Melissa Penkava Koza

Melissa Penkava Koza, recently promoted to Assistant Teaching Professor at 蹤獲扦 Universitys School of Performing Arts, has built a career blending costume technology, education, and industry collaboration. With a background in music and theatre, she has spent over two decades mentoring students and enhancing applied learning opportunities in costume production. As Costume Shop Manager, she oversees 蹤獲扦s costume operations while also serving as Head of Costumes at Music Theatre Wichita, bridging academia and professional theatre. Passionate about STEAM education and student development, Koza fosters industry connections, advocates for inclusivity, and works to integrate hands-on experiences into 蹤獲扦s curriculum. Her work not only shapes the next generation of theatre professionals but also strengthens Wichitas arts community through meaningful collaborations and innovative productions.

Melissa Penkava Koza works on a costume for a show.

Jan. 31, 2025 What started as a work study position in the costume shop of her universitys theater department has propelled Melissa Penkava Kozas sewing hobby into guiding the next generation of costume creators.

2025 Gore Scholars

Jan. 31, 2025 蹤獲扦has selected the 2025 recipients of the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships. Each student will receive a $64,000 scholarship to attend 蹤獲扦 in August 2025.

In Memoriam: Kiah Duggins, 1994-2025

We are deeply heartbroken to share with our community and friends that Kiah Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C.

The 12 finalists for the 2025 Distinguished Scholarship Invitational

Jan. 28, 2025 蹤獲扦has selected the top 12 finalists in the annual Distinguished Scholarship Invitational.

Homefield apparel

Jan. 27, 2025 - Vintage WuShock logos, from as far back as the 1950s, are enjoying a comeback. In December, 蹤獲扦 announced its partnership with Homefield, an Indianapolis company dedicated to vintage college clothing.

Wichita Biomedical Campus architectural drawing by Helix+CO Architects

Jan. 23, 2025 - As you return to campus for the spring semester, you will notice ongoing and new construction across 蹤獲扦 Universitys 330 acres and beyond.

Barton School alumna Erin Cummings announced the launch of Armine + Ambrose

Erin Cummings, serial entrepreneur, author, and angel investor, has announced the launch of a semi-fine jewelry brand reflecting resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. Named after the middle names of her children, the brand celebrates storytelling through wearable symbols of courage and intention.

Campus

Jan. 21, 2025 Seeing an opportunity to support partnerships with the Wichita community, 蹤獲扦has established the new Office of Community Partnerships.

Yvette Connor, CohnReznick Partner, Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce that Yvette Connor has joined its Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board. Connor is a principal and risk advisory practice leader at CohnReznick, a global advisory, assurance, and tax firm with 4,300 team members.

25 Under 25, Presented by the Barton School of Business

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is proud to announce its first ever 25 Under 25 class. This award honors current undergraduate students who are making waves at the Barton School, 蹤獲扦, and in their communities. This inaugural class will receive exclusive mentorship opportunities through the Barton School and will be recognized at an event in Spring 2025.

Marty Cornejo Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce that Marty Cornejo has joined its Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board. Cornejo is co-owner of Cornejo Holdings, a diversified company with interests in operating businesses, warehouse developments, manufacturing, hotels, and luxury apartments. His extensive background in the family business, Cornejo & Sons Construction, includes serving as president until its acquisition in 2010.

Gary Oborny Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce that Gary Oborny, founder, chairman, and CEO of Occidental Management, has joined its Deans Advisory Board.

Denise Sherman Named Director of the Center for Management Development and Executive Education

The Center for Management Development and Executive Education at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦has announced Denise Sherman as its new director. For the last six years, Sherman has served as the executive director at the Kansas African American Museum.

Tien Huynh, Serial Entrepreneur, Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is excited to announce that Tien Huynh has joined its prestigious Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board. Huynh is the principal partner at G1 Group.

Michael Monteferrante Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce that Michael Monteferrante has been named to its Deans Advisory Board. Monteferrante has served as president and CEO of Envision since 2013. Prior to this role, he was the CEO of leading organizations across a variety of industries, including transportation, technology, engineering, commercial real estate, construction, and food.

Wesley Healthcare CEO, Bill Voloch, Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is proud to welcome Bill Voloch, president and CEO of Wesley Healthcare, to its Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board.

Treena Mason, Blue Cross Blue Shield Executive, Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce the addition of Treena Mason to its Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board. Treena Mason is the Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), the states largest and only locally owned health insurance provider. As a mutually owned, not-for-profit health plan, BCBSKS serves nearly 1 million members with the states largest provider network and award-winning customer service.

Brad Elliott, Equity Bank Founder, Joins Barton School Deans Advisory Board

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦is pleased to announce the addition of Brad Elliott to its Deans Fabulous 50 Advisory Board. Elliott is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Equity Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Wichita based Equity Bank.