Thirty-six years after sitting in the crowd as a Wichita State graduate uncertain about what came next, Koch executive and Barton School alumnus Richard Dinkel returned to Charles Koch Arena with a message for the Class of 2026: uncertainty is not something to fear; It is where growth begins.
Dinkel, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Koch Inc., and chair of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board, served as the featured commencement speaker for the Barton School of Business and College of Engineering during Wichita State University’s 128th spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16. Addressing graduates, families, faculty and guests, Dinkel encouraged students to remain curious, embrace discomfort and pursue opportunities that challenge them as they enter an increasingly unpredictable world.
With more than 35 years of experience in finance and investing, Dinkel has helped lead one of the largest privately held companies in the United States through continued global growth and investment. Based in Wichita, Koch Inc. has annual revenues exceeding $125 billion and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. His address was part of the Barton School’s centennial celebration, marking 100 years of impact in business education and leadership.
“Richard’s remarkable career, commitment to servant leadership and deep connection to Wichita State made him an inspiring voice for our graduates during this milestone year,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “As we celebrate the Barton School’s centennial, his story reflects both the legacy that shaped our first 100 years and the future our graduates will create through leadership, resilience and innovation. We are deeply grateful for his message and proud to celebrate the accomplishments of all our Barton School graduates.”
Drawing from his own experience graduating from Wichita State, Dinkel acknowledged the uncertainty many graduates may feel entering a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, economic volatility and global challenges.
“What carries people forward is not certainty,” Dinkel told graduates. “It’s adaptability. Curiosity. Grit. And a willingness to learn and reinvent when the world changes, which it always does.”
Throughout his address, Dinkel emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, resilience and pursuing opportunities outside of one’s comfort zone. He shared personal stories from the beginning of his career, including moments of self-doubt and anxiety, encouraging graduates not to fear difficult seasons or setbacks.
“A hard day doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path,” Dinkel said during the ceremony. “Sometimes it just means you’re doing something that matters.”
Dinkel also encouraged graduates to measure success not by titles or accolades, but by the impact they have on others.
“Leadership isn’t about your title — it’s about helping others discover what they’re capable of,” he said.
Dinkel serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Koch Inc., where he oversees the company’s finance functions including accounting, tax, treasury, risk and technology, in addition to Koch Investment Management and Koch Logistics. He also serves on the board of directors for Koch Inc., Guardian Industries, Georgia-Pacific, INVISTA, Molex and Infor.
In addition to his professional leadership, Dinkel remains deeply engaged in the Wichita community and Wichita State University. He currently serves as chair of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board after previously serving as chair-elect and member at-large. He also serves on the boards of JDRF of Missouri and Kansas, WSU Tech and Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Dinkel attended both Wichita State University and the University of Kansas, earning bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. His return as both an alumnus and global business leader reflects the school’s enduring legacy and its continued role in shaping the future of business, an embodiment of what the Barton School has built over 100 years and where it is headed next.
The Barton School congratulates all Spring 2026 graduates and celebrates the achievements, resilience and future impact of the Class of 2026. Learn more about the Barton School of Business, its centennial celebration and its commitment to preparing future business leaders at www.wichita.edu/business.