A Trailblazer in Entrepreneurship and Education | Fran Jabara
By LISA LOEWEN
Fran Jabara forever changed the intersection of education and entrepreneurship. A staunch advocate for entrepreneurs, Jabara sought to foster a more conducive environment for facilitating entrepreneurial development in higher education.
After serving for three years in the U.S. Army during World War II, Jabara received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma A & M (Oklahoma State University) in 1946. He completed his graduate studies at Northwestern University and earned his CPA.
EDUCATOR AND LEADER
Jabara joined the faculty of Wichita University (now Wichita State University) in 1949, a career that would span 40 years. He was appointed Distinguished Professor in 1971 and served as Dean of the College of Business Administration for seven years.
His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Under his guidance, the Barton School of Business flourished, with a focus on preparing students to become innovative leaders and business visionaries.
Jabara founded one of the first Centers for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State in 1977, a program that became internationally recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive in the nation.
He also co-founded the Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs (ACE), the largest national organization for collegiate students interested in entrepreneurship and was instrumental in assisting other universities in creating entrepreneurship programs, including Cornell University, University of Calgary, University of Notre Dame, Arizona State University, St. Thomas University, Marquette University and the Monterey Institute of Technology in Mexico.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP BEYOND ACADEMIA
Jabara chose to leave Wichita State in 1989 to pursue his own entrepreneurial dream, founding Jabara Ventures Group, a private equity and investment company, as well as the Jabara Family Foundation.
Leaving the realm of higher education behind did not mean letting go of his dedication to developing future entrepreneurs, however. Jabara established numerous accounting and entrepreneur scholarships and awards at several universities and colleges to help deserving students pay for their business education.
He also mentored thousands of individuals and companies over the years, sharing his expertise and advice with those who asked, solidifying his reputation as a guiding force in the entrepreneurial landscape.
A recognized national leader in entrepreneurship, Jabara received several prestigious awards including Entrepreneur of the Year in 1991 by Ernst & Young, Merrill Lynch, Inc. and Financial Services Advocate of the Year in 2003 by The U.S. Small Business Association.
A HALL IN HIS HONOR
In addition to national accolades, Wichita State recognized Jabara’s extraordinary contribution to the University with its dedication of Jabara Hall in 1996.
This building stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit and tireless efforts to shape the future of entrepreneurship education. It is a place where budding entrepreneurs can gather, collaborate, and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Jabara also received the Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of Business Administration in 2001 and the President’s Medal in 2002.
A LEGACY REMEMBERED
Although Jabara passed away in 2015, his impact on entrepreneurship and education continues to resonate, carried forward by his family.
As the W. Frank Barton School of Business inducts Fran Jabara into its inaugural “Beyond” Hall of Fame, it pays homage to an individual who reshaped the landscape of entrepreneurship education and left a permanent mark on the entrepreneurial community.
Fran Jabara’s legacy serves as an enduring source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators. He stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders.
