Author: James Schisler

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce the launch of its new Mentor Pilot Program, which pairs students with distinguished alumni from the Barton School Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board. This initiative aims to foster valuable connections, stimulate personal and professional growth, build a strong sense of community and provide essential guidance to help shape the next generation of leaders.

“As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize how vital relationship-building is and how having someone in your corner can truly impact your mindset,” said Erin Cummings, president of the Barton School Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, serial entrepreneur, author and angel investor. “This program not only allows us to give back, but also gives us the opportunity to help shape the Barton School’s future by sharing our experiences and insights.”

The program will run through the spring 2025 semester, with mentors and mentees meeting monthly. Mentors will provide support in navigating academic and career challenges, offer feedback and accountability for the student’s goals and share valuable advice for both personal and professional development.

Dr. Mark Esposito has been selected as the keynote speaker for the spring 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series and J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, hosted by the Barton School of Business. Renowned for his expertise at the intersection of technology and economics, Dr. Esposito is an internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

His dynamic keynote presentation, titled “The AI Revolution: Charting Our Course Through the Digital Frontier,” will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Woolsey Hall. The event is free and open to the public and will feature a networking session and book signing opportunity for attendees.

“Mark is at the forefront of AI and technological discourse worldwide,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His insights on how the world is evolving and how we can stay ahead of these technological shifts are essential for anyone interested in the future of the economy and its impact on our lives.”

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, Feb. 18 in 141 Woolsey Hall, 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 hors d’oeuvres will be served.

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

Erin Cummings, a Barton School of Business alumna, has used knowledge gained at Wichita State to open an online semi-fine jewelry brand, Armine + Ambrose.

“My time at the Barton School taught me the power of mentorship and collaboration,” she said. “Those lessons laid the foundation for Armine + Ambrose, a brand brought to life by the remarkable women on my team — Michelle Hsiao, Ashlyn Verrette and Jenn Morrison — whose passion and expertise made this dream possible.”

Cummings is serial entrepreneur, author and angel investor. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in real estate in 2009 from WSU. Joining the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board in 2020, she assumed the presidency in 2022. Under her leadership, the board has strengthened partnerships and expanded outreach, positively impacting students, alumni and the community.

The Center for Management Development and Executive Education at the Barton School of Business has announced Denise Sherman as its new director. For the last six years, Sherman has served as the executive director at the Kansas African American Museum.

“Denise has been a pillar of professionalism, an advocate of cultural arts and a leader of community building, education, development and strategy,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “She is the ideal person to amplify and innovate the work of CMD.”

The Barton School of Business is excited to announce Dr. Bekah Selby-Leach as the new director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR). Dr. Selby-Leach, an accomplished researcher and leader in economic analysis, previously served as interim assistant provost, director of institutional research and accreditation, and associate professor of economics at Emporia State University. She succeeds Jeremy Hill, who directed CEDBR since 2009 and recently joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as assistant vice president and regional executive.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bekah to the Barton School of Business,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Her extensive background in economic research and her proven leadership skills make her an ideal choice to drive the Center for Economic Development and Business Research forward. Her expertise and vision will benefit our stakeholders immensely, furthering the Center’s mission to deliver vital economic insights for the region and beyond.”

The Widener Global Leaders Program has announced that Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director of the Ulrich Museum of Art, has joined its advisory board. The WGLP is led by the Barton School of Business in collaboration with Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts, for students majoring in business, communication and fine arts. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to create the next generation of global female leaders and provide them with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience to help them thrive upon graduation.

“As a Brazilian-Italian woman who has dedicated my life to the arts, I believe in the values and mission of the Widener Global Leaders Program,” said Zavataro. “By providing these women with an opportunity to engage with others inside and outside of their community, they can grow personally and professionally more than they ever thought possible.”

The Barton School of Business announces the selection of three distinguished industry leaders to be inducted into its “Beyond” Hall of Fame. These inductees are the second class to be recognized for their visionary leadership and remarkable achievements to the Barton School and community. Their official induction will take place during a celebration Feb. 21, 2026, which will coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the Barton School.

Meet the inductees:

• Paul Allen
  Paul Allen has served as chief executive of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. (AGH) since 1987. He was the managing partner of a national accounting firm’s Wichita office until AGH’s founding members created an independently owned firm to more effectively serve closely held, entrepreneurial companies and public-sector entities in the central U.S.
• Dan Carney
  Dan Carney co-founded Pizza Hut with his brother Frank Carney in 1958. He is a WSU alumnus having earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1953 and Master of Business Administration in 2004. His commitment to Wichita State over the past 70 years is extensive, and includes serving as chair and member of both the WSU Foundation Board of Directors and the WSU Board of Trustees.
• Steve Feilmeier
  Steve Feilmeier is a retired executive with a notable career at Koch Industries, where he served as executive vice president, CFO and president of Koch Investment Group. As CFO from 2003 to 2021, Steve played a role in steering the company’s financial strategy and growth. He previously held the position of vice president of tax, accounting and finance, and began his tenure with Koch Industries in 1997 as controller for Koch Chemical Group.

“What an extraordinary trio of inductees,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Each of them has made a profound impact on both the Barton School and their respective industries. Congratulations to Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening our communities. I eagerly look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion.”

Mark your calendars now: At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, Byron Knight — president of Koch Disruptive Technologies — will serve as a distinguished keynote speaker as part of the prestigious James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series. In a fireside chat with Tom Gentile, CEO of Hexcel Corporation, Byron will present “Harnessing Disruption: Pioneering the Future of Innovation and Growth in the Business World.”

Join the keynote at 9:30 a.m. in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. Doors open at 9 a.m. Stick around after the keynote for networking and reception in the Woolsey Hall Atrium. This is free and open to the public — share with your students, colleagues and networks. RSVP now to secure your spot.

Woolsey Hall, home of the Barton School of Business, recently underwent its first strategic exterior landscaping cycle under the watchful eye of Rick Case, WSU’s first gentleman. Case was kind enough to volunteer his time to the project, guiding and facilitating the reimagining and amplification of Woosley Hall’s exterior while also ensuring that the building retained its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification status. LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

“We are honored to have Rick volunteer his time to re-envision the Woolsey Hall landscape,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His extensive background in agronomy and his love for the university makes him the perfect person to help elevate Woolsey Hall as a marquee location on campus and in the region. His hard work and collaboration with the WSU Facilities team has already made a massive impact on our home.”