Seth Cockrell

The Barton School of Business has officially merged its Departments of Marketing and Economics into a single, unified academic unit: the Department of Marketing and Economics. This strategic alignment, approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, is effective immediately and reflects the Barton School’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, academic collaboration and operational efficiency.

Dr. Seth Cockrell, who has served as chair of the marketing department since 2022, has been appointed chair of the newly merged department. With unanimous support from faculty across both disciplines, Cockrell assumes this role bringing a strong blend of industry experience, academic leadership and forward-looking vision.

“This merger represents an exciting and strategic step forward for the Barton School,” said Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “By uniting two disciplines that are deeply interconnected in both theory and practice, we are creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation in teaching and research, and thoughtful resource optimization. I can’t think of a better leader to guide this transition than Dr. Cockrell.”

Dr. Silver Kung

The Barton School of Business has received a $300,000 gift from Dr. Silver Kung — a globally recognized investment leader, member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Wichita State alumnus and founder of Siegfried Capital Group — and his wife, Doriya Li. Their contribution establishes the Dr. Silver Kung and Doriya Li Student Experience and Success Fund, a forward‑looking initiative designed to expand real‑world learning, professional development, and entrepreneurial opportunities for Barton School students.

As part of Wichita State’s strategic plan, every degree‑seeking student is guaranteed an applied learning or research experience before graduation — a commitment that has positioned WSU as a national model for career preparation and industry collaboration. To accelerate this work, the new fund will support a set of projects, including immersive experiential learning opportunities. These experiences will expose students to leading innovation ecosystems such as San Francisco and Silicon Valley, where they can engage directly with venture capital firms, startups and industry leaders.

“Dr. Kung represents the kind of curiosity, global awareness, and innovative mindset we work to cultivate in our students, and we’re grateful for the example he sets.” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “This gift from Dr. Kung and Ms. Li will open doors for our students — helping them gain internships, launch new ventures, and apply what they learn in the classroom to real opportunities in a fast-changing global economy.”

Dr. Silver Kung

The Barton School of Business has received a $300,000 transformational gift from Dr. Silver Kung, a globally recognized investment leader, distinguished member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Wichita State alumnus and founder of Siegfried Capital Group, and his wife, Doriya Li. The gift establishes the Dr. Silver Kung and Doriya Li Student Experience and Success Fund, a forward-looking initiative designed to significantly expand real-world learning, professional development and entrepreneurial opportunities for Barton School students.

As part of Wichita State’s strategic plan, every degree-seeking student at WSU is guaranteed an applied learning or research experience before graduation. That commitment has established WSU as a national model for career preparation and collaboration. To accelerate this work, the fund will support a set of high-impact priorities, which includes immersive experiential learning opportunities, including exposure to leading innovation ecosystems such as San Francisco and Silicon Valley, where students engage directly with venture capital firms, startups and industry leaders.

“As a proud Wichita State alumnus and internationally respected leader, Dr. Kung embodies the global mindset, intellectual curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit we strive to instill in our students,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “This generous investment by Dr. Kung and Ms. Li will meaningfully elevate the student experience — preparing our students to secure outstanding internships and full-time roles, and to launch bold, high-impact entrepreneurial ventures, while connecting classroom learning with real-world application in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

On April 9, the Office of Online and Adult Learning will be hosting the seventh annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) and the Online Learner of the Year (OLOTY) awards ceremony. OAL is calling on the WSU community to help find an adult learner and an online learner at WSU deserving of the title.

Students nominated for this award should exemplify the criteria outlined:

  • Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (extenuating circumstances can be reviewed)
  • Academic advancement: Noteworthy improvement in academic performance and/or high levels of positive engagement within a classroom setting or substantial contributions to the overall learning process
  • Personal triumphs: Overcoming personal hurdles and demonstrating resilience
  • Shocker pride: Active participation in their personal community or within their classes showcasing a commitment to making a positive difference
Text in a white box over a black and yellow gradient background saying "Join our newsletter!" with a black and yellow logo under that says "OAL" or "Office of Online and Adult Learning"

Subscribe to the Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL) monthly newsletter to stay informed about the latest initiatives and updates from OAL. Stay connected by following the OAL Student SharePoint for updates on students and the office, including the newsletter, which spotlights OAL students, academic resources, and events on campus and throughout the community.

February’s issue of Teaching Tomorrow from the Office of Instructional Resources is out now. This month, contributors were asked what it means to have “future-ready pedagogy.” As always, contributors offered up new and intriguing ways of thinking about a theme that may seem straightforward upon first glance.

The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State announced the launch of the 2026 GenAI Pitch Competition, a high-impact entrepreneurial event focused on accelerating technological innovation for small and medium-sized businesses.

In partnership with AWS and Futran Solutions, the competition will award at least $50,000 in technology grants to businesses that deliver the most compelling three-minute pitches, showcasing how AI technology could strengthen their operations or expand their market potential. Applicants must submit an application and business plan for evaluation. Judges will evaluate innovation, feasibility and long-term impact on business growth.

Brand template updates. wichita.edu/brandtemplates. 'New' annual report template.

There’s a new annual report template now available to download: On wichita.edu/brandtemplates, visit the brand templates page, under “Strategic Communications Resources,” select the “all downloads” tab and select the new “Annual report template” folder.

Questions? Reach out to jaci.ignudo@wichita.edu.

Finalists for Prestigious Clay Barton Scholarship

The Barton School of Business has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas. Valued at $50,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and a passion for business.

The eight finalists emerged from a competitive pool of students who participated in the Allen, Gibbs and Houlik (AGH) Scholarship Competition, held on Nov. 21, 2025. This rigorous event tests candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through a series of group exercises, presentations and interviews.

Finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship are:

  • Luke Fouts, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (Goddard, KS) – Entrepreneurship
  • Gabriel Howland, Campus High School (Wichita, KS) – Entrepreneurship
  • Adeline Lank, Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School (Wichita, KS) – Entrepreneurship
  • Samantha Owens, Bluestem High School (Leon, KS) – Business Administration
  • Alyssa Pace, Belle Plaine Senior High School (Belle Plaine, KS) – Marketing
  • Gabriel Shaffer, Valley Center High School (Valley Center, KS) – Business-Undecided
  • Nathan Stigers, Shawnee Mission North High School (Shawnee, KS) – Accounting
  • Zach Tschauder, Atchison High School (Atchison, KS) – Accounting
An officer with the University Police Departments loads up a squad car full of donations to deliver to the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker
WSU PD police badge

The Wichita State University Police Department, and the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate, are calling on Shocker Nation to help spread the love for Valentine’s Day this year by stocking the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker.

Now through Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, UPD is stuffing a squad car at the University Police Department building at Mid Campus Drive and Research Place, where you can drop off your donations for the locker.

Additionally, faculty and staff can drop donations off as part of the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate Love on the Locker initiative at the University Police Department or at any of the following collection locations, or they can make a monetary donation to the locker:

  • Student Engagement & Belonging in 216 Rhatigan Student Center
  • Business Student Success Center in 129 Woolsey Hall
  • Financial Aid or OneStop in Jardine Hall
  • College of Health Professions Dean’s Office on the fourth floor of Ahlberg Hall
  • Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office on the second floor of Lindquist Hall
  • College of Applied Studies Deans Office in Corbin Education Center
  • College of Engineering Dean’s Office in Partnership Building 2
  • Fine Arts Advising Center on the third floor of the McKnight Arts Center
  • Ablah Library Circulation Desk
  • Student Government Association in 219 RSC
  • Hughes Metropolitan Complex
  • First floor of Wallace Hall
  • WSU Old Town

Don’t know what to donate? The following are common, in-demand items at the locker:

  • Canned foods and other easy instant meals
  • Fruit products like applesauce and juice, vegetables, and cooking sauces like spaghetti and tomato sauce
  • Grains and pasta, such as granola bars, rice, macaroni and bread
  • Health and hygiene products such as bandages, deodorant, soaps, toothpaste, tampons and pads
  • Baby products like wipes, diapers and formula