Barton In the News

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 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.

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.

Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed 2026 as Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business Centennial year in the State of Kansas, recognizing the school’s 100 years of excellence in business education, leadership development and service to the Wichita community and beyond.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University officially launched its 100th anniversary celebration Saturday, Feb. 21, with a sold-out “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala that raised more than $1 million to support student success.

When Barton School of Business students Michael Goldberg and Samuel Doell saw how quickly artificial intelligence was reshaping industries, they did not wait for the curriculum to catch up. In true Shocker fashion, they built a solution themselves.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, members of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University visited Belle Plaine High School to surprise senior Alyssa Pace with the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship. The $50,000 award is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas and will cover four years of tuition support at Wichita State.

The City of Wichita formally recognized the 100th anniversary of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University with an official proclamation presented on Tuesday, February 10, honoring a century of leadership, economic impact and commitment to business education.

Excitement is building as the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University prepares to welcome a sold-out crowd to its 2026 “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala on Saturday, February 21. The black-tie optional celebration will honor three distinguished inductees—Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier—while launching the Barton School’s 100th anniversary year into high gear.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University proudly announces a Centennial Signature Initiative: the appointment of Eyal Redler and Omer Nagar as Venture Capitalists in Residence in March 2026, marking 100 years of educating business leaders while launching Barton’s next era of global innovation and entrepreneurship.