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.
Effective July 1, 2025, Richard Dinkel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Koch, Inc., will assume the role of Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board
for the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. Dinkel has served as
Chair-Elect since August 2024 and Member At-Large since 2022.
He will succeed Margaret Dechant, CEO and Partner at 6 Meridian, who is completing
a successful three-year term as Chair. Dechant will continue her involvement as an
active member of the board.
“I would first like to thank Margaret for her leadership and guidance to me and the
rest of the board,” said Dinkel. “I hope to continue her work as we look to position
the Barton School as one of the top business schools in the nation.”
The Dean’s Advisory Board comprises approximately 50 senior executives and thought
leaders from around the globe, working together to advance the Barton School’s mission
and strategic priorities. The board plays a critical role in supporting enrollment
growth, driving industry-aligned programs, and enhancing student experience and outcomes.
As the Barton School prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026, the
board’s strategic leadership is essential in shaping its next century of impact.
“This board is critical to the success of the Barton School and our ‘Bloom’ strategic
plan,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School of Business. “Under Richard’s
leadership, we will focus on positioning the Barton School as a major driver of economic
prosperity, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and innovation for Wichita and
beyond. I look forward to working closely with him over the next three years as we
continue to elevate the Barton School, Wichita State, and our broader community.”
Dinkel brings more than three decades of leadership experience in finance and operations.
As EVP and CFO of Koch, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S.,
he oversees critical functions including accounting, tax, treasury, risk management,
and technology, as well as Koch Investment Management, Koch Real Estate Investments,
and Koch Logistics. He serves on the boards of Koch, Inc., Flint Hills Resources,
Guardian Industries, Georgia-Pacific, INVISTA, and Molex.
In addition to his role at Koch, Dinkel serves on the board of directors for JDRF
(formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) for Missouri and Kansas. He holds
bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting from both the University
of Kansas and Wichita State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Koch, Inc., headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, generates annual revenues exceeding
$125 billion. Its diverse portfolio spans industries including manufacturing, energy,
logistics, real estate, agriculture, consumer products, building materials, automotive
components, electronics, software, healthcare, and more. With a presence in more than
50 countries, Koch employs about 120,000 people worldwide, including about 60,000
in the United States. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested more than $168 billion
in growth and improvements.
Learn more about the Barton School and its Dean’s Advisory Board at: www.wichita.edu/barton.
