Wichita State University
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University announces the selection of three distinguished industry leaders to be inducted into its “Beyond” Hall of Fame. These inductees are the second class to be recognized for their visionary leadership and remarkable achievements to the Barton School and community. Their official induction will take place during a celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, which will coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the Barton School.
Meet the Inductees
Paul Allen
Paul Allen has served as chief executive of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. (AGH) since
1987. He was the Managing Partner of a national accounting firm’s Wichita office until
AGH’s founding members created an independently owned firm to more effectively serve
closely held, entrepreneurial companies and public-sector entities in the central
U.S. Paul has served in leadership roles in numerous civic and charitable organizations
including the Kansas Board of Accountancy, Kansas Society of CPAs, the Greater Wichita
Partnership, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Wichita Economic Development
Coalition, and the Wichita Foundation. He was honored with the Uncommon Citizen Award
by the Wichita Regional Chamber and received the United Way of the Plains Spirit of
Service Award in 2024. Paul is a Wichita State University alumnus and serves on the
Dean’s Advisory Board for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. He previously served
on the boards and as chair and president, respectively, for the WSU Foundation and
the WSU Alumni Association. Paul was honored in 2012 with the WSU Board of Trustees
Award and in 2006 with the WSU Alumni Association Recognition Award. Paul was named
an Executive of the Year in 2020 by the Wichita Business Journal, inducted into the
Junior Achievement of Wichita Business Hall of Fame in 2015, and recognized as one
of 50 Kansans You Should Know by Ingram’s magazine.
Dan Carney
Dan Carney co-founded Pizza Hut with his brother Frank Carney in 1958. He is a WSU
alumnus having earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in
1953 and Masters of Business Administration in 2004. His commitment to Wichita State
over the past 70 years is extensive, and includes serving as chair and member of both
the WSU Foundation Board of Directors and the WSU Board of Trustees. His exceptional
contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the WSU President’s
Medal in 1997, the W. Frank Barton Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001, and the Alumni
Achievement Award in 2002. Beyond the university, Dan’s leadership extended into the
community, where he served on over 30 charitable and church boards throughout the
years. His longstanding commitment to the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, where
he was Chairman of the Board for 50 years, exemplifies his dedication to philanthropy.
Dan’s impact on the Wichita community was recognized with the Wichita Area Chamber
of Commerce’s Uncommon Citizen Award in 2007, and his legacy of service was further
honored in 2011 when he was inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame. Throughout his
life, Dan has embodied the spirit of altruism and generosity, firmly believing that
giving back is the true measure of accomplishment. His legacy is one of entrepreneurial
success, philanthropy, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on both the Barton
School of Business and the greater Wichita region.
Steve Feilmeier
Steve Feilmeier is a retired executive with a notable career at Koch Industries, where
he served as Executive Vice President, CFO and President of Koch Investment Group.
As CFO from 2003 to 2021, Steve played a role in steering the company’s financial
strategy and growth. He previously held the position of Vice President of Tax, Accounting,
and Finance, and began his tenure with Koch Industries in 1997 as Controller for Koch
Chemical Group. Steve served on the board of Koch Industries from 2005 to 2023, providing
leadership and insight over nearly two decades. His career also includes leadership
roles at PepsiCo and KPMG Peat Marwick as Manager of Taxation. Steve is a WSU Alumnus
and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the Barton School
of Business and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He serves on several boards,
including Imperial Oil LTD of Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas, the Dean’s
Advisory Board and Spero Advisory Boards at the Barton School of Business, as well
as the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement National Advisory Council, with past tenure
on the WSU Foundation Board of Directors, among many others. Currently, Steve is the
Managing Director of the Feilmeier Family Office, where he continues to champion philanthropic
and community-focused initiatives. He is married to Regine, and together they have
two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, along
with traveling, playing tennis, and golfing.
“What an extraordinary trio of inductees!” exclaimed Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Each of them has made a profound impact on both the Barton School and their respective industries. Congratulations to Paul Allen, Dan Carney, and Steve Feilmeier on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening our communities. I eagerly look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion!”
“Beyond”: An Evening 100 Years in the Making
The “Beyond” Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In addition to honoring the inductees, it will also celebrate 100 years of the Barton School. This gala will look to outdo the sold-out, inaugural Hall of Fame event in 2024, where esteemed alumni, university leaders, and business luminaries enjoyed exquisite cuisine, top-notch live entertainment and engaging fundraising activities.
The proceeds from the “Beyond” Hall of Fame event will be used to enhance and enrich the student experience - helping shape the next generation of business leaders, attracting and retaining exceptional student talent, and ultimately strengthening the workforce pipeline for businesses in Wichita and across Kansas. In 2024, more than $800,000 was raised in support of this effort.
“The ‘Beyond’ Hall of Fame gala has quickly become a marquee event for Wichita,” said Stephanie Luetters, Chair of the Hall of Fame event and member of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board. “We have exciting plans for the event in 2026 and look forward to honoring our three inductees, who serve as inspirations for innovation, business prowess and philanthropy.”
“Beyond”: Become a Contributor
Opportunities for event sponsorship are available, allowing businesses and organizations to showcase their support for education and align their brand with this distinguished event. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Corey Saleh, senior director of development for the Barton School at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at corey.saleh@wichita.edu or 316.978-4483.
Join us in honoring and celebrating the remarkable achievements of Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier. All event proceeds will support initiatives to attract and retain top student talent, contributing to the development of a strong workforce pipeline for businesses in Wichita, across Kansas and beyond.
For more information about the Barton School’s Hall of Fame event, visit: www.wichita.edu/bartonbeyond.