Author: James Schisler

The Barton School of Business’ School of Accountancy has announced the return of its annual Barton Accounting Forum on May 15. This one-day conference is tailored for accounting and finance professionals, as well as students studying accounting. Attendees can receive eight hours of Continuing Professional Education credits by participating in the conference in addition to invaluable networking opportunities.

This marks the first conference held by the School of Accountancy since 2022, and it will take place on Wichita State’s campus.

On Wednesday, February 7, members of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University stopped by Maize High School to award senior Faith Swart the 2024 Clay Barton Scholarship. The surprise, coordinated between the Barton School and Maize High School officials, included an announcement and presentation of a ceremonial check to Swart during one of her classes. The $50,000 scholarship is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas.

“I was not expecting it at all,” said Swart after receiving the exciting news. “Now that I’ve won it, I’m able to do so much more. This will open up opportunities like internships, a sorority and clubs that I wouldn’t have had time for. I’m so happy, I can’t wait to call my dad.”

Swart, who plans to major in marketing, was named the 2024 Barton Scholar after competing against numerous other high school seniors in a series of speeches, group exercises and other activities.

The Barton School of Business has announced that Dr. Seth Cockrell will serve as the next chair of the Marketing Department. Cockrell, who has been working at the Barton School for more than five years as a faculty member, will take over from Duane Nagel, recently appointed as the Barton School’s senior associate dean.

“Seth is well-suited to guide our marketing department to unprecedented levels of excellence, building upon the growth trajectory established by Duane’s leadership,” remarked Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School.

Cockrell has a wealth of experience from working in both corporate settings and academia. He has served as an SAP consultant with HCL AXON where he worked in the areas of logistics, operations management, MIS and CRM on projects for notable companies such as Sikorsky Aircraft, Schweizer Aircraft, TXU Energy and Consumers Energy.

The Barton School of Business has finalized the inaugural group for the Erin and Kyle Cummings $500,000 Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The class consists of 30 students from across the world representing 10 majors.

“This represents the epitome of applied learning. The unmatched experiences and opportunities to invest real money will be a substantial asset, fostering the growth and knowledge of each participant.” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School.

In February, SMIF students will embark on a historic venture, collaboratively investing $250,000 in stocks, bonds and more — the first opportunity of its kind in school history. Guiding and inspiring them will be Paul Attwater, a seasoned industry executive boasting over 40 years of experience in investing and wealth management.

The proceeds from the portfolio will be reinvested into the program, allocating a percentage to bolster Barton School’s student experience and support initiatives aimed at enhancing their success.

The Barton School of Business is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Duane Nagel as its senior associate dean. In this role, Nagel will oversee the successful implementation of the school’s strategic plan and related key initiatives, manage undergraduate and graduate programs, lead efforts to maximize on its enrollments, advance faculty and research affairs, among other key areas. His collaborative efforts with Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School, and other key leaders will focus on identifying areas for enhancement and innovation across these domains.

“Exemplifying an extraordinary blend of talents and skill sets, Duane is the ideal candidate for this position,” Genin said. “His steadfast commitment to excellence and nuanced understanding of the Barton School will play a pivotal role in propelling innovation and contributing to the prosperity of our school.”

Before his appointment as the senior associate dean, Duane served as the chair of the Department of Marketing at the Barton School. Since assuming the role in the fall of 2022, Duane has led the department through an impressive period of growth, witnessing a remarkable surge in enrollment by nearly 25%, among many other accomplishments related to modernizing the curriculum and forging crucial industry connections.

The Wichita Business Journal has released the 2024 “Coolest Office in Wichita” nominations, and Woolsey Hall has been nominated. Woolsey Hall made it through round one with over 40% of the vote and is now in round two. The community can vote once for their choice through the voting period until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2.

The Wichita Business Journal has released the 2024 “Coolest Office in Wichita” nominations, and Woolsey Hall has been nominated. The community can vote once for their choice through the voting period until 5 p.m. Friday Jan. 26.

Yolanda and Gene Camarena — the dynamic Entrepreneurs-in-Residence duo at the Barton School of Business for the spring 2024 semester — will provide a keynote presentation as part of the James Schwartz Lecture Series, “Unlocking Success: Key Insights from Visionary Entrepreneurs on Building, Innovating, and Transforming Futures.”

Gene is the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., and Yolanda is a dedicated leader in social justice and equity advocacy in education, bringing unparalleled expertise and insights to our academic and entrepreneurial community.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Woolsey Hall Auditorium.

Doors open at 9 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.

The Barton School of Business proudly welcomes Gene and Yolanda Camarena as its dynamic Entrepreneurs-in-Residence duo for the spring 2024 semester. Gene, serving as the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., brings unparalleled expertise in the business realm. Complementing his prowess, Yolanda, a dedicated leader with a significant career as a social justice and equity advocate in education, enriches the community with her invaluable insights. Together, they form an exceptional team poised to inspire and elevate our academic and entrepreneurial landscape.

“Yolanda and I are deeply honored to embark on this meaningful journey as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence at the Barton School,” Gene Camarena said. “Recognizing the pivotal role education played in our own success, we are committed to ensuring that our achievements extend beyond personal accomplishments. Fueled by a passion for community progress and prosperity, our role allows us to uplift others through thoughtful and collaborative opportunities, championing a legacy of shared success and empowerment.”

The Barton School of Business is looking for dynamic people to join its team. Positions open include business manager and brand experience and digital media manager:

• Business manager: The business manager is primarily responsible for overseeing financial, budgeting and strategic planning for divisions, colleges and departments. This role will assist with scholarship delegation, preparing financial reporting and administrative support.
• Brand experience and digital media manager: The Barton School is seeking a brand experience and digital media manager to lead its team and drive its brand’s message to new heights. This role will assist with graphic design, website management and social media platforms.