The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University (WSU) is excited to announce that Chase Koch, an entrepreneur known for scaling disruptive, bottom-up solutions, has been named the school’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence and will serve as the James Schwartz Distinguished Keynote Speaker for Spring 2025. Chase is Executive Vice President of Koch and is recognized for his work building transformative partnerships in business, technology, social change and music. He will speak at a fireside chat titled "The Sound of Change: Music as a Catalyst for Social Impact."

The fireside chat is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a networking reception in Woolsey Hall. The conversation will be moderated by Marquis Bradley, CEO of Omnicut Motivational Fitness. This event will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand the vision behind Somewhere Fest & Conference— a community-driven music festival that combines entertainment with social impact. Chase will share how the festival, now in its second year, has evolved into a movement that blends culture, artists, and social change to bring people together and create value for local communities.

"Music is a powerful tool for transformation,” said Chase. “It’s not just entertainment – it can unlock potential, bridge divides, and spark meaningful change. Somewhere Fest is about doing just that. I’m excited to engage with the Barton School community, to share about this work and what we’ve learned along the way about how to leverage creativity and innovation to make a meaningful impact."

Somewhere Fest & Conference, which debuted last year as “Elsewhere Fest,” will return to Wichita for its second consecutive year on June 13-14, 2025. The festival will showcase a powerhouse lineup of musicians, including Deadmau5, Suki Waterhouse, BigXthaPlug, Aloe Blacc, Flying Lotus, Cassian, and Tinlicker, while promoting causes such as community development and sustainability. Chase’s entrepreneurial vision for the festival is rooted in his belief that business and music can unite people around shared goals, driving lasting, positive transformation.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Chase Koch as our Entrepreneur-in-Residence,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School of Business. “His vision for Somewhere Fest exemplifies the innovative spirit we strive to cultivate here at the Barton School. Chase's work, particularly at the intersection of entrepreneurship, music, and social change, aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and develop the next generation of innovative and entrepreneurial leaders."

As Executive Vice President of Koch, Chase originates new opportunities and strategic partnerships for the company. He is especially focused on helping technology-related and family-owned businesses unlock their potential through the “Koch as a Lab” model and mutually beneficial flexible capital solutions, positioning Koch as the preferred partner of choice. Chase also founded and developed Koch Disruptive Technologies, a unique investment firm that partners with principled entrepreneurs building companies with the long-term potential to transform industries.

Chase is also the founder of Movement Musick, a Wichita-based nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers and unlocking artists' potential. By harnessing the power of music, Movement Musick unites communities, drives local social change, and inspires movements on a national scale. Most recently, Movement Musick partnered with Midtopia to announce the return of Somewhere Fest & Conference.

Chase is also passionate about his work with Stand Together, a philanthropic community that is transforming how America thinks about, talks about, and tackles major challenges. He founded Stand Together Music, which brings together leaders in music, sports, entertainment, media, and communities to create cultural movements addressing issues like addiction, criminal justice reform, poverty, and more.

Previously, Chase served as president of Koch Fertilizer and Executive Vice President at Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. He is also a board member of Koch, the Charles Koch Foundation, and Stand Together Trust.

This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to bring colleagues, associates, and friends. This event is expected to reach maximum capacity quickly, so attendees are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible to reserve their spot at wichita.edu/entrepreneur-in-residence.