The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is launching its Business Hall of Fame to recognize, honor and celebrate the industry executives and business leaders who have gone above and beyond in making a significant impact on their communities and advancement of the Barton School.

The honoree(s) will be inducted into the Barton School of Business Hall of Fame during a grand event on February 17, 2024 at Mark Arts.

“The Barton School has both shaped and been shaped by many illustrious individuals,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “This recognition is the Barton School’s way of celebrating their successes and acknowledging their impact. And I know each inductee will serve as an inspiration for us all.”

Stephanie Luetters, a distinguished member of the Barton School’s Dean’s Advisory Board, has been named the 2023-24 Hall of Fame Chair. Luetters is an active philanthropist working for causes and projects that can make a difference in the community.

“We’re going all out to make sure we honor our inductees in an impressive way,” said Luetters. “This will be a first-class gala that will become a signature event for the Barton School. Top-notch food and entertainment will occur throughout the evening as we celebrate some amazing individuals.”

During the event, there will be a live auction with all funds raised going toward the Student Experience and Success Fund for Barton undergraduate and graduate students.

“More than 48% of Barton students are first-generation students or have significant financial needs in order to attend college,” said Luetters. “Every contribution to the Student Experience and Success Fund will give students the chance to blossom and provide transformational pathways for them.”

In addition to the annual event, inductees will be enshrined on a permanent Hall of Fame fixture located on the second floor of Woolsey Hall.

“The creation of the Hall of Fame and the event in their honor will not only celebrate our great alumni, contributors and supporters, but it will also serve as a beacon of inspiration for all Barton students, faculty, staff and our community,” said Dr. Rick Muma, president of Wichita State University.

Nominations for the Business Hall of Fame inductees are now open. If you know someone or a group of individuals who have contributed to the lasting impact of the Barton School, please submit your nomination to bartonbeyond@wichita.edu by Friday, April 14, 2023. Your nomination should include the nominee’s name, title, company affiliation, a brief rationale for the nomination along with the nominator’s name and contact information. Nominations will be reviewed, and the inductees will be selected by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The committee consists of the following Barton School leaders and business community representatives:

• Zach Brown, Director, Student Success Center and Strategic Enrollment Management Services, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Erin Cummings, Founder and Owner, YESyoga; Barton School of Business Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board President
• Margaret Dechant, CEO and Founder, 6 Meridian; Barton School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board Chair
• Larisa Genin, Dean, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Gerald Graham, Director, Executive Education and CMD; Distinguished Faculty, Management Department, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Dotty Harpool, Executive Director, Engagement and Prominence and Senior Educator, Marketing, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Jeremy Hill, Director, Center for Economic Development and Business Research, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Stephanie Luetters, Philanthropist; Barton School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board Member; Hall of Fame Chair
• Christine Porter, Director, School of Accountancy, W. Frank Barton School of Business
• Jessie Rainey, Senior Director of Development, WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement