When Nikki Beyrle stepped into her role at the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, the focus was clear: create a hospitality program that reflects how the industry actually operates.
As Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and chair of the Hospitality Advisory Board, Beyrle is working to connect students with the people, pace and expectations of the profession. She also serves as chief human resources officer at LDF Companies, where she leads with a hospitality mindset, treating people like valued guests and ensuring that performance thrives through engagement, innovation, and care.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people, experience and impact,” said Beyrle. “We have an opportunity to build something that prepares students not just to enter the industry, but to lead within it.”
Beyrle brings more than two decades of experience across global hospitality brands, including leadership roles with Starwood, Marriott and Hyatt. Her career has focused on operations, culture and human capital, with an emphasis on building high-performing teams and service-driven organizations.
At Wichita State, that experience is shaping a program designed to connect students directly with industry. Her work includes expanding internships, strengthening employer partnerships and building a national advisory board of hospitality leaders.
“Nikki brings both vision and execution to this role,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “She understands what the industry needs and how to translate that into meaningful opportunities for our students.”
For Beyrle, those connections are what set the program apart. In addition to her industry leadership, Beyrle is actively engaged in teaching, working with students in both the Executive MBA and hospitality programs.
“When students engage directly with industry leaders, it changes how they see their future,” she said. “That is where opportunity begins.”
Her leadership is central to the program’s long-term vision, including expanding enrollment, enhancing applied learning and strengthening connections to industry at both the regional and national level. To learn more about the Hospitality Program or explore opportunities to get involved, visit https://www.wichita.edu/hospitality.