Top Study Spots on WSU Campus: Athlete’s Guide

Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall: A Study Haven for University Students

Avoiding the distractions of home-study, students like Ridge Estes find solace in the second-floor study room at Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall. Such a dedicated study space can help you “lock in” and use your time wisely. With a focused three to four-hour session, you can accomplish a substantial amount of work.

Academic Success at Wichita State University

Estes, an athlete from Bucklin, utilized his study and athletic time judiciously during his academic journey at Wichita State University. With a major in exercise science and minors in health science and entrepreneurship, he graduated with an impressive 3.473 grade-point average. He was also recognized as a two-time Academic All-American Athletic Conference selection. His sports achievements include ranking second in the AAC Championships discus category in 2022 and securing the sixth spot in 2023.

The Rigors of NCAA Division I Track and Field

Being a part of NCAA Division I track and field, Estes realized procrastination’s detrimental effect on success. He learned to manage his schedule efficiently, focusing on completing his academic assignments early in the week before his sports commitments took precedence. His preferred study locations include Woolsey Hall, Rhatigan Student Center, or the Student-Athlete Success Center.

Impactful Mentorship at WSU: Dr. Mike Rogers

In the exercise science department, Estes found a mentor in Dr. Mike Rogers. The professor’s classes played a vital role in shaping his career goals within physical fitness and nutrition. According to Estes, “He really gave me my direction and solidified that this was where I wanted to be.”

Launching a Fitness Platform: Wildcard Fitness

Estes, along with his childhood friend and fellow WSU graduate Josh Stout, launched Wildcard Fitness. This online fitness coaching platform is in the process of developing a dedicated app to enhance the user experience. Through a paid internship as a sales associate with Supplement Giant, Estes gained invaluable insights into the world of nutrition and fitness equipment.

Discover Wichita State University

As Kansas’ only urban public research university, Wichita State University boasts a diverse student population of over 23,000. It’s recognized for fostering a student-centered and innovation-driven environment.

Situated in the city with one of the highest STEM job concentrations in the U.S., WSU provides applied learning, research opportunities, and career pathways. In fact, the National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D, and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus is a physical extension of the WSU main campus. It’s one of the fastest-growing research/innovation parks in the nation.

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