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.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, members of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita
State University visited Belle Plaine High School to surprise senior Alyssa Pace with
the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship. The $50,000 award is one of the largest business
scholarships in Kansas and will cover four years of tuition support at Wichita State.
Pace, who will be a first-generation college student, earned the scholarship after
advancing through the highly competitive Allen, Gibbs and Houlik Scholarship Competition.
She was previously named one of eight finalists for the prestigious award. The remaining seven finalists will each receive $20,000 scholarships in recognition
of their achievements.
“I was completely surprised,” Pace said after receiving the news. “This scholarship
means everything. I know it sounds cliché but this is truly life changing for myself
and my family. This scholarship will give me the ability to live on campus and fully
immerse myself in student life and all of the opportunities that accompany a degree
at Wichita State.”
Pace plans to major in marketing when she begins classes at Wichita State in fall
2026. The AGH Scholarship Competition evaluates students through speeches, interviews
and group exercises designed to assess academic excellence, leadership potential and
commitment to service.
“We are so excited for Alyssa to join us in the Barton School as our 2026 Clay Barton
Scholar,” said Rani Somers, Recruitment Coordinator for the Barton School and organizer
of the AGH Scholarship competition. “She is incredibly bright, driven and enthusiastic.
We know that she is going to take advantage of all the opportunities this campus has
to offer. We are proud and honored to be part of the next chapter of her story.”
As a first-generation student, Pace’s achievement marks a significant milestone for
her and her family. The Clay Barton Scholarship will allow her to pursue her degree
with greater financial freedom while fully engaging in leadership programs, internships
and applied learning opportunities within the Barton School.
At Belle Plaine High School, Pace has been involved in a plethora of activities within
her community, including but not limited to yearbook, Family Career and Community
Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honors
Society (NHS), Volleyball, Softball, Cheer and Student Council. Her accomplishments
inside and outside the classroom distinguished her during the competitive selection
process.
“We look for students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also character,
leadership and a clear vision for their future,” said Zachary Brown, director of strategic
enrollment and student services and a judge for the competition. “Alyssa stood out
for her presentation and exceptional attitude. We are confident she will make a lasting
impact at the Barton School and beyond.”
The Clay Barton Scholarship was established in 1991 by the late Rent-A-Center co-founder
W. Frank Barton in honor of his son, Clay Barton. Clay Barton died from cancer in
1988 at the age of 20. While the scholarship does not replace Clay’s presence, it
serves as a powerful legacy rooted in leadership, integrity and service.
Barton Scholars are expected to be the best of the best, excelling in academics, leadership
and service while building a foundation that creates lasting value in their communities
and professions.
