WSU News

April 29, 2025 — Ashlyn Riggs came to Wichita State University thanks to its proximity to home and she already had a connection to campus through her mother, who is an active employee. While at WSU, she had the opportunity to work at the Child Development Center as a lead sub teacher — all while getting her degree in education.

April 22, 2025 — Lindsey Mendenhall was able to get more than just an education at Wichita State. Through the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), she got to work in her field while getting her degree and has a job lined up with the NIAR Advanced Materials Lab. Beyond the classroom, Lindsey found that the lessons she learned from teaching her dogs set her up for success in her academic and professional lives.

April 23, 2025 — Tayana Martin, a junior majoring in sport and leadership studies with a minor in sign language, is gaining hands-on experience as an operations specialist with Ennovar at Wichita State. A lifelong Wichitan, Tayana supports student hiring and corporate partnerships while building skills that will serve her well after graduation.

March 12, 2025 — The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced the two recipients of the 2025 Professor Fran Jabara Endowed Scholarship. This year’s winners are Wyatt Ochs, a homeschool student from Wichita, and Jennifer C. Sanchez-Reyes from Derby High School in Derby, Kansas. They will each receive more than $32,700 spread over four years to attend WSU and major or double-major in entrepreneurship.

March 3, 2025 — Five undergraduate students from Wichita State were among the 26 students recognized at the 23rd annual Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Symposium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Mark Esposito has been selected as the keynote speaker for the Spring 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series and J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, hosted by the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. Renowned for his expertise at the intersection of technology and economics, Dr. Esposito is an internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Feb. 13, 2025 — Grace Naylor, senior at Prairie View High School, is the winner of the 2025 Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship at Wichita State University.

We are deeply heartbroken to share with our community and friends that Kiah Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C.

Erin Cummings, serial entrepreneur, author, and angel investor, has announced the launch of Armine + Ambrose—a semi-fine jewelry brand reflecting resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. Named after the middle names of her children, the brand celebrates storytelling through wearable symbols of courage and intention.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Yvette Connor has joined its Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board. Connor is a principal and risk advisory practice leader at CohnReznick, a global advisory, assurance, and tax firm with 4,300 team members.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce its first ever “25 Under 25” class. This award honors current undergraduate students who are making waves at the Barton School, Wichita State, and in their communities. This inaugural class will receive exclusive mentorship opportunities through the Barton School and will be recognized at an event in Spring 2025.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Marty Cornejo has joined its Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board. Cornejo is co-owner of Cornejo Holdings, a diversified company with interests in operating businesses, warehouse developments, manufacturing, hotels, and luxury apartments. His extensive background in the family business, Cornejo & Sons Construction, includes serving as president until its acquisition in 2010.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce that Gary Oborny, founder, chairman, and CEO of Occidental Management, has joined its Dean’s Advisory Board.