The Barton School of Business is the home of real and applied learning. A place where
students apply knowledge gained from faculty and business leaders while developing
professional and life skills. The Barton School is among the top 1% of business schools
worldwide due to its double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. Housed
in the award-winning Woolsey Hall, the school features artwork, sculptures, gardens,
and The Promise Bridge—a 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the water in front of
the building.
The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional
high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the
most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas. Valued at $50,000,
the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic excellence,
leadership, and a passion for business.
The eight finalists emerged from a competitive pool of students who participated in
the Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik (AGH) Scholarship Competition, held on November 21, 2025.
This rigorous event tests candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking,
and problem-solving through a series of group exercises, presentations, and interviews.
Finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship are:
Luke Fouts, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (Goddard, KS) - Entrepreneurship
Gabriel Howland, Campus High School (Wichita, KS) - Entrepreneurship
Adeline Lank, Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School (Wichita, KS) - Entrepreneurship
Samantha Owens, Bluestem High School (Leon, KS) - Business Administration
Alyssa Pace, Belle Plaine Senior High School (Belle Plaine, KS) - Marketing
Gabriel Shaffer, Valley Center High School (Valley Center, KS) - Business-Undecided
Nathan Stigers, Shawnee Mission North High School (Shawnee, KS) - Accounting
Zach Tschauder, Atchison High School (Atchison, KS) - Accounting
The finalist selected as the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will receive the $50,000 scholarship,
which is among the largest undergraduate business awards in the state. The remaining
seven finalists will each receive a $20,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements
and potential, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the experience.
"The AGH Scholarship Competition brings together some of the brightest and most driven
students across the country,” said Rani Somers, Recruitment Coordinator of the Barton
School. This event allows us the opportunity to showcase the amazing services that
we are able to provide to our business students at Wichita State University. Each
of these finalists are incredibly accomplished and bright. We have enjoyed getting
to know them all and we are excited to be a chapter in the story of their bright futures.”
The next stage of the competition is Friday, February 13th. The final selection for
the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will be announced in spring 2026. The chosen recipient
will join an elite group of Barton Scholars whose legacy of success and service continues
to shape Wichita State and the business community at large.
For more information about the Clay Barton Scholarship and the Barton School of Business,
visit https://www.wichita.edu/business.
