Park University - Mayor Kay Barnes to Join Park University, Lead New Center

Mayor Kay Barnes

Park University announced today its appointment of the Honorable Kay Barnes, Mayor of Kansas City, Mo., as Distinguished Professor for Public Leadership, effective May 1.

In this new role, Mayor Barnes will lead Park's effort to establish a Center for Leadership in Public Affairs and she will teach leadership, communication and public affairs courses in the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs (HSPA).

"Park students will have the distinct privilege to learn from a professor who exemplifies the best in public service and servant leadership," said President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Park University. "Mayor Barnes brings proven leadership to the development of Park's newest Center."

The Center for Leadership in Public Affairs will equip learners with the skills to advance leadership for the common good in both local and global arenas, and will develop students' leadership and service abilities to apply to a global business community.

The vision and mission of the new Center, including the details regarding its activities, will be established by the Founding Director, the Honorable Kay Barnes, and include:

Developing a Leadership Coaching Program and as well as needed programs for professionals
Assisting in the development of an Executive M.P.A. Program
Assisting local governments in problem identification and problem solving
Developing programs with local schools and nonprofits, and addressing community issues
Developing a nationwide Mentor Program for our M.P.A. students

"The addition of this new Center signifies that Park University will continue to address leadership and its role in public affairs," said Professor Emeritus Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D., founding dean of HSPA.

As the 54th Mayor of Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Barnes has served the Kansas City community for the past eight years.

"I'm excited about this opportunity to immediately become part of the Park University team. Park has a great tradition which began in Northwest Missouri, spread throughout the Midwest and is now recognized as a national leader for Online degree programs," said Honorable Kay Barnes, Mayor, Kansas City, Mo.

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If you have news to share, please submit it through the Park News submission page, Communication Coordinator, or send the information through campus mail to Box 65.

For more information about Park University, please contact Rita Weighill, Associate Vice President for Communication at (816) 584-6211.