Wichita State University has appointed Brandy Willett as regional director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC), following the retirement of Marcia Stevens.

Stevens led the SBDC at WSU for more than 20 years and leaves a legacy of a solid and thriving program.

As the new regional director, Willett is dedicated to individualized service of small Kansas businesses and plans to grow SBDC’s influence and partnerships in the region. A graduate of Wichita State’s Elliott School of Communication, Willett has championed Kansas small businesses since her arrival to Wichita in 2016.

Her experience spans the breadth of small business challenges and success. Willett is committed to promoting Wichita’s entrepreneurial spirit and volunteers with many related organizations - including 1 Million Cups, a weekly forum showcasing local startups, and Designation Innovation, a youth empowerment nonprofit that includes youth entrepreneurship as one of its central concepts.

“We are deeply grateful to Marcia Stevens for her decades of dedicated service to Wichita State University via the Kansas Small Business Development Center,” said Shirley Lefever, WSU provost and executive vice president. “We are confident that under Brandy Willett’s leadership, the SBDC will continue to thrive.”

WSU also welcomes Rebecca Ignowski, business advisor at the SBDC, and greatly appreciates the continued contributions of Assistant Director Frank Choriego, 10 years with Kansas SBDC, and Karen Loyd, administrative specialist of 22 years.

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About the Kansas SBDC

Wichita State University hosts the Kansas Small Business Development Center, a state advising resource for the small business owner. Whether it’s an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get off the ground, SBDC provides clients with quality, professional, and personal care all in a confidential setting. The Kansas SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce. Learn more about the Kansas SBDC at WSU online at www.wichita.edu/ksbdc or call (316) 978-3193.

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About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including 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.

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