Tom Gentile, president and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, has been named as the newest member of the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board for Wichita State鈥檚 W. Frank Barton School of Business.
鈥淲hen I was offered the chance to serve on this board, I was excited for the opportunity,鈥� said Gentile. 鈥淭he future of business is being shaped in universities across the country. The efforts on this board will help prepare Barton students to be leaders and game changers in the world of business.鈥�
As a member of the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board, Gentile will provide guidance on the Barton School鈥檚 strategic direction, innovative curriculum, impactful student experience and industry engagement. The current board is comprised of 50 diverse industry leaders from around the country.
鈥淲e are constantly looking to attract thought leaders with fresh perspectives and ideas,鈥� said Clark Bastian, chair of the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board and chairman of Fidelity Bank. 鈥淭om鈥檚 experience and success leading one of the world鈥檚 largest aviation manufacturing companies will be invaluable, and I look forward to his involvement on the board.鈥�
Gentile鈥檚 appointment to the board comes on the heels of his stint as the Barton School鈥檚 2021 Executive-in-Residence, where he collaborated with the Barton leadership team on curriculum and industry trends; engaged with students on life skills and preparing them to land their dream jobs; and worked with business executives on shaping the future of business education to align with the future of work.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled that our relationship with Tom is expanding and strengthening,鈥� said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. 鈥淗is addition to the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board will help shape the future of our college.鈥�
