Barton In the News

The Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship invites students, faculty, business leaders, and community members to attend the 2026 Shocker New Venture Competition (SNVC)—a high-energy showcase of emerging startups and student innovation.

Erin Cummings is not your typical fashion founder. That is exactly the point and it’s exactly why her brand is gaining attention. A 2009 alumna of the Barton School of Business, Cummings is a serial entrepreneur, investor and member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Her latest venture, Armine + Ambrose, is a semi-fine jewelry brand rooted in intention, identity and storytelling. The brand recently reached a major milestone with a showcase during New York Fashion Week. 

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has launched its Hospitality Advisory Board, bringing together accomplished leaders from across the industry to help shape and elevate its undergraduate hospitality program and build a strong talent pipeline.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Lauren Dunford—one of the leading voices at the intersection of artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and sustainability—as Entrepreneur-in-Residence as part of its Centennial celebration. Her appointment signals the School’s continued commitment to connecting students and industry with transformative leaders shaping the future of the global economy.

In the heart of New York City, where the stakes mirror the pace of global finance, a team of Barton School of Business students stood shoulder to shoulder with peers from some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions and finished at the top. By earning two first-place awards at the Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum XV, Barton School students didn’t just compete. They proved the power of real-world learning on a national stage.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is excited to announce that two Wichita-area students are the recipients of the 2026 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship. The winners are Adeline Lank from Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School and Gabriel Shaffer from Valley Center High School. Each will receive $36,400 spread over four years to attend WSU and major or double-major in entrepreneurship.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University will take part in one of Wall Street’s most iconic traditions this spring as school leaders and key stakeholders travel to New York City to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking a milestone moment during the Barton School’s centennial celebration.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University and its community partners are marking the first anniversary of Spero Day, recognizing the growing impact of a workforce and entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand economic opportunity across the Wichita region.

Barton School of Business’ Spero Program at Wichita State University has reached another significant milestone with the graduation of its second class. A total of 80 alumni, including 43 students graduating in the second class, have successfully completed the world’s first TrustEd microcredential program of its kind, establishing Spero as a national model for innovative workforce development.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce that Aaron Bastian, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board. As our newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening, enriching, and elevating the student experience.