Wichita residents and Wichita State University students are watching renewed scrutiny of Ty Masterson’s role with GoCreate, a Koch Collaborative, after reporting raised questions about what work the Republican state Senate president performs and how often he is on campus.
Masterson, an Andover Republican and a candidate for governor, was reported to have collected $163,000 last year for his role with GoCreate, according to the reporting that prompted the latest blowback. That figure was contrasted with the average Kansan salary of $58,230, also cited in the reporting.
What officials and witnesses say
Students and GoCreate staff described uncertainty about Masterson’s day-to-day presence at the maker space. One student at the front desk said they did not recognize him. GoCreate assistant director Kimberly McCollum told the reporter she was “the director here,” signaling internal confusion about leadership visibility.
"I do get on site a couple days a week. Some weeks, I do two to three (days of in-person work) and some weeks I won't," Masterson told the reporter when asked about his campus presence.
Fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate Philip Sarnecki publicly criticized Masterson, calling the position a “no-show job” in response to the reporting. Masterson’s campaign pushed back by describing the work at WSU as among the things he was proudest of and stressing that he does not take a university salary while working in Topeka.
What Masterson says he does
Masterson told the reporter he helped secure equipment for the maker space, assisted GoCreate members and worked to ensure investors were in place. He also said administrative responsibilities allow him to perform some duties off-site.
- Student awareness: A front-desk student said they did not recognize Masterson.
- Staff statement: Assistant director Kimberly McCollum identified herself as director during the reporter’s visit.
- Campaign claim: Masterson’s campaign said he does not take a university salary while working from Topeka.
Local implications
For Wichita residents, the questions go beyond one candidate’s schedule. Wichita State’s maker space is positioned as a community resource where students and locals can access tools and collaborate. Unclear leadership or a lack of public-facing presence by a well-paid, externally visible figure may shape perceptions about stewardship of programs that carry the university name and outside funding connections.
As the gubernatorial campaign continues, the reporting invites further scrutiny of how public-affiliated programs operate and how compensation is described when tied to political figures. Officials at Wichita State and Masterson’s campaign have offered differing emphases on the nature and visibility of his work.
| Item | Figure / Claim |
|---|---|
| Masterson pay from GoCreate (reported) | $163,000 |
| Average Kansan annual salary (for comparison) | $58,230 |
| State Senate president pay per session (reported) | $85,000 per 90-day session |
City and campus stakeholders may seek clearer answers from Wichita State leadership and from Masterson’s campaign regarding duties, in-person commitments and the source and structure of funding tied to GoCreate. The responses so far — including Masterson’s description of sporadic on-campus days and his campaign’s emphasis on his accomplishments and salary arrangements — leave questions that voters and university patrons may press as the election season progresses.
News Block will continue to report on statements from Wichita State, Masterson’s campaign and other officials as they become available.
