Wichita State University’s Institute for the Study of Economic Growth (ISEG) has launched an advisory board consisting of seven prominent Kansas executives, who will provide the ISEG team with strategic direction, advice on programs and opportunities for advancement in the industry.

The board is co-chaired by ISEG Executive Director Dr. Ted Bolema and Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business.

The Institute for the Study of Economic Growth at the Barton School has quickly become a premier agent for the exploration of market and enterprise systems aimed at economic development. Established in 2018, ISEG works to advance the teaching, research and application of innovative and entrepreneurial activities to enhance societal prosperity.

“ISEG has only been around for three years and we’ve already made a meaningful impact,” said Bolema. “The importance of economic growth is paramount to success of society. From day one, our team hit the ground running to positively impact our communities.”

To date, ISEG has completed numerous initiatives including the formation of four new courses for the Barton School such as Exploring the World of Business (which reaches over 400 students in its first semester); being a public leader on discussions about COVID-19 shutdowns and their economic impact; actively contributing to Kansas occupational licensing reform; launching the Behavioral Economics Research Laboratory for the Study of Markets, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Growth; creating a virtual talk series; and partnering with the Mercatus Center for the State Fiscal Rankings report.

The advisory board members at its launch are Walter Berry, president of Berry Companies Inc.; Nicholas Bonavia; president and CEO of Bonavia Properties; Randy Doerksen, CFO of Meritrust Credit Union; Brad Elliott, chairman and CEO of Equity Bank; Joe Hand, president of Koch Carbon; Anne Smith, vice president of Alltite Inc.; and Johnathan Weigand, director of strategic initiatives at J.P. Weigand & Sons Inc.

“These pioneers have helped grow their businesses and their communities with great success,” Genin said. “I know with their insights, we can make an even greater impact on students and the economy of the Wichita region.”