The Dean’s Advisory Board for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is excited to announce Margaret Dechant as its new leader.

Dechant, CEO and partner at 6 Meridian, will take over for Clark Bastian. Dechant currently serves as a member of the board and looks to bring her knowledge and passion for the Barton School and WSU to her appointment. Bastian chairman of Fidelity Bank, will remain on the board after his term as chair comes to an end in June.

“This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” Dechant said. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead brilliant business leaders and minds in the pursuit of making the Barton School one of the preeminent business schools in the country.”

Dechant has a knack for amplifying and elevating organizations in which she’s been involved. As CEO and partner of 6 Meridian LLC, an investment and advisory firm based in Wichita, she is often credited as the visionary of the 6 Meridian team. Along with her passion for service, Dechant’s ability to connect with individuals and harness their respective strengths has led to a unique path of professional success.

Dechant has spent her career working with high-net-worth clients and managing financial professionals in both the banking and brokerage arenas. Previously, she was executive vice president of the Commerce Trust Company and senior vice president and wealth advisor with Bank of America Private Bank, where she advised some of the bank’s top clients. In addition, she holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

In 2014, she was recognized as one of Wichita’s Top Women in Business and was selected for the Wichita Business Journal Hall of Fame in 2017. On the national level, Private Asset Management awarded 6 Meridian the Women in Wealth Advocate of the Year – Firm Level 2021. This recognition is given to the firm and its leadership who best promote diversity within the organization as well as creating a unique approach to serving women clientele and their families.

“Margaret Dechant is a powerhouse businesswoman whose accolades only scratch the surface of her skill, knowledge and talent,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “This board is so valuable to our school’s growth. Clark Bastian has done an amazing job helping me expand the board to 50 fabulous members as well as leading the team to a new level of excellence for the Barton School. Margaret is the perfect candidate to take and grow what she, Clark and the rest of the board have helped build.”

The Dean’s Advisory Board serves to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School. By sharing ideas and making recommendations, each member helps the growth and development of the school and its commitment to excellence. By providing the strategic direction for the school, the board works to strengthen, enrich, and enhance the student experience. Their involvement has already paid dividends with connections to job opportunities for Barton School students, the formation of the Executive-in-Residence and Entrepreneur-in-Residence programs, scholarships, and fundraising assistance to help complete construction on Woolsey Hall and the Promise Bridge.

“The work the Barton School’s Dean’s Advisory Board has done has been paramount in transforming the student experience,” said Dr. Rick Muma, president at Wichita State University. “The Barton School and the university are better thanks to Clark’s leadership. I have no doubt that will continue under Margaret’s direction.

Learn more about the current Dean’s Advisory Board and meet their 50 members