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 W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce
that Aaron Bastian, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the
Dean’s Advisory Board. As our newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of
global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic
priorities by strengthening, enriching, and elevating the student experience.
“Aaron is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with an unwavering passion for growing
and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School.
“His deep commitment to Wichita and to the future of business leadership makes him
an outstanding addition to our Dean’s Advisory Board. I look forward to working closely
with him.”
Bastian represents the fourth generation of family leadership at Fidelity Bank and
has served as President and CEO since 2020. In this role, he sets the bank’s overall
vision and strategic direction while overseeing daily operations. Under his leadership,
Fidelity has experienced its most profitable years, significantly expanded its asset
base, and successfully navigated a charter transition to become a national banking
association.
Prior to becoming President and CEO, Bastian held several key leadership roles within
Fidelity Bank, including Commercial Loan Officer, Oklahoma Market President, Executive
Vice President, and Advisory Director on the Fidelity Bank Board of Directors. Before
joining Fidelity, he served as a Credit Analyst at IBC Bank.
“The Dean’s Advisory Board is thrilled to welcome Aaron Bastian,” said Richard Dinkel,
Dean’s Advisory Board Chair and Executive Vice President and CFO of Koch, Inc. “Aaron
has led substantial growth within his organization and brings a sharp perspective
on the future of banking, business, and our broader community.”
Bastian earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin.
He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin,
where he graduated first in his class. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he
is an active Wichita Rotarian and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Wichita Partnership.
“It is an honor to join the Dean’s Advisory Board and collaborate with some of the
most accomplished business leaders in Wichita and across the country,” said Bastian.
“I look forward to strengthening the Barton School’s connections with the business
community and helping provide students with transformative experiences that prepare
them to lead.”
