carlos Atondo thought he was ready to retire. A few months later, he was back in service — this time, as Newman’s director of campus security.
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.
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.”
Graduate Cody Saunders ’25 lives out his calling in social work
When Cody Saunders began working for Comcare of Sedgwick County, he discovered more than just a job — he found a calling.
Seven Newman community members become ASC Associates
The Adorers welcomed seven new members into their ASC Associate program during a Mass and ritual commitment ceremony on September 30.
Video: Deacon Jeff Jacobs shares St. Newman homily
Newman University celebrated the feast day of its namesake, Saint John Henry Newman, on October 9 in Saint John’s Chapel.
Spiritual companions foster faith, connection across campus
Newman University’s spiritual companions remind students that they never have to walk their journeys alone.
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.
Video: 2025 Party on the Plaza highlights
Watch the video replay of the 2025 Party on the Plaza, which raised more than $200,000 for student financial aid.
Meet the Director of the Steckline Gallery: Emily Ritter
Professor Emily Ritter began her role as the director of the Newman University’s Steckline Gallery in Fall 2024.
Faculty member Vanessa Rials inspires through speaking platform
Newman faculty Vanessa Rials has taken on more than 75 speaking engagements across the Midwest through her platform, Positive Perspective.
New ‘mission animator’ will paint vivid picture of how Newman values the real world
Patricia “Trish” Keller accepted the role of mission animator for Newman University at the Western Campus Outreach Center.