Gene Camarena Joins Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board
April 8, 2024
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.
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce
that Gene Camarena is joining the Dean’s Advisory Board. He currently serves as the
president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board,
Camarena will help advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School
by strengthening, enriching, and enhancing programming, impact, and the student experience.
“This spring semester, my wife and I had the privilege of serving as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
for the Barton School," stated Camarena. "It was an enriching experience, prompting
me to seek further opportunities to contribute to the school's advancement. As a member
of the Dean’s Advisory Board, I am committed to making a lasting, sustainable impact
on its future and shaping the trajectory of its students.”
As president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Gene’s business interests include Pizza Hut
restaurants, Marriott hotels, banking, and real estate development. In the past 10
years, these business holdings have been recognized as being in the top 150 largest
Hispanic-owned businesses in the country.
“We are very excited to have Gene join our board,” said Margaret Dechant, chair of
the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board as well as CEO and Partner at 6 Meridian.
“His business acumen, upbringing and passion for education will make him a welcomed
addition.”
He served three terms as the chair of the International Pizza Hut Franchise Association
board and was recently inducted into the Pizza Hut Franchisee Hall of Fame. He also
serves as chair of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Empower, the Pizza Hut Foundation
and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Gene is a board member of Work Torch, Hispanics
in Real Estate, United Way of the Plains, and the University of Kansas Endowment Board
of Trustees. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Wichita State University,
a master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor
of Science in Accounting and Business of Administration from the University of Kansas.
“Gene's vibrant, authentic and genuine nature, coupled with his profound dedication
to the Barton School's endeavors, is truly commendable," remarked Dr. Larisa Genin,
Dean of the Barton School. "His participation on our advisory board promises to elevate
discussions with a wealth of insightful perspectives and invigorating enthusiasm,
enriching the collaborative spirit of our esteemed group”.
