Dick Welsbacher

The professor emeritus and director of theater came to the Wichita State university in 1958 as an English teacher. In 1961, he moved to the drama department, where he directed some 150 productions and performed more than 200 roles as he worked to build a vibrant theater arts program. He retired in 1991, after guiding many of his students on to stellar careers. A world-class actor, Welsbacher held a master's degree in theater from the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Denison University, where he worked with a core group of actors, many of whom went on to successful stage and film careers. Welsbacher's own credits include numerous appearances on Wichita stages and work on stage and in film and television throughout the country, including touring with his wife Betty in the school program Folklore in Song and Story. As much as he loved acting, it was his real-life roles that meant the most to him. A World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, he was a devoted husband and father, and a compelling and inspiring teacher.