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 due to its double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
Housed in the award-winning building, Woolsey Hall, 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 is excited to announce the
launch of its new Mentor Pilot Program, which pairs students with distinguished alumni
from the Barton School Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board. This initiative aims to foster
valuable connections, stimulate personal and professional growth, build a strong sense
of community, and provide essential guidance to help shape the next generation of
leaders.
“As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize how vital relationship-building is
and how having someone in your corner can truly impact your mindset,” said Erin Cummings,
president of the Barton School Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board and a member of the Dean’s
Advisory Board, serial entrepreneur, author, and angel investor. “This program not
only allows us to give back, but also gives us the opportunity to help shape the Barton
School’s future by sharing our experiences and insights.”
The program will run through the Spring 2025 semester, with mentors and mentees meeting
monthly. Mentors will provide support in navigating academic and career challenges,
offer feedback and accountability for the student’s goals, and share valuable advice
for both personal and professional development.
“Mentorship has had a profound influence on shaping who I am today,” said Rachel Douglass,
a member of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board and Senior Manager of Communications
at Textron eAviation. “As a mentee, I’ve been fortunate to learn from those who have
shared their wisdom, helping me tackle challenges and make informed decisions. Their
guidance has built my confidence and resilience. I’m excited to create a supportive
environment where my mentee can openly share their goals and seek insights.”
Students were selected through a competitive application process, which included submitting
a resume and a pitch video outlining their aspirations for the program. Additionally,
each mentor-mentee pair worked with Curt Coffman, founder of The Coffman Organization
and co-author of several New York Times bestsellers. Using Coffman’s TalentSet, a
data-driven approach, the program matched mentors with students based on their individual
strengths.
“None of us truly navigate life alone,” said Tiahna Padilla, one of the students selected
for the Mentor Pilot Program. “We all have someone we can turn to for advice or guidance—someone
we respect and look up to. These mentors play a crucial role in offering new perspectives
and valuable lessons.”
With plans to expand the program in the future, periodic assessments will allow for
continuous improvement based on feedback from both alumni and students.
“I want to understand the ‘why’ and the ‘what,’” said Simon Deaver, another student
selected for the program. “I want to know why my mentor chose the path she did, and
what drives her. I believe that learning about others’ motivations can help me refine
my own purpose and goals.”
The Mentor Pilot Program officially launched with a kickoff event earlier this month
in Woolsey Hall.
