WICHITA, KAN. – The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has partnered with WSU Tech to create a pathway program for WSU Tech students committed to continuing their education with a business degree. The Barton School and WSU Tech have also collectively committed to $35,000 in scholarships for students participating in this program.

“This historic partnership will have a lasting impact on students and the workforce in the region,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “The synergies we’re creating with WSU Tech will be transformative for these students. We hope this new pathway for career success will empower people who would have previously thought it not possible.”

This pathway will begin in Fall 2021 and will be available to current and prospective WSU Tech students. It will serve as a coordinated “2+2” program, where students will receive an associate degree in Applied Science at WSU Tech during their first two years and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the WSU Barton School the following two years. Five certificates will also be available for students based on the coursework they complete. The certificates include visionary leadership, global business, entrepreneurship and innovation, human resource management and remote workforce management. Students will receive an integrated experience with the Barton School while completing their education at WSU Tech. The Barton School will provide career and professional development workshops, exposure to Barton School student clubs and organizations, and invitations to special events and presentations to all in the program.

“This partnership improves applied learning opportunities, sharing of resources for student success and, together we academically prepare students for the next steps for seamless transfer to be successful in their educational endeavors,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “WSU Tech wants to be a national model for supporting transfer students and the credits they have earned so students do not fall through the cracks. Any time we can lead together to initiatives that promote a greater public good, especially with students, then we have done our job well.”

The Barton School and WSU Tech will award joint scholarships totaling $35,000 over the next two years. Five students will be given $3,500 per year for the next two years as they pursue their degree with the Barton School. Along with the financial and career benefits for the students, this partnership should also impact our communities.

“The effect this partnership will have on Wichita and our region is quite exciting,” said Dr. Rick Muma, interim president at Wichita State University. “By connecting technical students with the world-class education provided at the Barton School, we’re going to see a development in the talent, workforce, and economy.”

To be eligible for the joint scholarship for Fall 2021, students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA, be a full-time WSU Tech student and show a financial need.

“We hope the students are as excited about this as we all are,” said Shirley Lefever, interim executive vice president, and provost at WSU. “This partnership is the first of its kind for the university. Thanks to the innovative thinking by the Barton School and WSU Tech, students will have the opportunity to become more work-ready and have meaningful personal and professional lives.”

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