Barton School News - All Stories

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas.  Valued at $50,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for business.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has officially merged its Departments of Marketing and Economics into a single, unified academic unit: the Department of Marketing and Economics. This strategic alignment, approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, is effective immediately and reflects the Barton School’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, academic collaboration, and operational efficiency.

As the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University celebrates its 100^th year of transforming lives through business education, an anonymous $1 million gift from a 1958 alumnus stands as a powerful reflection of the generosity and belief that has shaped the school since its founding. The donation honors the school's legacy while expanding opportunity for students with financial need.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced the appointment of Nikki Beyrle as its new Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and Chair of the Hospitality Advisory Board – marking a bold new chapter in redefining hospitality education in Kansas and beyond. Beyrle will lead the program’s transformation into a nationally and globally recognized model of excellence. A group of prominent industry executives joining the Advisory Board will be announced soon.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University proudly unveiled its newest Envision Arts Program exhibition in Woolsey Hall — featuring the youngest artists ever to have their work displayed in the building. Three talented children from the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) now have their art showcased on the third floor of the Barton School.

This past summer, 14 students from the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University took experiential learning to new heights through the Global Entrepreneurship Experience, an immersive three-week study abroad program set in the picturesque South of France.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced the newest members of its 25 Under 25 class, an annual recognition program honoring exceptional Barton School students who are making a difference through academic excellence, leadership and community involvement.

The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP)— recognized by the Wichita Business Journal with its Innovation Award—celebrated the launch of its fifth cohort during a dynamic welcome event at Wichita State University. The new class features 12 exceptional students representing the W. Frank Barton School of Business, the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Fine Arts.

A team of five undergraduate students from the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University earned finalist recognition at the Cornhusker Business Case Competition, a prestigious national event hosted by the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.