Author: James Schisler

Maggie Topping, senior vice president of Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation and the Barton School of Business fall 2025 J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, will lead a keynote fireside chat alongside Luke Pankey, chief information officer at Textron Aviation, as part of the James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series.

Their presentation, “Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation’s Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and the Transformation of Work,” will explore how the company is navigating workforce, technology and organizational change at a global scale.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium.

Doors open at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at wichita.edu/executive-in-residence-keynote.

Michael Horn, bestselling author of “Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career,” will present a dynamic keynote as part of the Barton School of Business’ fall 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series, “The New Career Playbook: Mastering Job Moves in a Changing World.”

Horn’s talk will share fresh insights on navigating career transitions, identifying opportunities and taking ownership of personal and professional growth.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in Woolsey Hall, followed by a networking session.

Doors open at 9 a.m. After the keynote, there will be networking and book signing in the atrium. The first 75 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of “Job Moves.” This free event is open to the public. RSVP at wichita.edu/new-career-playbook.

The Barton School of Business is proud to announce Michael Horn as the keynote speaker for its fall 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series. Horn is the author of several influential works, including the national bestseller “Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career.”

His engaging and insightful presentation, “The New Career Playbook: Mastering Job Moves in a Changing World,” will draw from his latest book to provide attendees with a fresh perspective on identifying their personal “quest for progress,” evaluating opportunities and taking ownership of their career paths.

This free public event will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18 followed by a networking session. The first 75 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of “Job Moves.”

For details and to RSVP, visit wichita.edu/new-career-playbook.

The award-winning Widener Global Leaders Program is proud to announce an exciting expansion as it enters its fifth year, welcoming Wichita State University students in business, communication, music or fine arts. This strategic growth reflects our continued commitment to developing the next generation of global leaders.

This milestone follows the recent graduation of WGLP’s 2024–2025 cohort, celebrated in a special ceremony this past May. Program highlights included immersive sessions on strengths discovery, strategic communication, business acumen, global mindset, financial literacy, the intersection of music and leadership, along with a private jet experience at Textron Aviation and a wide range of impactful networking opportunities.

“One of my favorite activities was the vision board session, where we got to be creative and reflect on our goals,” said Olivia Wessley, WGLP participant and economics major. “WGLP was an amazing experience. It made me a better leader and opened my eyes to what’s possible for my future.”

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. In honor of this momentous occasion, a dedicated committee of industry leaders, alumni, faculty and staff has been formed to commemorate the school’s rich legacy through a series of events and special recognitions. Esteemed alumni Rachel Douglass, senior manager of communications and external affairs at Textron eAviation, is serving as the committee chair, and Ashtyn Rottinghaus-Schrag, senior consultant at Deloitte, is fulfilling the role of committee vice chair.

“I am deeply honored to collaborate with an outstanding group of industry leaders, alumni, faculty and staff to transform this monumental milestone into a series of impactful, celebratory engagements that will cultivate a profound sense of pride and belonging for all those connected to the Barton School.” shared Douglass. “I’m confident that the milestone will celebrate 100 years of profound impact, but also illuminate a future of possibilities and promise for the next century.”

“This is more than a celebration of our proud history; it marks an energizing new chapter that unites the people who have shaped the Barton School’s story and reaffirms our role as a leader in business education. Together, we’re building upon a legacy that will inspire and empower future generations.” added Rottinghaus-Schrag.

The Barton School of Business is thrilled to announce Maggie Topping as its fall 2025 Executive-in-Residence. Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation, will bring her extensive expertise to enrich the school’s academic and professional environment.

As Executive-in-Residence, Topping will participate in mentoring sessions, deliver guest lectures and collaborate with Barton School leadership on program and curriculum innovations. She will also lead a keynote fireside chat titled “Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation’s Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and the Transformation of Work” alongside Luke Pankey, chief information officer at Textron Aviation. The keynote will take place at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 7 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Boettger Auditorium. RSVP at wichita.edu/executive-in-residence-keynote. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9 a.m.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chris Broberg as interim director of the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE). Broberg currently serves as associate professor of entrepreneurship and associate dean for faculty and research within the Barton School. The Barton School extends its sincere gratitude to Nancy Kersenbrock for her service as interim director. She will return to her longstanding role as associate director of the Center, a position she has held since 2015.

Founded in 1977 by Fran Jabara — professor, former dean of the Barton School, and inaugural member of the Barton School’s “Beyond” 2024 Hall of Fame — the Center for Entrepreneurship has been internationally recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. The Center for Entrepreneurship was one of the first of its kind on a college campus, launching with a workshop titled “Entrepreneurship: Your Future in Business,” developed by Jabara.

Since its opening in 2020, Woolsey Hall has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors — from students and faculty to architectural, artistic and recreational enthusiasts. As the proud home of the Barton School of Business, it continues to captivate individuals from around the globe. Over the weekend of May 31, that number grew significantly, as more than 5,000 guests toured the grounds to experience the Kay Woolsey Gardens, one of six featured locations in the annual Garden Tour sponsored by the Sedgwick County Extension Office’s Master Gardener Program.

“We were honored and excited to be selected for this year’s garden tour,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “At the Barton School, we believe in blooming — in our students, our community and the vibrant plant life that surrounds Woolsey Hall and the Promise Bridge. The gardens reflect both the natural beauty within us all and the resilience it takes to grow in any environment.”

The Barton School of Business is proud to foster accessibility and creativity through its ongoing collaboration with the Envision Arts Program — an initiative by Envision, a nonprofit committed to creating opportunities and transforming lives for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. In an effort to foster creativity and celebrate diverse artistic perspectives, Woolsey Hall featured two visually impaired artists in installations spanning the 2024-25 academic year, highlighting the transformative power of touchable and interactive art.

For fall 2024, the Barton School showcased Tomiyo Tajiri’s “Negotiation Like a Forest” — an exhibition that pays homage to Japanese traditions through four large-scale, textured panels representing the four seasons. For spring 2025, the school welcomes Erica Johnson’s collection of ceramic works, which capture movement, memory and personal resilience through sculpted form.

“By championing innovative art and supporting artists like Tomiyo and Erica, we aim to develop an appreciation for creative thinking among our students,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Such initiatives equip future business leaders with the tools to approach challenges with inspired, out-of-the-box solutions.”

The Barton School of Business is proud to announce the reappointment of Dr. Christine Porter as director of the School of Accountancy. This will be Porter’s second consecutive term. She will serve in the role for three years.

“I’m so pleased with the dedication of the School of Accountancy staff and faculty as well as the growth that we have seen,” said Porter. “I look forward to continuing to serve our students and help them bloom to their fullest potential.”