Isaac Wayne Woolsey, who was instrumental to the creation of the new home for W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, has passed away at age 92. The facility, located on the Innovation Campus at WSU, was named the Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall in honor of Wayne and his wife for their donation of $10 million to the Barton School followed by another $1.3 million gift to create the Kay Woolsey Gardens and Woolsey Hall Technology Fund.
Wayne was a retired petroleum geologist and chairman of Woolsey Companies, an oil and natural gas exploration and production company he founded in 1978.
"Wayne and his wife, Kay, have left an indelible mark that has permanently transformed our School," stated Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School of Business. "The memory of Wayne's exceptional kindness, unwavering support, and impactful legacy in advancing education will forever be cherished, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come."
Wayne was born on January 25, 1931. He received his bachelor’s degree from University of North Texas and his master’s degree in geology from Texas A&M University. He served in the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. He worked for Texaco before starting numerous businesses that would form Woolsey Companies. Kay, who died in 2018, served as vice president and secretary of Woolsey Companies, handling land, legal and administrative functions. Wayne and Kay were married for 45 years. They had four children. Wayne enjoyed sports, old western movies and spending time with his family as a husband, father and grandfather.
“Wayne’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership will be missed throughout the community,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “Shocker Nation will forever be grateful for the Woolsey family’s dedication to the university, and their legacy will live on through the countless generations of students who will benefit from their generosity.”
The 125,000-square-foot Woolsey Hall was completed in Summer 2022. The award-winning facility stands as a testament to modernity, boasting flexible classrooms, abundant study rooms, collaborative spaces, and a 300-seat auditorium. These state-of-the-art amenities, complemented by the Promise Bridge, a social staircase, a curated art collection, a vibrant café, and a spacious ballroom, collectively foster an environment that not only inspires but emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset. These are the very qualities that Wayne and Kay, pillars of these ideals throughout their illustrious careers and lives, held dear to their hearts.
"The profound influence of the Woolseys on our university is undeniable," remarked Dr. Elizabeth King, President and CEO of WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. "Their legacy, etched indelibly into the fabric of our institution, will resonate for centuries, shaping the lives of countless students who will continue to feel the enduring impact of their generosity and vision."
In addition to the $10 million donation to the Barton School, Wayne and Kay also donated $2 million to the WSU Geology Department to support field camp experiences for students and the petroleum geology program.
“Our hearts are heavy as the Wichita State community mourns the loss of Wayne Woolsey. We extend our deepest condolences to the Woolsey family,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, Wichita State’s executive vice president and provost. “Wayne and Kay’s incredible generosity will forever be etched in our gratitude, and their kindness will transform the lives of countless generations of Shocker students.”
For more information about the Barton School and the home that Wayne helped build, visit wichita.edu/barton.