A new pledge of $5 million has lifted to $26.7 million the amount committed so far from private donors to build a new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University.

The pledge, from an individual who wishes to remain anonymous, pushes the WSU Foundation past its goal to raise at least half of the projected $50 million cost of the new facility from private sources. With its campus and community partners, the Foundation will continue to raise funds for the project to help reduce the university resources needed for it, said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO.

“This donor recognizes the value of Wichita State having a top-tier business school and a learning environment conducive to preparing tomorrow's business leaders,” King said. “We are deeply grateful for this donor's trust and confidence in WSU and our future.”

A new home for the Barton School is the top priority of the WSU Foundation's Shock the World Campaign for Wichita State. To be located on the Innovation Campus, the complex will replace Clinton Hall, built in 1970 to house WSU's business school. It will be designed to drive the kind of applied learning experiences that will enable students to be career-ready upon graduation.

Earlier this year, Wayne and Kay Woolsey of Wichita made a lead gift of $10 million to the project. In recognition of their philanthropy, the building will be named Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall. 

“Donors such as these individuals are providing the resources Wichita State must have to give our graduates the competitive edge that will make them more successful,” said WSU President John Bardo. “We invite all Barton School graduates, as well as business leaders, to be a part of this important project.”

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The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good. Wichita State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly 15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and 12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. Wichita State's Innovation Campus is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.