Author: James Schisler

The Barton School of Business is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Siyu Wang as the new chair of the Department of Economics. Dr. Wang, a professor at the Barton School since August 2020 and head of the Behavioral Economics Lab, succeeds Jen-Chi Cheng, who has expertly led the department for more than 20 years.

“Siyu’s appointment highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing the Economics Department, building on Jen-Chi’s exceptional leadership over the past two decades,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Siyu’s unwavering dedication to excellence will be instrumental in shaping the future of the department and our school.”

In her new role, Dr. Wang will focus on developing the economics curriculum, enriching the student experience through hands-on learning opportunities, and building stronger connections between students and industry professionals. She is also dedicated to fostering an environment that supports faculty in their professional and academic growth.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Dinkel, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Koch Inc., as the new chair-elect of the Barton School Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board, effective July 1. He will succeed Margaret Dechant and will begin his three-year term as Board Chair on July 1, 2025, serving through June 30, 2028.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of chair-elect for the Dean’s Advisory Board and to build upon Margaret’s outstanding leadership,” Dinkel said. “This position offers a unique platform to elevate the Barton School to national prominence. It is not merely a role; it is a transformative opportunity to redefine our future, drive groundbreaking innovation and set new standards of excellence. Together, we will chart an ambitious course, positioning the Barton School among the top business schools in the nation and empowering our students to reach unprecedented heights of excellence.”

Jeremy Hill who has worked at the Barton School of Business’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) as the director since 2009, will step down from his role at Wichita State University effective June 30 to pursue a new career opportunity. Dr. Chris Broberg, associate dean faculty and research in the Barton School, will serve as interim director while a search for a permanent successor is conducted.

Under Hill’s leadership, CEDBR has achieved remarkable growth and resilience, transitioning services, expanding the annual Wichita Economic Outlook conference to over 700 participants, and enhancing the center’s research capabilities to include vital economic indices and forecasts for the entire state. These accomplishments have significantly contributed to the depth of economic analysis and decision-making across Kansas.

“Jeremy has been instrumental in redefining how economic data and forecasts impact not only businesses but also policy-making in the region,” said Chris Broberg at the Barton School. “While his leadership will be greatly missed at the center, we are excited about potential collaborations within him in the near future.”

The Barton School of Business is poised to host its esteemed “Beyond” Hall of Fame 2026, dedicated to recognizing, honoring and celebrating industry executives and business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities and the advancement of the Barton School. The illustrious inductees of the inaugural Hall of Fame in 2024 were Frank Barton, Clark Bastian and Fran Jabara. Nominations for this prestigious event’s next group of inductees are being welcomed until Friday, May 10, 2024.

“The Barton School has been shaped by countless luminaries,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean, Barton School. “This recognition stands as our heartfelt tribute to their remarkable achievements and profound impact. Each inductee serves as a beacon of inspiration to us all.”

The “Beyond” Hall of Fame 2026 crowning event will take place on Feb. 21, 2026, at the celebrated Mark Arts in Wichita. This spectacular event coincides with the Barton School’s 100th centennial celebration, promising an evening of unparalleled grandeur and significance!

Nominations for the 2026 Business Hall of Fame inductees are currently open. If you are aware of individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impression on the Barton School, we encourage you to submit your nominations to bartonbeyond@wichita.edu by May 10, 2024. Please include the nominee’s name, title, company affiliation, a brief rationale for the nomination, along with the nominator’s name and contact information.

The Global Workplace MBA Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Barton School of Business and the Berlin School of Economics and Law, proudly celebrates its 20th year of partnership. Launched in 2004, this initiative is designed to offer U.S. and German MBA students immersive real-world international collaboration teams and intercultural communication experiences. Widely acclaimed, it stands as one of the most distinctive international MBA programs in the United States.

“For two decades, the Berlin Experience has created an opportunity for students to collaborate, network and build their professional skillsets,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “This is an invaluable experience for our students and more than 125 companies — many of which are in Wichita — who have benefited from the strategic guidance and insights offered by students in the program.”

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics will present Dr. Kapildeb Ambal, assistant professor of physics at Wichita State, as he discusses “Quantum magnetic field sensing and its potential for industrial applications” at 3 p.m. Friday, April 12 in 123 Wallace Hall.

Tadd Fowler — senior vice president at the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) and Executive-In-Residence at the W. Frank Barton School of Business — will provide a  keynote presentation titled “Procter & Gamble: How a 187-Year Old Company Stays Relevant in a Changing World” at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11 in the Woolsey Hall Auditorium. During the event, Fowler will present the captivating narrative of P&G’s recent transformational journey, showcasing resiliency, strategic reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to delivering superior products to delight consumers around the world. Admission to the event is free to the public.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Gene Camarena is joining the Dean’s Advisory Board. He currently serves as the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Camarena will help advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School by strengthening, enriching, and enhancing programming, impact, and the student experience.

“This spring semester, my wife and I had the privilege of serving as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for the Barton School,” stated Camarena. “It was an enriching experience, prompting me to seek further opportunities to contribute to the school’s advancement. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, I am committed to making a lasting, sustainable impact on its future and shaping the trajectory of its students.”

The Barton School of Business proudly announces the appointment of Kianga Crowley as the inaugural manager of the Barton School’s Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD). With an extensive background in communication, development and mentorship, Crowley brings a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals to her new role.

Prior to joining the Barton School, Crowley served as the director of development at GraceMed Health Clinic, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. Her dedication to community engagement and personal development is evident in her work as the founder and etiquette consultant at Simply a Lady Co. LLC, a business focused on enhancing self-esteem and preparing individuals for success in professional and social settings. As the manager of the Office of Career & Professional Development, she will play a pivotal role in guiding Barton School undergraduate and graduate students towards fulfilling career opportunities and professional growth.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new position, Crowley stated, “I am truly honored to join the Barton School’s Office of Career and Professional Development. I am eager to leverage my experience and passion for mentorship to support students in achieving their personal and professional aspirations.”

The Barton School of Business proudly announces Tadd Fowler as its spring 2024 Executive-in-Residence. He currently holds the position of senior vice president at The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G). In his role as Executive-in-Residence, Fowler will deliver a dynamic keynote presentation open to the public, conduct mentoring sessions for students, deliver guest lectures, participate in meetings with Barton School leadership to discuss program and curriculum innovations as well as engage in various other activities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tadd Fowler, an accomplished Barton School alumnus, back as our Executive-in-Residence,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “We wholeheartedly invite students, faculty, staff, industry leaders and the general public to seize the extraordinary opportunities to glean invaluable insights from a distinguished executive at one of the world’s most esteemed companies.”