College of Fine Arts News - All Stories

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce that Aaron Bastian, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board. As our newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening, enriching, and elevating the student experience.

March 6, 2026 — Wichita Southeast High School graduate Ronal Bhagat returned to his alma mater on March 6 with a surprise — and a $50,000 investment in a student’s future. Southeast senior Natalia Malcolm learned in front of her classmates that she will receive the four-year scholarship to attend Wichita State University beginning this fall.

Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed 2026 as Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business Centennial year in the State of Kansas, recognizing the school’s 100 years of excellence in business education, leadership development and service to the Wichita community and beyond.

March 3, 2026 — Wichita State University student Lauren Hughes has been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

March 2, 2026 — Since 1926, education has been at the core of the college now known as the College of Applied Studies. As the College of Applied Studies at Wichita State marks its centennial, it is honoring its origins by returning to its original name: the College of Education.

March 2, 2026 — The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization is being recognized as a Mental Health Advocate for its integral part in helping the Student Wellness Center and Counseling and Psychological Services launch Suspenders4Hope, leading to communities both in and outside of Wichita State having the tools necessary to support those in need.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University officially launched its 100th anniversary celebration Saturday, Feb. 21, with a sold-out “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala that raised more than $1 million to support student success.

When Barton School of Business students Michael Goldberg and Samuel Doell saw how quickly artificial intelligence was reshaping industries, they did not wait for the curriculum to catch up. In true Shocker fashion, they built a solution themselves.

Feb. 19, 2026 — Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has named the latest group of high school seniors to join the Wallace Scholar program.