Willard W. Garvey Professorship in Business History

Willard W. Garvey earned a degree in economics from the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the national championship swim team. He would attend the University of Wichita from 1941-1943, before serving in the Army during World War II. Upon his return to Wichita, he took the reins of his family’s most prominent businesses. The president of Garvey Industries of Wichita, including Builders Inc. and Garvey Grain, he was well-known for his philosophy of ‘philanthropy, education and seeing others succeed.’ His passion for building is evident in Wichita’s Epic Center and Garvey Center, as well as in 27 other countries he helped to build homes.

He and his wife, Jean, would found Wichita Collegiate School and the Independent School of Wichita. In 1988, they would establish the Willard W. Garvey Professorship in Business History as Mr. Garvey believed in the relevance of business history and hoped to ‘create a closer link between WSU and the business community.’
Upon his death in 2002, Mrs. Garvey endowed the professorship, enhancing the position as a Faculty of Distinction. Mrs. Garvey also attended WU and is known for her dedication to community. Her philanthropic endeavors include the Junior League, the League of Women Voters, and serving on the boards of directors for the Salvation Army, Wichita Symphony, and Center for the Arts. She was recognized with the Uncommon Citizen Award by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce in 2004.