News Releases

School of Business faculty named one of state's prominent leaders

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

BY WAYNE LARSON

Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the University of Kansas' School of Business Wally Meyer was appointed to the Leadership Kansas 2010 class in March. He is one of the 40 leaders in the state chosen from more than 600 applicants this year. This selection makes him one of 10 KU representatives to have earned this designation.

"This appointment will allow me to network with prominent leaders from Kansas businesses and governmental entities," Meyer said. He plans to use these networking connections to help School of Business students gain hands-on experiences working with organizations in Kansas.

Begun 32 years ago, the Leadership Kansas organization is one of the oldest leadership organizations in the country. Its goal is to inspire and educate leaders, like Meyer, to continue building Kansas' economy. That goal ties into what Meyer, who teaches entrepreneurship courses, believes the University owes to the state and its citizens.

"I want this appointment to help me, the School, and the University Ôgive back' to Kansas because it is our responsibility to use our talents to better the state," Meyer said.

Meyer and his 2010 classmates will participate in the organization's six-month program that will facilitate discussion about the state's business, agriculture, public policy and economic development among other topics.

The organization boasts an alumni class that includes former Governor Bill Graves, KU Business alum and CEO of the Kroger Company David Dillon, and many other prominent Kansas Leaders.

"The opportunity to network with powerful leaders from Kansas will be invaluable to me and to my students," Meyer said.