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 thrilled to
announce Maggie Topping as its Fall 2025 Executive-in-Residence. Topping, senior vice
president, Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation, will bring her extensive
expertise to enrich the school’s academic and professional environment.
As Executive-in-Residence, Topping will participate in mentoring sessions, deliver
guest lectures, and collaborate with Barton School leadership on program and curriculum
innovations. She will also lead a keynote fireside chat titled “Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation’s Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and
the Transformation of Work” alongside Luke Pankey, Chief Information Officer at Textron Aviation. The keynote
will take place on October 7, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Boettger Auditorium, Woolsey Hall.
RSVP at https://wichita.edu/executive-in-residence-keynote. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:00 AM.
“It is always a great honor to welcome Barton alumni who are leading innovators in
their fields as our Executive-in-Residence,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton
School. “Maggie is a dynamic leader with significant experience in talent management
and workforce development. Her insights will be invaluable to our students, faculty,
industry partners, and the broader community.”
At Textron Aviation, Topping oversees human resources (HR), security, and corporate
communications worldwide. Her responsibilities include global HR management, total
rewards, organizational effectiveness, labor and employee relations, talent acquisition
and development, employee safety, asset protection, media relations, employee communications,
public affairs, and charitable giving and engagement. She has played a pivotal role
in guiding Textron Aviation through major acquisitions, including the 2014 merger
of Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation and the 2015 acquisition of
Able Engineering.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have career opportunities that challenge and inspire
me,” said Topping. “Being named Executive-in-Residence is a tremendous honor and privilege.
I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights to inspire students, faculty,
and the community to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Since joining Cessna Aircraft Company in 2001, Topping has advanced through roles
including HR generalist and HR business leader, overseeing global HR operations and
talent programs. Prior to Cessna, she worked at Honeywell Aerospace as an HR generalist
and logistics manager.
Topping holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management
from Wichita State University, is a certified Textron Six Sigma Green Belt, and a
graduate of the Textron Senior Executive Leadership Program. She actively serves on
several boards, including Barton School’s Dean’s Advisory Board, WSU Tech, WSU Foundation
& Alumni Engagement and WSU National Advisory Council.
