Category: News

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce that accomplished entrepreneur Chris Wright will serve as its Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the fall 2024 semester. Wright, the founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT), based in Denver, Colorado, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role.

Liberty Energy, founded in 2011, is a leading North American energy services firm renowned for its innovative completion services and technologies for onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Liberty Energy boasts a market capitalization of $3.33 billion and employs 5,500 individuals.

A self-described tech enthusiast turned entrepreneur, Chris Wright is committed to enhancing human lives by expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy. He holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and has completed graduate work in Electrical Engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT.

The College of Innovation and Design is forming a team for the 2024-25 NASA SUITS Challenge. Students from all backgrounds and majors are welcome, especially those with AR/VR or Unreal Engine skills.

Students who want to learn more can attend a NASA Suits info session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 in 103/104 Devlin Hall, Open XR Lab.

Students who have questions or can’t make the info session can email Maggie Schoonover at maggie.schoonover@wichita.edu for more information.

The College of Innovation and Design is forming a team for the 2024-25 NASA SUITS Challenge. Students from all backgrounds and majors are welcome, especially those with AR/VR or Unreal Engine skills.

Want to learn more? Attend a NASA Suits info session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 in 103/104 Devlin Hall, Open XR Lab.

If you have questions or can’t make the info session, email Maggie Schoonover at maggie.schoonover@wichita.edu for more information.

The Office of Academic Affairs has announced new emeriti members. Help congratulate the following emeriti:

Danette M. Baker, posthumous, associate teaching professor emerita, School of Performing Arts
Wilson R. Baldridge, professor emeritus, Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
Maryon J. Habtemariam, associate teaching professor emerita, School of Nursing
Raymond H. Hull, professor emeritus, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
C. Nicholas Johnson, professor emeritus, School of Performing Arts
Martha J. Smith, professor emerita, School of Criminal Justice
Marcia P. Stevens, regional director emerita, Small Business Development Center, Academic Affairs

Emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon retirees in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments over their years of service to the university.

Visit the emeriti faculty page for a complete listing of emeritus and emerita faculty.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will meet students on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 through Aug. 30 in 203 Jardine Hall.

Please keep in mind that traffic volume does increase wait times during August. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships appreciates your patience. If you have a quick question, skip the line and call 316-978-3430 or go online to OneStop Student Services.

CARE Team case managers worked a total of 30 CARE cases for the month of July. The top three concerns reported in July were students experiencing distress, lack of access to basic needs and family concerns. These top concerns mirrored the top concerns reported in June. CARE Team observed that housing instability and food insecurity during the summer months have been the top barriers to student success and among the top concerns that have been voiced. The CARE Team case managers from the Office of Student Outreach & Support worked to refer students to campus and community resources to help address these barriers. The top community referral was United Way, addressing housing and shelter options available to students, as well as identifying food resources close in proximity to the student that they could utilize. When addressing these concerns, case managers would assess the student holistically, assessing why these were barriers such as lack of financial support, needing employment or other factors outside of their control. Out of the 30 students referred to the CARE Team in July, only six declined in-person meetings and were provided resource information through the phone or email source.

As the fall semester approaches, CARE Team is prepared to continue addressing the ongoing housing and food needs for students and providing coordination of care. Historically, the needs of students in the month of August are centered around belonging, homesickness and adjusting to college life. CARE Team will continue to support students with barriers to success by addressing the concerns and challenges that lay ahead for students. As students arrive for the fall 2024 semester, remember CARE Team is here to support not only students, but also faculty and staff in addressing student concerns. If you have questions regarding resources available on campus or within the community, give the office a call at 316-978-3149 or contact the case management office, Student Outreach & Support, at 316-978-6112.

WSU TV has begun a new series looking back through the history of Wichita State and the WSU TV channel. Each week, it will feature a new video showcasing a piece of that history.

This week, WSU TV takes a look back at some of the sports programs at WSU, specifically basketball, with footage of the 1993 game between the Shocker women’s basketball team and the SW Missouri Bears. The episode premieres at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 on YouTube.

The Barton School of Business has named Christopher Stone as the new chair of the Management Department. Dr. Stone, a faculty member since 2018, has served as an associate clinical professor of management at the Barton School. He succeeds Gery Markova, who has served as chair since 2021 and has been instrumental in leading the department and initiating new programs, among other achievements.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our Management Department,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His distinguished record as an educator, researcher and mentor will be invaluable as we build on the department’s strong foundation. I am excited to see how Chris will drive the department forward, fostering innovation and excellence while supporting our students and faculty.”

As chair, Chris will foster a collaborative environment within the department, ensure a safe and thriving atmosphere for students, faculty and staff, and focus on faculty development. He will also work to align programs with industry standards, increase student enrollments across all programs housed in the department and provide a top-notch student experience through curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

The Barton School of Business is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Siyu Wang as the new chair of the Department of Economics. Dr. Wang, a professor at the Barton School since August 2020 and head of the Behavioral Economics Lab, succeeds Jen-Chi Cheng, who has expertly led the department for more than 20 years.

“Siyu’s appointment highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing the Economics Department, building on Jen-Chi’s exceptional leadership over the past two decades,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Siyu’s unwavering dedication to excellence will be instrumental in shaping the future of the department and our school.”

In her new role, Dr. Wang will focus on developing the economics curriculum, enriching the student experience through hands-on learning opportunities, and building stronger connections between students and industry professionals. She is also dedicated to fostering an environment that supports faculty in their professional and academic growth.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Dinkel, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Koch Inc., as the new chair-elect of the Barton School Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board, effective July 1. He will succeed Margaret Dechant and will begin his three-year term as Board Chair on July 1, 2025, serving through June 30, 2028.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of chair-elect for the Dean’s Advisory Board and to build upon Margaret’s outstanding leadership,” Dinkel said. “This position offers a unique platform to elevate the Barton School to national prominence. It is not merely a role; it is a transformative opportunity to redefine our future, drive groundbreaking innovation and set new standards of excellence. Together, we will chart an ambitious course, positioning the Barton School among the top business schools in the nation and empowering our students to reach unprecedented heights of excellence.”