Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, after five years with the College of Innovation and Design (CID), is reintegrating with the Barton School of Business. This move aims to enhance alignment with Wichita State’s initiatives in bolstering entrepreneurship programs, providing immersive student experiences, engaging with the entrepreneurial community, and meeting the needs of aspiring and current entrepreneurs.

"The Center for Entrepreneurship transitioning to the Barton School of Business is a strategic move that aligns with our shared vision of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across Wichita State University. As CID focuses on deepening its strength in managing and developing emerging technologies, we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the Barton School to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders," said  Dr. Jeremy Patterson, dean of the College of Innovation and Design.

The Center for Entrepreneurship will continue striving for excellence by integrating its programming and mission into the entrepreneurial academic and research pursuits of the Barton School and across the WSU campus. Integration with the Barton School has the potential to enhance its position as a premier entrepreneurial center and will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration with other colleges on campus, including the College of Innovation and Design. The center will continue its pivotal support of students and founders in the early startup phase of their ventures, while building on the continued development of the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"Our aim is to foster a dynamic ecosystem where ideas bloom and connections flourish. Through deepening our involvement with the entrepreneurial and business community, we are not just nurturing a promising future for our students and esteemed faculty, but also enriching the economic prosperity of our region and beyond," stated Basil Hourani, a distinguished member of the Barton School Dean’s "Fabulous 50" Advisory Board, serving as chair of the Entrepreneurship Taskforce and recently engaged as the Barton School’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Hourani is co-founder and executive partner at Capital7. 

"We are grateful to the College of Innovation and Design for their stewardship of the center for the last five years," said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. "As we look to the future, we are enthusiastic about enhancing our collaboration not only with this college, but also with others across Wichita State University. Together, our unified commitment is to elevate the Center for Entrepreneurship to unparalleled heights of excellence and recognition. Our aspiration is to transform it into a vibrant, interdisciplinary global hub that not only offers extensive opportunities but also cultivates invaluable insights for the advancement and prosperity of our community. This initiative will provide exceptional immersive experiences for our students, faculty and other vital stakeholders, establishing new benchmarks for innovation and engagement."

"WSU was one of the first universities to offer academic opportunities in entrepreneurship," said Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University. "The Center for Entrepreneurship has made a significant impact on businesses across the country and will continue to provide meaningful, tangible and immersive experiences."

The center was founded in 1977 by Fran Jabara, a professor, former dean of the Barton School and an inaugural member of the Barton School’s "Beyond" 2024 Hall of Fame. With his own funds and university support, he created the center’s first program, a workshop titled "Entrepreneurship: Your Future in Business." The center was the first of its kind on a college campus and has been internationally recognized as one of the finest, most comprehensive programs in the nation.

Learn more about the Center for Entrepreneurship

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 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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The W. Frank Barton School of Business is a hub for real and applied learning, where students apply knowledge gained from faculty and business leaders while developing both professional and life skills. Recognized among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, the Barton School holds double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. Housed in the award-winning Woolsey Hall, it stands as a cornerstone for challenging, yet supportive, educational opportunities. Woolsey Hall boasts remarkable artwork, sculptures, gardens, and The Promise Bridge – a 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the water in front of the building.

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The College of Innovation and Design offers the educational experience you've been hoping for, with a focus on experiential learning within an interdisciplinary cohort of motivated innovators, strategic thinkers, and product developers. Courses emphasize a human-centered approach to critical thinking and complex problem solving in a collaborative environment, frequently involving industry partners. Students develop professional, digital, innovation, and leadership skills, and can enhance their degrees with a minor in sustainability or industry in-demand certifications in design thinking, leadership, Scrum, and UX management.