Barton School’s Office of Career & Professional Development Receives $570,000 Gift
from Meritrust Credit Union
April 3, 2025
By Barton School of Business
W. Frank Barton School of Business
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.
Meritrust Credit Union has generously donated $570,000 to support the mission and
ongoing initiatives of the Office of Career & Professional Development (OCPD) at the
W. Frank Barton School of Business. This contribution marks an increase from their
previous 2022 gift, bringing Meritrust's total investment in OCPD to $1.1 million.
“The Office of Career & Professional Development at the Barton School is an essential
resource that helps students explore career paths, engage confidently with industry
professionals, and develop key skills such as networking, resume building, communication
etiquette, and financial literacy,” said James Nastars, President and CEO of Meritrust
Credit Union and member of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board. “We are excited
to continue supporting this vital mission and assist WSU students in laying the foundation
for successful futures.”
OCPD is dedicated to connecting academic programs with meaningful professional opportunities
by preparing undergraduate and graduate students at the Barton School to secure high-quality
internships and careers in their chosen fields.
“We provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive,”
said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “OCPD serves as the catalyst that
propels our students toward successful lives and careers.
The office’s programming includes a variety of initiatives, such as Professional Edge,
Executive-in-Residence, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, the Distinguished Speakers Series,
job fairs, resume development, interview workshops, company visits, internships, employment
services, mentoring opportunities, and more. Last year, OCPD ensured that over 1000
students attended keynote events led by top industry executives and a business career
fair with more than 400 participants.
“The continued generosity of Meritrust, along with the excellence of the Barton School,
has already positively impacted the lives of many students,” said Jessie Rainey, Vice
President, Principal Giving at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “This gift
ensures that students will continue to receive an enriched, applied learning experience.”
Meritrust’s investment ensures that OCPD can expand and enhance its offerings, further
strengthening the Barton School’s commitment to developing future business leaders.
For more information about the Office of Career & Professional Development and how
you can support its mission, visit www.wichita.edu/ocpd.
