Funding a high-quality Wichita State education is easy. Just get admitted; and if
you're eligible, we'll send you an automatic scholarship offer. Don't forget about
other scholarship and financial aid opportunities. You could qualify for some of the
$100 million+ Wichita State awards each year. In addition, many of our out-of-state
students are eligible for in-state or reduced tuition.
The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional
high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the
largest and most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas. Valued
at $50,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic
excellence, leadership and a passion for business.
Eight finalists emerged from a competitive pool of students who participated in the
Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik (AGH) Scholarship Competition on Nov. 21. This rigorous event
tests candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving
through a series of group exercises, presentations and interviews.
Luke Fouts from Goddard, Kansas; Bishop Carroll Catholic High School; major: entrepreneurship
Gabriel Howland from Wichita; Campus High School in Haysville, Kansas; major: entrepreneurship
Adeline Lank from Wichita; Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School; major: entrepreneurship
Samantha Owens from Leon, Kansas; Bluestem High School; major: business administration
Alyssa Pace from Belle Plaine, Kansas; Belle Plaine Senior High School; major: marketing
Gabriel Shaffer from Valley Center, Kansas; Valley Center High School; major: business-undecided
Nathan Stigers from Shawnee, Kansas; Shawnee Mission North High School; major: accounting
Zach Tschauder from Atchison, Kansas; Atchison High School; major: accounting
The finalist selected as the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will receive the $50,000 scholarship.
The remaining seven finalists will each receive a $20,000 scholarship in recognition
of their achievements and potential, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the
experience.
"The AGH Scholarship Competition brings together some of the brightest and most driven
students across the country,” said Rani Somers, recruitment coordinator for the Barton
School. "This event allows us the opportunity to showcase the amazing services we
provide for our business students at Wichita State University. Each of these finalists
is incredibly accomplished and bright. We have enjoyed getting to know them all, and
we are excited to be a chapter in the story of their bright futures.”
The next stage of the competition is Feb. 13. The final selection for the 2026 Clay
Barton Scholar will be announced in spring 2026. The chosen recipient will join an
elite group of Barton Scholars whose legacy of success and service continues to shape
Wichita State and the business community at large.
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling
more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences
and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more
than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered
and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in
the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of
applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering
R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for
engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one
of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing
over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
