The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced the appointment of Nikki Beyrle as its new Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and Chair of the Hospitality Advisory Board – marking a bold new chapter in redefining hospitality education in Kansas and beyond. Beyrle will lead the program’s transformation into a nationally and globally recognized model of excellence. A group of prominent industry executives joining the Advisory Board will be announced soon.

In her new role, Beyrle will provide visionary leadership, mentorship, and industry expertise to drive enrollment growth, elevate student experience, and forge powerful partnerships across the global hospitality landscape. She will play a transformative role in strengthening the hospitality industry’s talent pipeline by preparing the next generation of exceptional leaders. Under her guidance, the Barton School will cultivate career-ready professionals equipped with the skills, mindset, and innovative spirit needed to redefine the future of hospitality worldwide.

Her priorities include accelerating enrollment growth and expanding recruitment pipelines through strategic outreach and innovative engagement. The program will align its curriculum with evolving industry needs through applied learning, technology integration, and real-world relevance, ensuring that graduates are not only career-ready but industry – competitive from day one.  She will also lead the development of signature student experiences through high-impact internships, leadership programs, and global networking opportunities.

“Nikki’s appointment marks a transformative milestone for the Barton School,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Her extraordinary depth of hospitality expertise, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success will propel our Hospitality Program to new heights-establishing it as a nationally recognized model for applied learning, innovation, and industry collaboration.”

A transformative executive, educator, and people-first strategist, Beyrle brings over two decades of experience spanning luxury hotels, corporate leadership, and higher education. She began her career with globally renowned brands including Starwood, Marriott, and Hyatt Hotels, where she earned distinctions such as Manager of the Quarter and multiple Manager of the Year nominations. As part of an internationally awarded HR team, she helped reshape service culture at scale – an experience that continues to define her leadership philosophy rooted in authenticity, anticipation, and excellence.

Nikki will continue to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer at LDF Companies, a leading regional beverage distributor founded by Wichita native and visionary entrepreneur Larry D. Fleming. Beyrle leads with a hospitality mindset – treating people like valued guests and inspiring performance through trust, innovation, and care. At the Barton School, she has already made a significant impact as a faculty member in both the Executive MBA and Hospitality programs, where she is celebrated for her energy, candor, and ability to transform classrooms into incubators of leadership and confidence.

Beyond Wichita State, Beyrle serves on the National Advisory Boards for BREW and the Alliance for Women in Beer and founded a national HR consortium of more than 20 companies focused on leadership collaboration and talent development. Locally, she has served as a board member for Wichita SHRM, the Kansas Children’s Foundation, and the Child Advocacy Center of Wichita.

Beyrle holds an MBA from Friends University and degrees in Hospitality Administration and Hotel and Restaurant Management from Johnson & Wales University. She is SPHR-certified and holds advanced certifications in Organizational Design (Cornell University), Crucial Conversations, Influencer, Accountability, and NTRINSX.

“Hospitality has always been about creating meaningful connections,” said Beyrle. “At the Barton School, we have the extraordinary opportunity to transform the future of the hospitality industry right here in Wichita, a city with deep roots in service, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We’re building a powerful talent pipeline and preparing the next generation of leaders who will elevate experiences, drive innovation, and shape the future of hospitality – across Wichita, the state of Kansas, and the world.”

Interested in learning more or have a passion about hospitality? Contact Nikki Beyrle directly at Nicole.Beyrle@wichita.edu and take part in shaping the future of hospitality education.

The Barton School also extends its deep appreciation to Dr. Gery Markova, the founding director of the Hospitality Program, for her vision and leadership in creating the program to address the critical workforce needs of the hospitality industry. Her foundational work established the strong platform upon which this next era of growth and transformation will build.