After five years as part of the College of Innovation and Design (CID), Wichita State University’s Entrepreneurship Center will be reintegrated into the Barton School of Business. The move is intended to strengthen entrepreneurship programs, provide an immersive student experience, engage with the entrepreneurial community and better align Wichita State’s efforts in serving the needs of aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
“The Center for Entrepreneurship’s transition to the Barton School of Business is a strategic move that aligns with our shared vision of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship throughout Wichita State University. The CID is committed to building on our strengths in managing and developing emerging technologies and looks forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the Barton School of Business to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders,” said Dr. Jeremy Patterson, dean of the School of Innovation and Design.
The Entrepreneurship Center will continue to strive for excellence by integrating its programs and mission into entrepreneurial academic and research activities at the Barton School and across the WSU campus. The integration with the Barton School will likely strengthen its position as a premier entrepreneurship center and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with other colleges on campus, including the College of Innovation & Design. The Center will continue its critical support of students and founders in the early start-up stages of their ventures while building on the continued development of the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Our goal is to foster a dynamic ecosystem where ideas blossom and connections thrive. By deepening our engagement with the entrepreneurial and business community, we not only nurture the futures of our students and esteemed faculty, but also enhance the economic prosperity of our region and beyond,” said Basil Hourani, a distinguished member of the Barton School Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board, chair of the Entrepreneur Task Force, and recent Barton School Entrepreneur in Residence. Mr. Hourani is co-founder and executive partner at Capital7.
“We are grateful to the School of Innovation & Design for their stewardship of the Center over the past five years,” said Dr. Larisa Janin, Dean of the Barton School. “As we look to the future, we look forward to strengthening our collaborations not only with this department but also with other departments at Wichita State University. Together, we are committed to elevating the Entrepreneurship Center to an unparalleled level of excellence and recognition. Our goal is to transform it into a vibrant, interdisciplinary, global hub that not only provides a wide range of opportunities but also fosters valuable insights for our community to advance and thrive. In this effort, we will provide an extraordinary immersive experience for our students, faculty and other key stakeholders, setting a new standard for innovation and engagement.”
“WSU was one of the first universities to offer academic opportunities in entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Shirley LeFever, vice president and dean at Wichita State University. “The Entrepreneurship Center has had a profound impact on businesses across the country and will continue to provide meaningful, tangible and immersive experiences.”
The center was founded in 1977 by Professor Fran Jabara, former dean of the Barton School and inaugural member of the Barton School’s “Beyond” 2024 Hall of Fame, who, with his own funds and the support of the university, created the center’s first program, a workshop titled “Entrepreneurship: Your Future in Business,” the first of its kind on a university campus and recognized internationally as one of the best comprehensive programs in the country.
Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Center
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas’ only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students across its main and WSU Tech campuses, including students from every U.S. state and more than 100 countries. Wichita State University and WSU Tech are known for being student-centered and innovative. Located in the state’s largest city with the highest concentration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related jobs in the United States, Wichita State University offers a unique, distinctive and innovative pathway of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all students. Innovation Campusis a physical extension of Wichita State University’s main campus and is one of the largest and fastest growing research and innovation parks in the nation, spanning over 120 acres and home to numerous global companies and organizations.
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About the W. Frank Burton School of Management
The W. Frank Barton School of Business is a hub of practical, applied learning, where students apply knowledge from faculty and business leaders while developing both professional and life skills. Barton School is among the top 1% of business schools in the world and is twice AACSB accredited in business and accounting. Located in award-winning Woolsey Hall, the School is the cornerstone of a challenging yet supportive educational opportunity, featuring stunning artwork, sculpture, gardens and the Promise Bridge, a 300-foot pedestrian bridge that spans the water in front of the building.
About the Faculty of Innovation and Design
The School of Innovation & Design delivers the educational experience you’ve been hoping for, with a focus on experiential learning within a multidisciplinary group of driven innovators, strategic thinkers and product developers. Courses emphasize critical thinking and a human-centered approach to complex problem-solving in a collaborative environment that frequently involves industry partners. Students develop professional, digital, innovation and leadership skills and can augment their degree with a minor in sustainability and in-demand industry certifications such as design thinking, leadership, scrum and UX management.
