Wichita State University, an American university, was founded as Fairmount College in 1886 by the Rev. Joseph Homer Parker. In 1926, by a vote of the citizens of Wichita, Kansas, the college became the Municipal University of Wichita, the first municipal university west of the Mississippi. After 38 years as a municipal university, WSU again changed its status on July 1, 1964, when it officially entered the state system of higher education. Now, Wichita State University is one of six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.

With an enrollment of more than 15,000, the University's students come from almost every state in America and 110 foreign countries; 87 percent are from Kansas, representing nearly all counties in the state. Wichita State has 479 full-time faculty and 41 part-time faculty. Of the total, 73 percent have earned the highest degree in their field.

The 330 acre (1.3 km²) campus is modern and accessible and at the same time retains the flavor of the University's 107-year heritage.

WSU is a Division I institution, and fields teams in tennis, cross-country, basketball, track, golf, crew, bowling, men's baseball, and women's volleyball and softball. The men’s and women’s bowling teams have won numerous national championships, including the men’s 2003 title.