The Graduate Programs in Business at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business recently brought undergraduate and graduate students together for the Barton School’s Business Challenge. This event was an immersive, interdisciplinary case competition designed to strengthen collaboration, analytical thinking and real-world problem solving.

Open to all Barton School majors and minors, the competition drew 48 students across 12 teams. Participants were given one week to independently analyze and develop solutions to a complex business case without the support of faculty or outside advisors. The case, centered on a fictitious Riverfest scenario, was written by Barton School faculty member Justin Keeler.

A hallmark of the challenge was its intentionally diverse team structure. While some students registered as teams, many signed up individually and were placed into groups by Graduate Programs staff. This approach created opportunities for students to collaborate across disciplines, often working with peers they had never met before. This unique approach allowed the students to build connections beyond their immediate academic circles. Undergraduate and graduate students worked side by side, bringing varied perspectives to the competition.

“The Business Challenge was designed to reflect the realities of today’s workplace,” said Stephanie Cockrell, Director of Graduate Studies and organizer of the event. “Students rarely get to choose their teams in professional settings. This experience challenged them to collaborate across disciplines, think independently and build meaningful connections all while delivering high-level work under pressure.”

Following the initial round, six teams advanced to the semifinal stage held Saturday, May 2. From there, three teams moved on to the final round, where they presented their recommendations to a new panel of judges composed of industry professionals and Barton School alumni, including several Executive MBA graduates.

In total, more than $15,000 in tuition awards funded through Barton School Hall of Fame support was bestowed to the top six teams. For many participants, the experience extended beyond competition, offering a unique opportunity to develop both professionally and personally.

First Place Team

·      Julia Stark

·      Don Philips

·      Mikhail Lindsay

·      Robert Lang

Second Place Team

·      Megana Paramal Viswanathan

·      Takudzwa Nhamo

·      Teseandre Hamilton

Third Place Team

• Marysol Montiel
• Justin Van
• Ashira Kelly

“This was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my MBA,” said Robert Lang, a member of the first-place team. “This challenge felt like a real-world consulting project that pushed us to tell a complete story by moving beyond the numbers. We told a story that matters to the Wichita community and to the State of Kansas. I was honored to work with such immensely talented and diverse group of students. This was an experience that I will not forget.”

Judges throughout the competition represented a strong network of industry leaders and alumni, reinforcing the Barton School’s emphasis on applied learning and professional engagement.

“As an MBA student concentrating in finance, I view opportunities, such as the Barton Business Challenge, as investments,” said Lang. “The more time and energy you put in, that investment is exponentially returned through the relationships you build and the growth that occurs.”

The Business Challenge highlights the Barton School’s continued commitment to experiential education, providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in dynamic, real-world contexts while expanding their professional networks. Learn more about the Barton School at www.wichita.edu/business.