The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce the addition of Brad Elliott to its Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board.

Elliott is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Equity Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Wichita based Equity Bank.

“Brad has built a thriving and robust financial institution and possesses extensive expertise in strategic planning,” said Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “His dedication to both our community and its growth will help propel the Barton School to new heights.”

As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Elliott joins other distinguished industry leaders from around the world who work to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School.

Under Elliott’s 20 years of leadership, Equity Bank has grown to $5.4 billion in total assets with more than 70 locations across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He has strategically expanded the company through capital raises and bank mergers, and in 2015, he led the business through its initial public offering (IPO). In 2023, he moved Equity’s common stock from the Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). That same year, Elliott was named a ‘Top 10 CEO Redefining Business’ by CIO Views magazine. Elliott was also honored in the Wichita Business Journal’s “Power 50” in 2024.

Before founding Equity Bancshares, Elliott served as a director of marketing at Koch Industries, Inc., and regional president at Sunflower Bank. He also held various positions at Home State Bank and Trust. Elliott earned a Bachelor of Science in finance and management from McPherson College and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

“I’m passionate about teamwork, strategic planning, and community involvement,” said Elliott. “Joining the Dean’s Advisory Board is the perfect opportunity to combine those passions while supporting the next generation of business and financial leaders.”

In addition to his role on the Dean’s Advisory Board, Elliott also serves on the Spero Advisory Board at the Barton School of Business. SPERO is an organization dedicated to unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens.

Elliott is deeply involved in the community and banking industry, having served on the board of directors for the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wichita State University Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization, the PCS Advisory Board, Via Christi Health, and the Kansas Bankers Association. He is a Board member for Boys Scouts of America – Quivira Council.  Is currently serving as Chairman of Pentegra’s DCP Board in White Plains, NY. 

The Dean’s Advisory Board, composed of leading industry executives and business leaders from around the world, works to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School, contributing to its goal of becoming one of the best business schools globally.