Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship has recently made a strategic move by reintegrating with the Barton School of Business after five years with the College of Innovation and Design (CID). This decision aims to enhance alignment with Wichita State’s initiatives in bolstering entrepreneurship programs, providing immersive student experiences, engaging with the entrepreneurial community, and meeting the needs of aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jeremy Patterson, dean of the College of Innovation and Design, expressed excitement about the transition, stating, “The Center for Entrepreneurship transitioning to the Barton School of Business is a strategic move that aligns with our shared vision of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across Wichita State University.” This move signifies a collaborative effort to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
The Center for Entrepreneurship will continue striving for excellence by integrating its programming and mission into the entrepreneurial academic and research pursuits of the Barton School and across the WSU campus. This integration has the potential to enhance its position as a premier entrepreneurial center and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration with other colleges on campus, including the College of Innovation and Design. The center will maintain its pivotal support of students and founders in the early startup phase of their ventures while building on the continued development of the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Basil Hourani, a distinguished member of the Barton School Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, emphasized the importance of fostering a dynamic ecosystem where ideas bloom and connections flourish. He stated, “Through deepening our involvement with the entrepreneurial and business community, we are not just nurturing a promising future for our students and esteemed faculty, but also enriching the economic prosperity of our region and beyond.”
Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School, expressed gratitude to the College of Innovation and Design for their stewardship of the center over the past five years. Looking towards the future, she highlighted the collaborative efforts with other colleges at Wichita State University to elevate the Center for Entrepreneurship to unparalleled heights of excellence and recognition. The goal is to transform it into a vibrant, interdisciplinary global hub that offers extensive opportunities and cultivates invaluable insights for the advancement and prosperity of the community.
Wichita State University has a long history of offering academic opportunities in entrepreneurship, with the Center for Entrepreneurship making a significant impact on businesses across the country. Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University, emphasized the center’s role in providing meaningful, tangible, and immersive experiences for students.
Founded in 1977 by Fran Jabara, a professor and former dean of the Barton School, the Center for Entrepreneurship has been internationally recognized as one of the finest, most comprehensive programs in the nation. With a focus on fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, the center continues to play a vital role in supporting aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, the reintegration of the Center for Entrepreneurship with the Barton School of Business marks a significant step towards enhancing entrepreneurship programs at Wichita State University. This move reflects a commitment to empowering students, engaging with the entrepreneurial community, and fostering a culture of innovation and growth. The Center for Entrepreneurship’s legacy of excellence and impact is set to continue and expand under this new alignment.
