Barton School launches undergraduate hospitality major
Feb. 19, 2024
By Barton School of Business
About the Barton School of Business
The W. Frank 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, with double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
The school is housed in an award-winning building, Woolsey Hall, which serves as a
cornerstone for challenging yet supportive educational opportunities. Woolsey Hall
also features remarkable artwork, sculptures, gardens and The Promise Bridge, a 300-foot-long
pedestrian bridge over the water in front of the building.
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is launching a
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality. The program will begin in fall
2024 with applications now open for interested students. It was developed in response
to growing local and national employment needs in the industry.
“The hospitality industry employs 15 million people and is on track to add another
500,000 jobs by the end of this year,” said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of
the National Restaurant Association. “The hospitality major at the Barton School of
Business could make important contributions to our industry’s talent development by
preparing graduates to efficiently lead operations, ensure superb customer experiences,
and operate financially sound enterprises.”
The Barton School’s new hospitality program will incorporate innovative curriculum
with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. As part of the program, students will engage
in real-world projects and internships, thanks to our strong partnerships with local
and global hospitality organizations. Our industry aligned curriculum includes topics
such as Human Resource Management, Customer Experience and Entrepreneurial Finance
that are specific to the industry. Hospitality students will have access to other
enrichment experiences including interactions with industry leaders and executives,
company visits, shadowing opportunities and guest speakers.
“I have been in the hospitality industry for my entire career, experiencing everything
from fast casual to upscale dining,” said Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen
Custard & Steakburgers. “I have a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management, and it
benefited me greatly as our industry is always changing to exceed the expectations
of our guests. As it did for me, studying the hospitality industry in a classroom
and experiential setting is a great advantage. Creating a bachelor’s degree in hospitality
will not only support the expanding hospitality industry in southcentral Kansas, but
also prepare students for the workforce across the country.”
“We want to continue to expand the options we offer to current and prospective students,”
said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Exposing them to new areas of interest
and industries may spark a new passion and give students a chance to bloom into their
full potential.”
“We’re always exploring ways for Wichita State to broaden its academic horizons, providing
students with enriching opportunities that align with the growing needs of the global
workforce,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president at Wichita
State University. “Our hospitality major exemplifies how WSU can positively impact
both our students and the community as a whole.”
