When breaking news happens in Kansas, there’s a good chance a familiar face from Newman University will soon appear on local television.
That face is Larry Straub.
The associate professor in Newman’s School of Business & Technology recently completed his 200th media interview as a business and economics expert, which not only showcases his commitment to public service but also Newman’s reputation as a trusted source of expertise on issues affecting the community.
For Straub, the interviews have never been about personal recognition. Instead, he sees each appearance as another opportunity to raise the university’s profile while helping viewers better understand complex issues. He also keeps one goal at the forefront.
“I try to make all the scary things in life, politics, and economics a little less scary,” he said. “But most importantly, in a fractured and polarized world, I try to keep things as non-partisan as possible. I don’t want to contribute to that divisiveness and toxicity.”
From the first unexpected interview to 200
Straub’s television career began unexpectedly in July 2022 when Newman’s University Relations team needed a faculty expert for a KAKE News interview about legalized sports betting in Kansas.
“I had never really gambled in my life,” Straub recalled. “However, within 30 minutes I had a TV reporter and cameraman in my office, and I was an ‘expert’ on the topic.”
That first assignment taught him a valuable lesson. He learned how to do “on the fly” research and get up to speed on a topic as quickly as possible.
“The interview went very well, and I really enjoyed the experience,” Straub said.
Since then, reporters from across the Wichita media market have regularly turned to Straub for perspective on business, economics, politics, current events and cultural issues.
“I really like the variety of subjects that they come to me with,” he said. “They have pretty much figured out that I can talk about any topic.”
Straub credits his background as a professor for making that possible.
“I joke with people that being a management professor means you know a little bit about everything but not a lot about anything,” Straub laughed. “It is more of a generalist degree and education.”
That broad knowledge, combined with being a self-proclaimed “news junky,” allows him to quickly become a helpful source in emerging topics before speaking with reporters.
Always answering the call
One reason local newsrooms continue calling Straub is his willingness to work around their demanding deadlines.
“I always pick up (the phone) … on weekends, evenings, on vacation, you name it,” he said. “For the last three years, I have done at least a couple interviews while on vacation. They send me a video link, I find an out of the way place and we do it.”
That dependability has helped build strong relationships with local journalists, particularly younger reporters entering the profession.
“They are a wonderful and very dedicated bunch of young people,” Straub said. “They take great care of me because I am always there for them.”
The relationship is built on mutual trust. While television interviews may last 10 minutes, only a small portion typically airs. Additionally, Straub asks reporters to “not get me into controversies by taking what I say out of context.”
“The deal I have with them is this… I will always pick up and turn my world inside out and upside down to take care of you and your deadlines… but you must keep me out of trouble,” Straub said. “And they do… and always have.”
He also sees each interview as a chance to do what he does best as a professor: educate.
“I also take the time to give the reporters some depth and some background on the topics they are interviewing me on,” he said. “They really seem to appreciate that as well.”
From a learning curve to sharing expertise
Some of Straub’s favorite experiences are the twice-monthly live business and economics segments he records with KAKE News.
The first live appearance, however, was “a little nerve-wracking,” he said.
“All five cameras on this set wheel (spun) around at one time and focused on me,” he said. “That was a ‘holy cow’ moment! I was not prepared for that.”
Fortunately, veteran anchor Chris Earl helped settle his nerves.
“Chris Earl, the KAKE News anchor, is so good at what he does,” Straub said. “He almost makes you forget the cameras are there.”
Straub said it is an honor to be considered “a trusted voice for Newman University.”
“When we had the academic program and staff reduction a few years back, TV reporters started calling me,” Straub explained. “I asked Clark Schafer (director of university relations) if he wanted to at least provide me with talking points or messaging and he said, ‘You know the landscape and what is going on… we trust your judgement.’ That meant a lot and was very impressive.”
Now, 200 interviews later, Straub’s confidence and reach as an educator has only increased. Not only is he fulfilling his life’s mission to serve “as a bridge between higher education and the practice of business administration, management and strategy,” he is living out Newman’s mission to “empower graduates to transform society” — one interview at a time.
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