Barton School of Business

🎙️ No slides. No script. Just an honest conversation about what it takes to build, lead and succeed.

As part of the Barton School of Business Centennial celebration, in collaboration with the James Schwartz speaker series, we’re launching a new immersive experience connecting students and our community directly with accomplished business leaders.

Join Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bill Poston and Barton alumnus Jacob O’Connor, host of the Built for More podcast, for “Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success.”

Hear the stories behind Bill’s three decades of entrepreneurship and leadership, including the successes, setbacks and decisions that shaped his career. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to ask their own questions during a live “Ask Me Anything” (AMA).

📅 Wednesday, September 2
⏰ Doors open at 9 a.m.
📍 Woolsey Hall, Boettger Auditorium

🎟️ Reserve your seat at the link in our bio!

The Barton School of Business's Centennial Year isn’t just about celebrating the past: it’s about creating new opportunities for our students.

That’s why we’re excited to welcome Bill Poston as our new Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Throughout his residency, he’ll share his experience as an entrepreneur, investor and business leader with the next generation of Shockers.

Learn more about Bill’s background and what his residency means for the Barton School community: https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/barton_news/08-05-26-bill-poston-entrepreneur-in-residence.php

Wichita State University Larisa Genin

🎉 Wichita, it's time to celebrate! Calling all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to join us for the Barton School of Business Centennial Bash.

Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 26 for the Barton School Centennial Bash, a full day of fun, connection, and celebration at Woolsey Hall.

✨ Enjoy:
🍦 The Barton School Sugar Rush
🏛️ Our Centennial Museum
🧘 Morning Wellness activities
📚 A meet-and-greet with WSU President Rick Muma
🥤 The Career Connection Root Beer Kegger
🏃 A Community 5K/Fun Run & Walk to close out the day

Whether you stop by for one event or spend the entire day with us, we'd love to celebrate this milestone with you.

📅 Wednesday, Aug. 26
📍 Woolsey Hall | Wichita State University

RSVP here:
https://tally.so/r/RG1PkK

Join us for the 2026 Spero Kickoff on Friday, Aug. 21, as we welcome our newest participants and bring together the employers, alumni, facilitators, advisory board members, and community partners who make Spero possible.

This annual gathering celebrates a growing network committed to expanding career opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating pathways to long-term economic mobility.

📅 Friday, Aug. 21 | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Woolsey Hall, Wichita State University

Reservations are required. We look forward to celebrating the start of another impactful year together!
Spero to Bring Students and Community Partners Together for 2026 Kickoff

For more information visit:
https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/barton_news/07-28-26-spero-kickoff-2026.php

Twelve Barton School students recently traveled to Barcelona, Spain, where they explored entrepreneurship through a global lens during a two-week study abroad program at Geneva Business School.

From collaborating with students from across the U.S. and Europe to meeting executives from Nestlé and Alstom, participants gained firsthand experience in international business, social entrepreneurship, and the power of innovation to address real-world challenges.

Experiences like these prepare Barton students to lead with a global perspective, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to creating meaningful impact.

📖 Read the full story to learn more about the Barcelona study abroad experience.
https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/barton_news/07-27-26-study-abroad-barcelona.php

Hope grows when opportunity is backed by action.

Steve and Regine Feilmeier have committed $500,000 to support Spero, helping expand access to career readiness, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility for individuals across Wichita.

As a Spero co-founder and Barton School of Business Dean's Advisory Board member, Steve has helped shape the program's vision from the beginning. We could not be more thankful for this five-year investment, which will strengthen Spero's ability to connect participants with practical skills, meaningful relationships, and pathways to employment and business ownership.

📖 Read the full story below to learn how this investment will help shape the future of our community.
https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/barton_news/07-24-26-spero-gift-steve-feilmeier.php