OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

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2026 Pub. 15 Issue 2

ISSUE HOMEPAGE
2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights; Elderly man with white hair and glasses speaks at a podium. He's wearing a navy blazer and yellow shirt. A banner behind reads "FORT...UNIV."

2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights

Picture of By The Kansas Bankers Association

By The Kansas Bankers Association

The annual Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series was held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Memorial Union. The event, attended by banking industry leaders stretching from Atchison to Syracuse, kicked off with a breakfast mixer hosted by the FHSU Foundation. The mixer provided an excellent opportunity for Kansas bankers and FHSU leaders to network and discuss shared objectives of the Robbins Banking Institute and the Kansas banking industry.

This year’s Lecture Series featured three prominent banking leaders — Earl McVicker, Leonard Wolfe and Kurt Knutson — each offering a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in banking. With nearly 150 years of combined banking and leadership experience, these gentlemen provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges they each overcame as they advanced in careers leading prominent financial institutions that supported businesses and individuals in their respective communities. 

Co-Hosted By

  • Fort Hays State University Robbins Banking Institute
  • Fort Hays State Alumni
  • Kansas Bankers Association
2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights; Elderly man with white hair and glasses speaks at a podium. He's wearing a navy blazer and yellow shirt. A banner behind reads "FORT...UNIV."
W.R. Robbins, namesake of Robbins Banking Institute
A group of people in business attire engage in conversation at a networking event. Tables hold snacks like cookies and fruit under bright ceiling lights.
A man in a suit and tie is seated, holding a microphone, engaged in speaking. He has a focused expression. Another man is partially visible beside him.
Doug Wareham, President & CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association, moderated the Lecture Series panel discussion.
Man in a blue suit jacket smiles while holding a glass, standing in an indoor setting. He wears a name tag and appears to be engaged in conversation.
KBA Vice Chairman Kyle Campbell, President & CEO of Astra Bank in Abilene, visits with FHSU students and staff during the RBI Lecture Series kick-off reception.
Three men in suits sit on chairs in front of a Robbins Banking Institute banner. They appear engaged in a panel discussion, with an audience seated in front.
(L-R) Kurt Knutson, Founder & CEO of Level 3 Freedom, Founder & CEO of Strategic Options, and Founder, former Chairman & CEO of Freedom Bank, Overland Park; Leonard Wolfe, Chairman, President and CEO of United Bank & Trust, Marysville, and Kansas State Banking Board Member; Earl McVicker, Chairman, President & CEO of Central Financial Corporation, Manhattan, Chairman of Community National Bank, Manhattan, and former Chairman, President & CEO of Central Bank & Trust Co., Hutchinson.
Four men in suites smile in front of a wall with the Robbins Banking Institute logo
(L-R) Kurt Knutson; W.R. Robbins, Chairman of Farmers Bank & Trust, Great Bend/Overland Park; Leonard Wolfe; and Earl McVicker.
Two people smiling in business attire in front of a screen displaying "Welcome to the Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series." Professional setting.
(L-R) Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at FHSU, and KBA Board Chairman-Elect Kendal Kay, President & CEO of Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland.
A smiling bald man in a suit and glasses converses with two women, creating a friendly atmosphere. He wears a name tag and a pin, indicating professionalism.
Dale Winklepleck, Chairman of the Robbins Banking Institute Advisory Council, welcomed bankers, alumni, faculty and students to the Lecture Series.
2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights; Elderly man with white hair and glasses speaks at a podium. He's wearing a navy blazer and yellow shirt. A banner behind reads "FORT...UNIV."

2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights

Picture of By The Kansas Bankers Association

By The Kansas Bankers Association

2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights; Elderly man with white hair and glasses speaks at a podium. He's wearing a navy blazer and yellow shirt. A banner behind reads "FORT...UNIV."

2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights

Picture of By The Kansas Bankers Association

By The Kansas Bankers Association

The annual Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series was held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Memorial Union. The event, attended by banking industry leaders stretching from Atchison to Syracuse, kicked off with a breakfast mixer hosted by the FHSU Foundation. The mixer provided an excellent opportunity for Kansas bankers and FHSU leaders to network and discuss shared objectives of the Robbins Banking Institute and the Kansas banking industry.

This year’s Lecture Series featured three prominent banking leaders — Earl McVicker, Leonard Wolfe and Kurt Knutson — each offering a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in banking. With nearly 150 years of combined banking and leadership experience, these gentlemen provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges they each overcame as they advanced in careers leading prominent financial institutions that supported businesses and individuals in their respective communities. 

Co-Hosted By

  • Fort Hays State University Robbins Banking Institute
  • Fort Hays State Alumni
  • Kansas Bankers Association
2026 Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series Highlights; Elderly man with white hair and glasses speaks at a podium. He's wearing a navy blazer and yellow shirt. A banner behind reads "FORT...UNIV."
W.R. Robbins, namesake of Robbins Banking Institute
A group of people in business attire engage in conversation at a networking event. Tables hold snacks like cookies and fruit under bright ceiling lights.
A man in a suit and tie is seated, holding a microphone, engaged in speaking. He has a focused expression. Another man is partially visible beside him.
Doug Wareham, President & CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association, moderated the Lecture Series panel discussion.
Man in a blue suit jacket smiles while holding a glass, standing in an indoor setting. He wears a name tag and appears to be engaged in conversation.
KBA Vice Chairman Kyle Campbell, President & CEO of Astra Bank in Abilene, visits with FHSU students and staff during the RBI Lecture Series kick-off reception.
Three men in suits sit on chairs in front of a Robbins Banking Institute banner. They appear engaged in a panel discussion, with an audience seated in front.
(L-R) Kurt Knutson, Founder & CEO of Level 3 Freedom, Founder & CEO of Strategic Options, and Founder, former Chairman & CEO of Freedom Bank, Overland Park; Leonard Wolfe, Chairman, President and CEO of United Bank & Trust, Marysville, and Kansas State Banking Board Member; Earl McVicker, Chairman, President & CEO of Central Financial Corporation, Manhattan, Chairman of Community National Bank, Manhattan, and former Chairman, President & CEO of Central Bank & Trust Co., Hutchinson.
Four men in suites smile in front of a wall with the Robbins Banking Institute logo
(L-R) Kurt Knutson; W.R. Robbins, Chairman of Farmers Bank & Trust, Great Bend/Overland Park; Leonard Wolfe; and Earl McVicker.
Two people smiling in business attire in front of a screen displaying "Welcome to the Robbins Banking Institute Lecture Series." Professional setting.
(L-R) Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at FHSU, and KBA Board Chairman-Elect Kendal Kay, President & CEO of Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland.
A smiling bald man in a suit and glasses converses with two women, creating a friendly atmosphere. He wears a name tag and a pin, indicating professionalism.
Dale Winklepleck, Chairman of the Robbins Banking Institute Advisory Council, welcomed bankers, alumni, faculty and students to the Lecture Series.

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