Empowered individuals, enhanced institutions: Coffman Leadership Institute set for July 28-30

Kansas State University's 2026 James R. Coffman Leadership Institute, taking place July 28-30, will provide faculty and unclassified staff a unique opportunity to refresh and enhance their leadership skills and knowledge.

Facilitated by Human Resources and the Staley School of Leadership, the Coffman Leadership Institute serves as a launching point for continuous leadership development, professional networking and the empowerment of K-State professionals. 

Nominations are due Friday, March 6, and should be submitted via the online nomination form. Faculty and unclassified professionals may self-nominate, or a supervisor may nominate an employee for consideration. In the case of a self-nomination, the nominee's dean, director or department head will be asked to confirm their support for the nominee.

All applicants should be available to attend the institute in its entirety and be in good standing with their department. Please do not nominate individuals who have previously attended the institute, or self-nominate without confirming the support of your supervisor beforehand.

The institute is designed to help faculty and staff enhance their leadership abilities in a supportive yet challenging learning environment, while creating space for meaningful networking and interdisciplinary collaboration across K-State.

Grounded in the philosophy that everyone can lead, the institute emphasizes developing leadership skills and recognizing individual leadership styles. Participants will refine their own leadership approach and gain a deeper understanding of how it influences decision-making, conflict resolution and problem-solving.

The institute is offered as a three-day experience held on the Manhattan campus or in the surrounding community, with specific locations shared prior to the event. Sessions are designed to engage a variety of learning styles, and may explore topics such as conflict resolution, change management, shared leadership and team building.

When surveyed, more than 90% of past participants have rated the institute's workshops as effective or extremely effective. Through this experience, participants are equipped to serve as empowered leaders throughout the university.

For questions, contact Kait Long, Staley School of Leadership, at  kaitlinl@k-state.edu , or Heidi Zahner-Younts, Human Resources, at hzahner@k-state.edu.

— Submitted by the Staley School of Leadership and Human Resources