Author: James Schisler

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State is introducing a new way for students to engage with accomplished business leaders.

As part of its centennial celebration, the Barton School will launch a live conversation series with an unscripted discussion designed to give students a front-row seat to the stories, decisions and lessons behind successful careers. The event will feature Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bill Poston and will be recorded live in partnership with “Built for More,” the podcast hosted by Barton School alumnus and entrepreneur Jacob O’Connor.

The live podcast event, “Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success,” will take place at 9 a.m. Sept. 2 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. Registration is encouraged.

A Wichita attorney’s lifelong commitment to education, service and community will live on through a new generation of Wichita State University students. Harvey Najim, a 1964 Wichita State graduate and nationally recognized business leader and philanthropist, has established two scholarships in memory of his brother, Harry Louis Najim. At the heart of the gift is the Harry Najim Business Scholarship, which will provide significant support to a Kansas student pursuing a degree through Wichita State’s Barton School of Business.

“My brother believed deeply in education and in the responsibility each of us has to make a difference in the lives of others,” Harvey Najim said. “This scholarship will carry Harry’s name forward by helping a talented Kansas student pursue their ambitions, build a meaningful career and create opportunities for others.”

The Harry Najim Business Scholarship will provide $40,000 to an incoming Kansas freshman enrolled full time in the Barton School. Selection will consider academic achievement, community service and financial need. Recipients also must participate in the annual Allen, Gibbs & Houlik L.C. Scholarship Competition.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Bill Poston, entrepreneur, business advisor, investor, educator and philanthropist, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence as part of its centennial celebration. His appointment reflects the Barton School’s commitment to connecting students with accomplished business leaders whose careers demonstrate entrepreneurship, principled leadership and innovation.

Throughout his residency, Poston will engage with students, faculty, alumni and business leaders through classroom discussions, mentoring opportunities, executive meetings and public events focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, organizational culture and business growth.

The Barton School of Business will continue its 100th anniversary celebration with a full day of activities, experiences and community connections Wednesday, Aug. 26. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, advisory board members, donors, supporters, partners and members of the WSU and Wichita community are invited to celebrate a century of business education and innovation.

The celebration features wellness activities, food, interactive experiences, a community run and opportunities to explore the school’s history throughout the day. The Centennial Bash is open to the public, with activities offered at no cost.

Activities begin at 8 a.m. with Morning Wellness on the Woolsey Hall lawn, featuring outdoor yoga, mindfulness activities and complimentary breakfast offerings. Guests are welcome to attend a single activity or spend the entire day on campus. While many activities do not require registration, RSVPs are encouraged for Morning Wellness and the Community 5K/Fun Run and Walk to assist with planning.

To learn more about centennial event sponsorships, contact Corey Saleh, senior director of development for the Barton School of Business and interim AVP at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at corey.saleh@wichita.edu.

Wichita State University’s Spero program will welcome its newest participants and reconnect members of its growing community during the 2026 Spero Kickoff from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 at Woolsey Hall.

The event will bring together current Spero students, alumni, employer partners, advisory board members, facilitators, guest speakers and supporters for an afternoon of connection and celebration. A buffet lunch will be provided.

Guests can RSVP. The registration form will request attendance confirmation, dietary restrictions or food allergies, and the guest’s name, company and title. For additional information, contact the Spero team at Spero@wichita.edu.

When Spero was created at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business, the vision was clear: build a program that gives people access to practical skills, meaningful relationships and real pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility.

As the Barton School begin Spero year three, philanthropic support remains at the core of its focus to continue delivering our high-impact programs that transform people’s lives and rewrite their futures.

Steve and Regine Feilmeier have made a $500,000 gift to Spero, strengthening the program’s ability to serve participants across Wichita as they pursue career advancement, business ownership and greater economic independence.

Every scholarship opens a new door. For some students, it’s the opportunity to attend college. For others, it’s the chance to pursue internships, leadership experiences or graduate education. At the Barton School of Business, expanded support from Capitol Federal Foundation® will help even more future business leaders walk through those doors.

Capitol Federal’s latest investment increases the number of Capitol Federal® Scholarships awarded annually from nine to 14, further strengthening one of the Barton School’s longest-standing scholarship partnerships while advancing Wichita State’s commitment to affordability and accessibility. The expanded scholarship support comes as the Barton School now awards more than $1.4 million annually in scholarships, helping students pursue nationally recognized business degrees while reducing financial barriers and preparing the next generation of business leaders.

The hospitality management program is pleased to welcome three new members to its advisory board: Wynn Hukle, Matt Lokay and Scott Redler. Bringing extensive industry experience and leadership expertise, they will help guide the program’s continued growth and strengthen connections between students and the hospitality industry.

To learn more about the hospitality program or explore opportunities to get involved, visit wichita.edu/hospitality.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University announces the creation of the Ross Tidemann Scholarship. This new four-year scholarship will support incoming Barton School students through the Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik Scholarship Competition beginning in fall 2026.

Established by Wichita philanthropist Karma Tidemann in honor of her late husband, Ross Tidemann, the scholarship will provide $12,500 annually for four years to one incoming student. The scholarship is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need while recognizing academic achievement and leadership potential.

The Barton School of Business has received a $500,000 commitment from Vicki Decarsky via Derby Community Foundation in support of Spero, a workforce and entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand opportunity across Wichita.

This gift will help sustain and grow Spero’s programming as it continues to connect individuals with meaningful employment pathways and entrepreneurial training.