The Fab 50: Dean's Advisory Board helping transform WSU's Barton School of Business

The new Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB) for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University reads like the “Who’s Who” of the business world.

“This is a very important, inspirational, distinguished and committed group of industry executives, business leaders and esteemed individuals,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “I feel very honored and privileged to work closely with such a fine team.”

The Dean’s Advisory Board serves to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School. By sharing ideas and making recommendations, each member helps the growth and development of the school and its commitment to excellence. Since Dr. Genin’s appointment in June 2019, DAB has expanded from 22 to 50 members. But its size isn’t the only change that’s been made.

“This is the most diverse board we’ve ever had,” Genin said. “Now we have more female executives and representatives of different ethnic groups. We’ve also diversified the industries of our advisors. There are now six board members from the Silicon Valley area, alumni from across the nation and visionaries with extensive experience in disruptive technology and other areas that will shape the future of business education.”

By providing the strategic direction for the school, the DAB in turn works to strengthen, enrich, and enhance the student experience. With the jobs of tomorrow rapidly changing, the board is there to ensure the Barton School continually realigns to help students succeed. Its involvement has already paid dividends with connections to job opportunities for Barton School students, the formation of the executive-in-residence and entrepreneur-in-residence programs, scholarships, and fundraising assistance to help complete construction on Woolsey Hall and the Promise Bridge.

“The Barton School has always been great, but it’s focus on innovation and education is helping it become one of the premier, innovative business schools,” said Clark Bastian, chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board and chairman of Fidelity Bank. “We’re confident that we can help the Barton School become one of those powerful engines propelling the economic development of Wichita, Kansas, and around the world.”

The board consists of an executive committee and three sub committees focused on academic programs, student success, faculty, marketing and outreach and membership. The full board meets three times per year, with committees collaborating more frequently to focus on their areas of expertise.

“A strong Barton School makes for a stronger university and community,” said Dr. Richard Muma, president of Wichita State University. “The board that Dean Genin has assembled is one the most engaged and forward-thinking groups of advisors. Their diversity of thought is unique and will help push us toward a brighter future.”

W. Frank Barton School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board:

1. Paul Allen, CEO of Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik, L.C.
2. Philip Anderson, president, CEO and director of H.M. Dunn Aerosystems
3. Craig Barton, president of Barton Companies
4. Barbara Bassi, philanthropist
5. Clark Bastian, chairman of Fidelity Bank
6. Susayn Brandes, CEO and president of Great Plains Ventures, Inc.
7. Dave Burger, principal and partner of KCoe Isom, LLP
8. Cindy Carnahan, president and CEO of Carnahan Group (ReeceNichols South Central Kansas)
9. Lynda Carrier-Metz, chief marketing officer of Restaurant Management Company
10. Wayne Chambers, retired president and CEO of High Touch Inc.
11. Lance Chastain, president and CEO of Trans-Tel Central
12. Mike Davis, vice president of Charles Schwab
13. Margaret Dechant, CEO, partner and founder of 6 Meridian
14. Ginger Farney, office managing partner at Ernst & Young LLP
15. Steven Feilmeier, executive vice president of Koch Investments, Koch Industries, Inc.
16. Alex Freedland, cofounder and board member of Mirantis
17. Patrick Goebel, president and COO of Star Lumber & Supply
18. Michael Golomb, founder and CEO of FanVestor
19. Misty High, president of Cargill Protein
20. Basil Hourani, cofounder and executive partner, Capital7.com
21. Roman Kaplun, founder and CEO of Zoolatech
22. Gail Knott, CFO of Ruffin Holdings Inc.
23. Shawn Lancelot, president of Bank of America Wichita
24. Bill Lappin (Board Vice Chair), retired partner of Deloitte LLP
25. Stephanie Luetters, philanthropist
26. Doug Maxwell, CFO of Mercer Advisors
27. Braden McCurdy, CEO of McCurdy Auction
28. Melody McCray-Miller, cofounder and CEO of Millers, Inc.
29. William Moore, retired president and CEO of Westar Energy
30. Caesar Naftzger, president and CEO of Riedl First Securities
31. James Nastars, president and CEO of Meritrust Credit Union
32. Karyn Page, vice president of innovation at Envision Inc.
33. Marilyn Pauly, retired vice chairman of Commerce Bank
34. Dan Peare, estate planning attorney for Hinkle Law Firm
35. Kevin Potucek, president of Kevin Potucek Innovation, LLC
36. Kenton Richards, regional supervisor at Information Providers, Inc.
37. John Rolfe, president and CEO of Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
38. Marc Rowland, founder and senior managing director of IOG Capital
39. Jay Smith, president of INTRUST Bank
40. Susan Smith, senior vice president of GLMV Architecture
41. Sean Spencer, vice president of IMA Wealth, Inc.
42. Susan Thomas, CEO of 10Fold
43. Maggie Topping, senior vice president of human resources and communications at Textron Aviation
44. Mark Torline, director of Firepoint
45. Ted Vlamis, president of Pioneer Worldwide
46. Damon Ward, vice president and corporate controller of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
47. Bob White, retired CEO of Garvey/White International
48. Peri Widener, CEO of GLoBIL Consulting Group
49. Song Woo, president and CEO of LMG
50. Michael Young, senior advisor at The Capstreet Group

Emeriti status:

1. Stephen Clark, president of Clark Investment Group
2. Mike Michaelis, chairman of Emprise Financial Corporation