Kansas State University

Any employee across the institution who aspires to lead, regardless of position or title, is invited to participate in a new leadership development series — Building Next-Gen Leadership. The limited series will teach leadership concepts and develop community, especially around the university's Next-Gen strategic plan.   

More than 325 employees already have signed up for the series' first topic April 15: "Courage: Leading Starts With You."  The workshop will be offered three times to reach as many employees as possible — two in-person sessions on the Manhattan campus and one virtual for employees who can't attend in person. Registration is required by this Friday, April 12.  

Workshop description: Whether change happens on a big scale or a small scale, the effort has to start somewhere. This ultimately takes courage. Someone must take the first step. Ask the first question. Offer an idea. In this workshop, you'll explore practical steps toward achieving the change you desire, in the places you have the most influence, no matter what role, position or title you hold.  

 In-person session 
Monday, April 15
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Town Hall at the Leadership Studies Building
Lunch provided  

 Virtual session 
Tuesday, April 16 
8:30-10 a.m.   

In-person session 
Wednesday, April 17
1:30-3 p.m. 
Wildcat Chamber at the K-State Student Union 
Light refreshments provided  

The series will be facilitated by Amanda Cebula, adjunct instructor at K-State's Staley School of Leadership and former director of project and business development at the Kansas Leadership Center, where she co-authored the book "Your Leadership Edge: Tools and Strategies for When Everyone Leads." She received her bachelor's degree in communication studies from K-State, with minors in music and leadership studies. She also earned a master's degree in management and leadership from Webster University.  

 Human Resources recognizes the need for leadership development programming to advance our vision for Next-Gen K-State. The HR strategic initiative will take place in three phases: a series open to all K-State employees; a Professional Development Needs Assessment; and future programming.  

Leadership development aligns with building and sustaining our workforce, one of the key priorities of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan. Continuing to develop leadership capacities and strengths among our faculty and staff is critical to the university reaching its goals.  

Be on the lookout in K-State Today for May's leadership topic. In the meantime, check out the Building Next-Gen Leadership page for more information.