Barton In the News

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University 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.

Spero, a W. Frank Barton School of Business startup aimed at unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens, hosted an event on Friday, October 25, to celebrate the launch of its micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness. The event brought together the inaugural class of Spero students, their families, Spero board members, mentors and other supporters to commemorate the launch. Marquis Bradley, founder of Omnicut Fitness, delivered a rousing keynote speech that set the stage for a promising start. The keynote energized attendees and set an optimistic tone for Spero’s future impact.

The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) announces 12 new students have been accepted for its 2024-25 cohort. Applicants for the program reached record levels with a 23% acceptance rate. WGLP is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University 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 so they can thrive upon graduation.

The Widener Global Leaders Program has announced that Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director of the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University, has joined its advisory board. The WGLP is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University, 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.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University 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 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, which will coincide with the 100^th year anniversary of the Barton School.

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) within the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has appointed Nancy Kersenbrock to Interim Director of the organization. Kersenbrock previously served as the Associate Director of CFE.

Woolsey Hall, home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, 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.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is thrilled to welcome Byron Knight, president of Koch Disruptive Technologies, as its distinguished keynote speaker. This exciting fireside chat, titled “Harnessing Disruption: Pioneering the Future of Innovation and Growth in the Business World,” will take place on Wednesday, October 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Woolsey Hall auditorium. The event is open to the public and will include a networking opportunity for attendees afterward.

Another Broken Egg Café, an upscale brunch restaurant is set to open Sept. 30 near K-96 and Oliver. The concept comes to Wichita thanks to two 2023 graduates of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. Jacob O’Connor and Jon Peterson, who first met in high school and had other business ventures together in college, did extensive research and vetting before choosing to franchise Another Broken Egg Café. They will host a special VIP opening on Sept. 28 where 100% of sales will go to their charity partner, The Shocker Support Locker.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University announces the launch of SPERO, an organization aimed at unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens. SPERO, which is Latin for “hope,” has a dual focus: preparing individuals to transform their lives through meaningful employment and guiding the efforts of citizens and organizations acting to advance Wichita’s prosperity. For its inaugural year, SPERO will benefit from a $400,000 contribution from the Charles Koch Foundation.