Call for hall of fame 2028 inductees

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is accepting nominations for its 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame class. The Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates industry executives, business leaders, alumni and supporters whose leadership, achievements and contributions have made a lasting impact on the Barton School, Wichita State University and the broader community.

Tanner Gegen, Director of Finance and Administration at the Barton School of Business

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Tanner Gegen as its Director of Finance, HR, & Administration. Gegen, a two-time Wichita State graduate with more than nine years of experience in finance, operations and facilities management. In this role, Gegen will oversee key financial and administrative operations for the Barton School, supporting the school’s budgeting, financial planning and operational needs.

Barton School Welcomes Leadership Expert and Author Margaret Andrews as Distinguished Speaker

Before Margaret joins us at the Barton School of Business on October 27, we wanted to introduce you to the person behind the keynote. Her career has taken her from the business world to leadership roles at some of the world’s best-known academic institutions, and into classrooms and organizations around the globe.

hawn and Shawna Lancelot, Co-Chairs of 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has named Shawn and Shawna Lancelot co-chairs of its 2028 “Beyond” Hall of Fame celebration. The Lancelots will help lead preparations for the Barton School’s third Hall of Fame gala, which recognizes individuals whose leadership, achievements and contributions have made a lasting impact on the Barton School, Wichita State University and the broader community.

Kevin Kelly

Oct. 7, 2026 — What began as a student job at Wichita State's Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel has grown into a 20-year career fueled by curiosity. Now a research manager at NIAR, Kevin Kelly has played a key role in the facility's evolution while mentoring others and continuing to ask the question that drives every engineer: "Why?"

Wichita State University campus

Oct. 1, 2026 - Wichita State University is taking part in the statewide free college application period — Apply Free Days — Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 9. During this period, any Kansas resident who applies for degree-bound undergraduate admission to Wichita State can do so without paying the application fee.

A teacher works with three students in a classroom setting.

Oct. 1, 2026 — The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has named Wichita State University as a finalist for its 14th annual Innovation & Economic Prosperity Awards. The awards recognize innovative projects or programs in economic engagement.

A yellow and white chart shows that Wichita State and WSU Tech have a combined enrollment of 24,640 students for fall 2026.

Sept. 30, 2026 — Driven by the largest freshman class in university history, combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2026 is 24,640, according to annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Memorial '70 gathering

Sept. 29, 2026 - The annual remembrance at Memorial ’70 will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the memorial sculpture at the university entrance at Memorial Drive and Hillside. The ceremony will honor the 31 people - WSU football players, administrators, supporters and flight crew - who died in the crash in Colorado on Oct. 2, 1970.

John Tomblin

Sept. 24, 2026 — The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has elected Dr. John Tomblin to the grade of Associate Fellow, class of 2027, recognizing his exceptional leadership and global technical excellence in aerospace engineering. Tomblin is executive vice president for research and Industry and Defense Programs at Wichita State University and executive director of the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).