Author: James Schisler

When Spero was created at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business, the vision was clear: build a program that gives people access to practical skills, meaningful relationships and real pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility.

As the Barton School begin Spero year three, philanthropic support remains at the core of its focus to continue delivering our high-impact programs that transform people’s lives and rewrite their futures.

Steve and Regine Feilmeier have made a $500,000 gift to Spero, strengthening the program’s ability to serve participants across Wichita as they pursue career advancement, business ownership and greater economic independence.

Every scholarship opens a new door. For some students, it’s the opportunity to attend college. For others, it’s the chance to pursue internships, leadership experiences or graduate education. At the Barton School of Business, expanded support from Capitol Federal Foundation® will help even more future business leaders walk through those doors.

Capitol Federal’s latest investment increases the number of Capitol Federal® Scholarships awarded annually from nine to 14, further strengthening one of the Barton School’s longest-standing scholarship partnerships while advancing Wichita State’s commitment to affordability and accessibility. The expanded scholarship support comes as the Barton School now awards more than $1.4 million annually in scholarships, helping students pursue nationally recognized business degrees while reducing financial barriers and preparing the next generation of business leaders.

The hospitality management program is pleased to welcome three new members to its advisory board: Wynn Hukle, Matt Lokay and Scott Redler. Bringing extensive industry experience and leadership expertise, they will help guide the program’s continued growth and strengthen connections between students and the hospitality industry.

To learn more about the hospitality program or explore opportunities to get involved, visit wichita.edu/hospitality.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University announces the creation of the Ross Tidemann Scholarship. This new four-year scholarship will support incoming Barton School students through the Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik Scholarship Competition beginning in fall 2026.

Established by Wichita philanthropist Karma Tidemann in honor of her late husband, Ross Tidemann, the scholarship will provide $12,500 annually for four years to one incoming student. The scholarship is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need while recognizing academic achievement and leadership potential.

The Barton School of Business has received a $500,000 commitment from Vicki Decarsky via Derby Community Foundation in support of Spero, a workforce and entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand opportunity across Wichita.

This gift will help sustain and grow Spero’s programming as it continues to connect individuals with meaningful employment pathways and entrepreneurial training.

The Graduate Programs in Business at the Barton School of Business recently brought undergraduate and graduate students together for the Barton School’s Business Challenge. This event was an immersive, interdisciplinary case competition designed to strengthen collaboration, analytical thinking and real-world problem solving.

Open to all Barton School majors and minors, the competition drew 48 students across 12 teams. Participants were given one week to independently analyze and develop solutions to a complex business case without the support of faculty or outside advisors. The case, centered on a fictitious Riverfest scenario, was written by Barton School faculty member Justin Keeler.

Meet the teams that placed:

First place team:

• Julia Stark
• Don Philips
• Mikhail Lindsay
• Robert Lang

Second place team:

• Megana Paramal Viswanathan
• Takudzwa Nhamo
• Teseandre Hamilton

Third place team:

• Marysol Montiel
• Justin Van
• Ashira Kelly

Mark your calendars now: At 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium, Lauren Dunford — co-founder and CEO of Guidewheel and the Barton School of Business’s Centennial Entrepreneur-in-Residence — will deliver a keynote presentation, “The New Wave of Innovation: AI, Robotics, Manufacturing, and the Future of Energy.” Doors open at 9 a.m.

Dunford leads Guidewheel, an AI-powered platform transforming physical operations across more than 400 manufacturers worldwide, including Johnson & Johnson, Hershey and Cargill. A World Economic Forum technology pioneer, TED speaker and Stanford scholar, she is a leading voice in “physical AI,” applying intelligence to the machines that power the global economy.

During this forward-looking keynote, Dunford will share how artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing, unlocking new levels of efficiency, sustainability and resilience. She will explore the convergence of AI, robotics and energy systems — and what it means for the future of industry and innovation.

Stick around after the keynote to connect with fellow students, faculty, entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping Wichita’s innovation ecosystem. The event is free and open to the public. Share with your students, colleagues and networks.

The Barton School of Business has appointed Dr. Smita Srivastava as associate dean for faculty and research, reinforcing its commitment to advancing faculty excellence across teaching, research and external engagement.

Srivastava, an associate professor of entrepreneurship and strategy, brings a distinguished record of scholarly achievement and academic leadership focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and strategy. Her research has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, and reflects a strong trajectory toward high-impact scholarship.

The 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.

Taking place on Friday, May 1 in Woolsey Hall, this annual competition highlights the most promising new ventures from students across Kansas as they compete for funding to bring their ideas to life.

The Barton School of Business 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.

Chaired by Nikki Beyrle, Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and chief human resources officer at LDF Companies, the board represents a strategic step in advancing the Barton School’s vision through industry insight, mentorship and applied learning opportunities.