A team of five undergraduate students from the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University earned finalist recognition at the Cornhusker Business Case Competition, a prestigious national event hosted by the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Representing Wichita State’s newly launched Consulting Club, the team included Abrielle Zuniga, Isabella Evans, Isabel Fulkerson, Rene Luna-Reyes, and Scott Recheck. After two rounds of rigorous presentations and Q&A sessions judged by industry professionals and academic leaders, the Barton School team was named one of only four finalists—out of 14 teams representing 13 leading universities, including the University of Maryland, Texas A&M, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Vermont, Kansas State University and Texas Christian University.

“Our students went head-to-head with some of the most established and well-resourced consulting programs in the country—and they not only held their own, they excelled,” said Fred Eilts, Senior Educator and founder of the Consulting Club. “Reaching the finals in just the third semester of our program is extraordinary. It demonstrates the exceptional analytical ability, confidence, and professionalism our students bring to every challenge, and it signals that the Barton School is quickly emerging as a serious national contender in the consulting space.”

Held October 9–10 and sponsored by WarHorse Gaming, the competition challenged students to deliver innovative, high-impact business solutions under pressure—requiring critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic communication.

“This competition pushed us to think quickly and creatively,” said Abrielle Zuniga, a senior majoring in finance. “It was an honor to represent the Barton School and show that our students can compete with the best in the country.”

In a highly competitive field, the Barton School team placed fourth overall, earning praise from judges and fellow competitors. Their performance highlighted the growing strength of the school’s emerging talent in consulting and strategic problem-solving.

All five students are active members of the Barton School’s Consulting Club, which launched in August 2024 under the leadership of Eilts. The club is designed to strengthen students’ problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills—key competencies for success in high-impact business careers.

“This achievement reflects exactly what we’re building at the Barton School—a culture of bold thinking, real-world learning, and excellence that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the top business schools in the nation,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Our students’ success in this competition showcases the power of experiential education and our commitment to preparing leaders who will redefine the future of business and innovation.”

The team’s participation was made possible through funding raised at the Barton School’s “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala, which supports innovative and high-impact student experiences. Established as part of the school’s biannual Hall of Fame celebration, the fund invests in opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and demonstrate the transformative power of experiential education.

“Support from our visionary donors made this opportunity possible,” added Eilts. “This is a true high-ROI initiative—it deepens student development, immerses them in real-world applied learning, enhances program visibility, and strengthens the Barton School’s growing national reputation. I couldn’t be prouder of our students—they were outstanding ambassadors for Wichita State.”

For more information about the Barton School’s Consulting Club or to learn how to support its continued growth, please contact Corey Saleh, Senior Director of Development for the Barton School of Business, WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at corey.saleh@wichita.edu.