The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has partnered with WSU Tech to create a pathway program for WSU Tech students committed to continuing their education with a business degree. The Barton School and WSU Tech have also collectively committed to $35,000 in scholarships for students participating in this program.

“This historic partnership will have a lasting impact on students and the workforce in the region,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “The synergies we’re creating with WSU Tech will be transformative for these students. We hope this new pathway for career success will empower people who would have previously thought it not possible.”

This pathway will begin in fall 2021 and will be available to current and prospective WSU Tech students.

It will serve as a coordinated “2+2” program, where students will receive an associate’s degree in applied science at WSU Tech during their first two years and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Barton School the following two years.

Five certificates will also be available for students based on the coursework they complete. The certificates include visionary leadership; global business; entrepreneurship and innovation; human resource management; and remote workforce management.

Students will receive an integrated experience with the Barton School while completing their education at WSU Tech. The Barton School will provide career and professional development workshops, exposure to Barton School student clubs and organizations, and invitations to special events and presentations to all in the program.

“This partnership improves applied learning opportunities, sharing of resources for student success and, together, we academically prepare students for the next steps for seamless transfer to be successful in their educational endeavors,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “WSU Tech wants to be a national model for supporting transfer students and the credits they have earned so students do not fall through the cracks. Any time we can lead together to initiatives that promote a greater public good, especially with students, then we have done our job well.”

The Barton School and WSU Tech will award joint scholarships totaling $35,000 over the next two years. Five students will be given $3,500 per year for the next two years as they pursue their degree with the Barton School. Along with the financial and career benefits for the students, this partnership should also have a positive impact on the community.

“The effect this partnership will have on Wichita and our region is quite exciting,” said WSU President Dr. Rick Muma. “By connecting technical students with the world-class education provided at the Barton School, we’re going to see a development in the talent, workforce and economy.”

Enrollment for this program and applications for the joint scholarships are now open. To be eligible for the joint scholarship for fall 2021, students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA, be a full-time WSU Tech student and show a financial need.

Students will apply for the scholarship during their last semester at WSU Tech and the scholarship will be awarded for the first semester at WSU.

“We hope the students are as excited about this as we all are,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim executive vice president and provost at WSU. “This partnership is the first of its kind for the university. Thanks for the innovative thinking by the Barton School and WSU Tech, students will have the opportunity to become more work ready and have meaningful personal and professional lives.”

Learn more about this partnership

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About Wichita State University

Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.

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About WSU Tech

WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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About the W. Frank Barton School of Business

The Barton School of Business has been the undergraduate and graduate college at Wichita State University since its founding in 1926. Located in Kansas’ business hub, the college continues to transform with extensive applied learning opportunities and majors for students. The Barton School currently offers more undergraduate business majors than any other institution in Kansas. It also holds a double AACSB accreditation for business and accounting, which puts it in the top 1% of business schools worldwide.