The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Tina Khan as the new Executive Director of the college’s Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD). Khan most recently served as a faculty member at the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) and is also the founder and CEO of Launch, LLC.
“Creating spaces where young adults are seen and belong are core values connected to my purpose,” said Khan. “There’s a great opportunity to influence and partner with college students in their lives beyond the degree. Working alongside students as they think about their careers and next steps is what drew me to this position.”
At KLC, Khan was a member of both the core pathway and field teams, delivering leadership development programs across three communities. Through Launch, she leads strategic initiatives for organizations, including multiple county nonprofits involved in rural food systems. Her extensive civic engagement includes founding the Kansas chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association for youth cyclists, overseeing higher education accreditation efforts with the Kansas State Department of Education and Kansas Board of Regents, and spending 14 years in K–12 classrooms teaching dual/bilingual education.
Khan holds two master’s degrees from Emporia State University: one in Educational Administration and School Leadership and another in American History.
“Tina is a committed leader with a deep passion for creating meaningful opportunities for students of all ages,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “She is an ideal choice to lead and enhance the immersive, innovative programming offered by OCPD. I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to equip our students for personal and professional success.”
The Office of Career and Professional Development was established in 2022 through a generous gift from Meritrust Credit Union—our premier sponsor—along with support from numerous other corporate partners. The office connects Barton School academic programs with students’ personal and professional goals by preparing both undergraduate and graduate students to secure meaningful internships and employment in their chosen fields.
OCPD’s robust programming includes Professional Edge, Executive-in-Residence, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, the Distinguished Speaker Series, the Forvis Mazars Accounting Success Academy, job fairs, résumé development, interview practicums, company visits, mentoring opportunities, and more.
For more information about the Barton School, visit wichita.edu/academics/business/.