Mehmet Barut
Chair, Associate Professor, and Director of Supply Chain Graduate Programs
Finance Real Estate and Decision Science Barton School of Business
It is a pleasure to celebrate my colleague and friend, Dr. Mehmet Barut, as he is recognized for twenty-five years of dedicated service to Wichita State University. Throughout his career, Mehmet has exemplified strategic leadership, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to elevating both people and programs across the Barton School of Business and the University.
Mehmet’s WSU journey began in 2000, and over the next quarter century he rose through the academic ranks to Professor, taking on roles that shaped programs, people, and strategy across the university. Today, he serves as Chair of the Department of Finance, Real Estate, and Decision Sciences (FREDS) and as Director for Graduate Programs in Supply Chain Management—positions that reflect the trust our campus places in his vision and stewardship.
Mehmet’s university service is both vast and consequential. He led the Faculty Senate as President in 2014–2015, guided numerous committees and task forces, and continues to advise through the Past Presidents Council—steady leadership that has advanced governance and faculty success.
Within the Barton School, he has poured his energy into strategic planning, graduate curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and student support—quietly doing the work that builds strong academic programs. Perhaps his most visible legacy is the founding of the Master’s of Science in Supply Chain Management, a program he proposed and launched in 2018. As its director, he has significantly grown enrollment, built strong bridges between academia and industry, and aligned the curriculum with the needs of employers—advancing Wichita State’s applied learning mission.
Mehmet also helped design and lead the Cargill Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, expanding WSU’s reach to working professionals and deepening the university’s partnership with one of the region’s most impactful employers. That initiative opened doors for learners while showcasing the Barton School’s ability to co-create talent pipelines with industry. His external engagement extends beyond Cargill to collaborations with ISM-Wichita, WSU Tech, and other community and professional organizations that expand opportunities for students and strengthen industry connections.
As a scholar, Mehmet has published 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered more than 40 conference presentations, and secured over $150,000 in internal and external grants to support his research and teaching. His studies in operations and supply chain management have advanced both theory and practice, earning him recognition as the Barton School Researcher of the Year in 2020.
As department chair, Mehmet’s leadership is marked by integrity, inclusion, and an ability to elevate every conversation. Colleagues know him as a thoughtful listener who introduces new ideas and better ways to achieve shared goals. His talent for uniting people around purpose has strengthened programs, partnerships, and morale across the Barton School and the university community.
Across teaching, research, and service, Mehmet’s through-line is simple and profound: he builds programs that help people thrive. He models the best of what it means to be a Shocker—curious, collaborative, and deeply committed to excellence and the common good.
Chris Broberg
Associate Dean, Faculty & Research
Interim Director, Center for Entrepreneurship
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship