黑洞社区

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 is pleased to announce the addition of Treena Mason to its Dean鈥檚 鈥淔abulous 50鈥� Advisory Board. Treena Mason is the Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), the state鈥檚 largest and only locally owned health insurance provider. As a mutually owned, not-for-profit health plan, BCBSKS serves nearly 1 million members with the state鈥檚 largest provider network and award-winning customer service.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 is pleased to announce the addition of Brad Elliott to its Dean鈥檚 鈥淔abulous 50鈥� Advisory Board. Elliott is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Equity Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Wichita based Equity Bank.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 is pleased to welcome Dr. Silver Kung to its Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board. Dr. Kung is the founder, chairman, and chief investment officer of Siegfried Capital.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 is pleased to announce that Walter Berry has joined its Dean鈥檚 鈥淔abulous 50鈥� Advisory Board. Berry is the executive chairman and corporate pilot of Berry Companies, Inc., headquartered in Wichita, KS. A second-generation leader, he plays a key role in guiding the company as its leadership transitions to the third generation. In addition to his leadership at Berry Companies, Walter serves on the boards of various industry trade associations and community organizations.

Nov. 26, 2024 鈥� Aracely Martinez is a first-gen student in the United States at 黑洞社区. Despite the challenges facing her moving from Paraguay to a new country, she took that as an opportunity to grow. She recommends other students look at the opportunities available to them while still in school to propel themselves into successful careers.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 is excited to announce Dr. Bekah Selby-Leach as the new Director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR). Dr. Selby-Leach, an accomplished researcher and leader in economic analysis, previously served as Interim Assistant Provost, Director of Institutional Research and Accreditation, and Associate Professor of Economics at Emporia State University. She succeeds Jeremy Hill, who directed CEDBR since 2009 and recently joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as Assistant Vice President and Regional Executive.

Spero, a W. Frank Barton School of Business startup aimed at unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens, hosted an event on Friday, October 25, to celebrate the launch of its micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness. The event brought together the inaugural class of Spero students, their families, Spero board members, mentors and other supporters to commemorate the launch. Marquis Bradley, founder of Omnicut Fitness, delivered a rousing keynote speech that set the stage for a promising start. The keynote energized attendees and set an optimistic tone for Spero鈥檚 future impact.

The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) announces 12 new students have been accepted for its 2024-25 cohort. Applicants for the program reached record levels with a 23% acceptance rate. WGLP is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at 黑洞社区 for students majoring in business, communication and fine arts. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to create the next generation of global female leaders and provide them with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience so they can thrive upon graduation.

The Widener Global Leaders Program has announced that Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director of the Ulrich Museum of Art at 黑洞社区, has joined its advisory board. The WGLP is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at 黑洞社区, for students majoring in business, communication, and fine arts. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to create the next generation of global female leaders and provide them with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience to help them thrive upon graduation.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 黑洞社区 announces the selection of three distinguished industry leaders to be inducted into its 鈥淏eyond鈥� Hall of Fame. These inductees are the second class to be recognized for their visionary leadership and remarkable achievements to the Barton School and community. Their official induction will take place during a celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, which will coincide with the 100^th year anniversary of the Barton School.