Author: James Schisler

The Barton School of Business 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.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bekah to the Barton School of Business,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Her extensive background in economic research and her proven leadership skills make her an ideal choice to drive the Center for Economic Development and Business Research forward. Her expertise and vision will benefit our stakeholders immensely, furthering the Center’s mission to deliver vital economic insights for the region and beyond.”

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

“As a Brazilian-Italian woman who has dedicated my life to the arts, I believe in the values and mission of the Widener Global Leaders Program,” said Zavataro. “By providing these women with an opportunity to engage with others inside and outside of their community, they can grow personally and professionally more than they ever thought possible.”

The Barton School of Business 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 Feb. 21, 2026, which will coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the Barton School.

Meet the inductees:

• Paul Allen
  Paul Allen has served as chief executive of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. (AGH) since 1987. He was the managing partner of a national accounting firm’s Wichita office until AGH’s founding members created an independently owned firm to more effectively serve closely held, entrepreneurial companies and public-sector entities in the central U.S.
• Dan Carney
  Dan Carney co-founded Pizza Hut with his brother Frank Carney in 1958. He is a WSU alumnus having earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1953 and Master of Business Administration in 2004. His commitment to Wichita State over the past 70 years is extensive, and includes serving as chair and member of both the WSU Foundation Board of Directors and the WSU Board of Trustees.
• Steve Feilmeier
  Steve Feilmeier is a retired executive with a notable career at Koch Industries, where he served as executive vice president, CFO and president of Koch Investment Group. As CFO from 2003 to 2021, Steve played a role in steering the company’s financial strategy and growth. He previously held the position of vice president of tax, accounting and finance, and began his tenure with Koch Industries in 1997 as controller for Koch Chemical Group.

“What an extraordinary trio of inductees,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Each of them has made a profound impact on both the Barton School and their respective industries. Congratulations to Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening our communities. I eagerly look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion.”

Mark your calendars now: At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, Byron Knight — president of Koch Disruptive Technologies — will serve as a distinguished keynote speaker as part of the prestigious James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series. In a fireside chat with Tom Gentile, CEO of Hexcel Corporation, Byron will present “Harnessing Disruption: Pioneering the Future of Innovation and Growth in the Business World.”

Join the keynote at 9:30 a.m. in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. Doors open at 9 a.m. Stick around after the keynote for networking and reception in the Woolsey Hall Atrium. This is free and open to the public — share with your students, colleagues and networks. RSVP now to secure your spot.

Woolsey Hall, home of the Barton School of Business, 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.

“We are honored to have Rick volunteer his time to re-envision the Woolsey Hall landscape,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His extensive background in agronomy and his love for the university makes him the perfect person to help elevate Woolsey Hall as a marquee location on campus and in the region. His hard work and collaboration with the WSU Facilities team has already made a massive impact on our home.”

The Barton School of Business 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 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. The event is open to the public and will include a networking opportunity for attendees afterward.

“Under Byron Knight’s visionary leadership, Koch Disruptive Technologies is at the forefront of investing in groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping industries globally,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “Hearing Byron share his insights on current investments and future industry trends will provide invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in business and the evolving landscape of innovation.”

Two 2023 graduates of the Barton School of Business at Wichita State, Jacob O’Connor and Jon Peterson, are opening Another Broken Egg Café, an upscale brunch restaurant, Sept. 30 near K-96 and Oliver. The two first met in high school and had other business ventures together in college, and they did extensive research and vetting before choosing to franchise Another Broken Egg Café.

“Through Jon’s and my time at WSU, we built an invaluable network of successful entrepreneurs who we’re grateful to call mentors,” said O’Connor, who was a Jabara Scholar recipient and named Entrepreneur of the Year while at WSU. “We almost exclusively met these connections in person at local restaurants. We hope for our cafe to be a regular meeting ground for WSU students to have those same meetings with their future mentors.”

They will host a special VIP opening on Sept. 28 where 100% of sales will go to their charity partner, The Shocker Support Locker.

Chris Wright — founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Liberty Energy and the fall 2024 entrepreneur-in-residence at the Barton School of Business — will provide a keynote presentation, “Empowering Global Communities: The Transformative Role of Energy in Bettering Human Lives,” as part of the James Schwartz Lecture Series.

The keynote event is at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium.

Doors open at 3 p.m. Following the presentation, a book signing and reception will be held in the Woolsey Hall Atirum. All are welcome to attend the event at no additional charge.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce that accomplished entrepreneur Chris Wright will serve as its Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the fall 2024 semester. Wright, the founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT), based in Denver, Colorado, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role.

Liberty Energy, founded in 2011, is a leading North American energy services firm renowned for its innovative completion services and technologies for onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Liberty Energy boasts a market capitalization of $3.33 billion and employs 5,500 individuals.

A self-described tech enthusiast turned entrepreneur, Chris Wright is committed to enhancing human lives by expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy. He holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and has completed graduate work in Electrical Engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT.

The Barton School of Business has named Christopher Stone as the new chair of the Management Department. Dr. Stone, a faculty member since 2018, has served as an associate clinical professor of management at the Barton School. He succeeds Gery Markova, who has served as chair since 2021 and has been instrumental in leading the department and initiating new programs, among other achievements.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our Management Department,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His distinguished record as an educator, researcher and mentor will be invaluable as we build on the department’s strong foundation. I am excited to see how Chris will drive the department forward, fostering innovation and excellence while supporting our students and faculty.”

As chair, Chris will foster a collaborative environment within the department, ensure a safe and thriving atmosphere for students, faculty and staff, and focus on faculty development. He will also work to align programs with industry standards, increase student enrollments across all programs housed in the department and provide a top-notch student experience through curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.