Author: James Schisler

Eight students from the Erin and Kyle Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund (CSMIF) at the Barton School of Business recently traveled to New York City for a transformative learning experience. Representing Wichita State University at Quinnipiac University’s Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum — the world’s largest student-run financial conference — students engaged directly with global finance leaders, explored top investment firms and strengthened their understanding of capital markets through immersive, real-world exposure.

“This opportunity was incredible,” said Adam Key, student president of CSMIF and GAME Forum attendee. “It allowed us to take what we’ve learned in the classroom and through managing our fund and apply it in a real-world context. We toured world-class financial institutions, met inspiring professionals, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the world of investment banking.”

Effective July 1, 2025, Richard Dinkel, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Koch, Inc., will assume the role of chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Barton School of Business. Dinkel has served as chair-elect since August 2024 and member at-large since 2022.

He will succeed Margaret Dechant, CEO and partner at 6 Meridian, who is completing a successful three-year term as chair. Dechant will continue her involvement as an active member of the board.

“I would first like to thank Margaret for her leadership and guidance to me and the rest of the board,” said Dinkel. “I hope to continue her work as we look to position the Barton School as one of the top business schools in the nation.”

The Barton School of Business has named Tina Khan as the new executive director of the college’s Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD). Khan most recently served as a faculty member at the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) and is also the founder and CEO of Launch, LLC.

“Creating spaces where young adults are seen and belong are core values connected to my purpose,” said Khan. “There’s a great opportunity to influence and partner with college students in their lives beyond the degree. Working alongside students as they think about their careers and next steps is what drew me to this position.”

At KLC, Khan was a member of both the core pathway and field teams, delivering leadership development programs across three communities. Through Launch, she leads strategic initiatives for organizations, including multiple county nonprofits involved in rural food systems.

Mark your calendars now: At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium, Chase Koch — executive vice president of Koch, and the spring 2025 entrepreneur-in-residence at the Barton School of Business — will deliver a keynote presentation, “The Sound of Change: Music as a Catalyst for Social Impact,” as part of the prestigious James Schwartz Lecture Series.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Stick around after the keynote for networking and reception in 141 Woolsey Hall, Fidelity Bank Ballroom. The event will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand the vision behind Somewhere Fest & Conference — a community-driven music festival that combines entertainment with social impact. Chase will share how the festival, now in its second year, has evolved into a movement that blends culture, artists and social change to bring people together and create value for local communities.

The upcoming keynote event is free and open to public. Share with your students, colleagues and networks.

The Barton School of Business has appointed Erin Cummings to its Dean’s Advisory Board. Cummings is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and the author of “The Possibility Project: A Guided Journal for Creating What’s Possible.” She recently launched Armine + Ambrose, a semi-fine jewelry brand.

“Erin is an unwavering force for positive change and has already played a pivotal role in shaping key programs and organizations within the Barton School,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Her addition to the board will greatly contribute to strengthening the student experience, fostering student success, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing alumni engagement. This will significantly deepen the connection between students and the wealth of opportunities available to them both during their time at Barton and beyond.”

Erin Cummings is an accomplished entrepreneur, angel investor, author and dedicated advocate for empowering future leaders. A proud alumna of Wichita State, Erin, with her husband Kyle, created the Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund, providing students with hands-on experience in managing investment portfolios. She also launched the Mentor Pilot Program, fostering meaningful connections between students and industry professionals, and currently serves as the President of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board, contributing her insights to shape the Barton School of Business’s strategic direction.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce that Jeff Johnson has joined its Dean’s Advisory Board.

Johnson is the president of Flint Hills National Golf Club and brings with him extensive experience in business leadership. Prior to joining Flint Hills National in 2003, he served as an investment advisor with Raymond James Financial Services.

“Jeff’s energy, enthusiasm, and candor will be a valuable addition to the Dean’s Advisory Board,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “He is a smart, engaging presence who will help elevate the Barton School to new heights.”

As president of Flint Hills National, Johnson plays a key role in member recruitment, retention and generating operational revenue for the club. Also, he is part-owner of several restaurants in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita and parts of Texas.

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce that Chase Koch, an entrepreneur known for scaling disruptive, bottom-up solutions, has been named the school’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence and will serve as the James Schwartz Distinguished Keynote Speaker for spring 2025. Chase is executive vice president of Koch and is recognized for his work building transformative partnerships in business, technology, social change and music. He will speak at a fireside chat titled “The Sound of Change: Music as a Catalyst for Social Impact.”

The fireside chat is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, followed by a networking reception in Woolsey Hall. The conversation will be moderated by Marquis Bradley, CEO of Omnicut Motivational Fitness. This event will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand the vision behind Somewhere Fest & Conference— a community-driven music festival that combines entertainment with social impact. Chase will share how the festival, now in its second year, has evolved into a movement that blends culture, artists and social change to bring people together and create value for local communities. 

This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to bring colleagues, associates and friends. This event is expected to reach maximum capacity quickly, so attendees are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible to reserve their spot.

The Spero program at the Barton School of Business is the first in the world to offer 1EdTech TrustEd microcredential certified programs. 1EdTech is a global leader in educational technology, working to improve how people learn with digital tools. The certification guarantees that these courses are trusted and valuable, giving students an edge in their careers.

“Spero was created to help people transform their lives through meaningful jobs and business opportunities,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “We are proud that 1EdTech is recognizing our work. We’ll keep leading the way in micro-credentials, offering students new ways to grow and make a real difference in their lives and our community.”

Mark Esposito — global AI expert and the spring 2025 executive-in-residence at the Barton School of Business — will provide a keynote presentation, “The AI Revolution: Charting Our Course Through the Digital Frontier,” as part of the James Schwartz Lecture Series.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium.

Doors open at 9 a.m. Following the presentation, a book signing and reception will be held in the Woolsey Hall Atirum. All are welcome to attend the event at no additional charge.

The campus community is invited to join the Barton School of Business for a special book launch event celebrating Gerald H. Graham, Ph.D., and his latest work, “High-Performance Leadership Practices.” The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 in Woolsey Hall’s Fidelity Bank Ballroom.

Dr. Graham’s book distills five decades of leadership expertise into actionable strategies designed to inspire excellence and achieve extraordinary results. Recognized for his extensive contributions to leadership development, Dr. Graham’s insights provide high-performing leaders with tools to adapt and succeed in dynamic environments. Upon completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Graham joined the faculty at WSU in 1967. He is currently the R.P. Clinton Distinguished Professor of Management at Wichita State and has received the Kansas Board of Regents’ “Excellence in Teaching Award”

A renowned writer, Dr. Graham has authored four textbooks, titled, “Management: The Individual, The Organization, The Process,” “Business: The Process of Enterprise,” “Understanding Human Relations” and “The World of Business.” His textbooks are used in over 235 schools nationwide.

The event will feature remarks by Dr. Graham at 6:15 p.m., followed by a book signing at 7 p.m. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, email jenn.lopez@wichita.edu.