The 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 Woolsey Hall, the school features artwork, sculptures, gardens,
and The Promise Bridge—a 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the water in front of
the building.
When Nikki Beyrle stepped into her role at the Barton School of Business at Wichita
State University, the focus was clear: create a hospitality program that reflects
how the industry actually operates.
As Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and chair of the Hospitality Advisory Board,
Beyrle is working to connect students with the people, pace and expectations of the
profession. She also serves as chief human resources officer at LDF Companies, where
she leads with a hospitality mindset, treating people like valued guests and ensuring
that performance thrives through engagement, innovation, and care.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people, experience and impact,” said Beyrle. “We
have an opportunity to build something that prepares students not just to enter the
industry, but to lead within it.”
Beyrle brings more than two decades of experience across global hospitality brands,
including leadership roles with Starwood, Marriott and Hyatt. Her career has focused
on operations, culture and human capital, with an emphasis on building high-performing
teams and service-driven organizations.
At Wichita State, that experience is shaping a program designed to connect students
directly with industry. Her work includes expanding internships, strengthening employer
partnerships and building a national advisory board of hospitality leaders.
“Nikki brings both vision and execution to this role,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean
of the Barton School. “She understands what the industry needs and how to translate
that into meaningful opportunities for our students.”
For Beyrle, those connections are what set the program apart. In addition to her industry
leadership, Beyrle is actively engaged in teaching, working with students in both
the Executive MBA and hospitality programs.
“When students engage directly with industry leaders, it changes how they see their
future,” she said. “That is where opportunity begins.”
Her leadership is central to the program’s long-term vision, including expanding enrollment,
enhancing applied learning and strengthening connections to industry at both the regional
and national level. To learn more about the Hospitality Program or explore opportunities
to get involved, visit https://www.wichita.edu/hospitality.
