Public Policy and Management Center at Wichita State University

What does public service look like inside Wichita Public Schools? It looks like connection, belonging, and removing barriers so every student and family has the support they need to succeed. Today, the PPMC is proud to recognize: LaTonia Kennedy, Director of Family and Community Engagement: Bringing over two decades of experience in public education to ensure families are meaningfully connected to the resources, relationships, and support systems that help students thrive. Lydia Vitolas-Leake, Migrant Family Literacy Specialist: More than 20 years of service supporting Wichita families through Wichita Public Schools. Named the 2026 Excellence in Public Service Award winner, Lydia consistently goes above and beyond to strengthen literacy, trust, and connection for migrant families across our community. Corinthian Kelly, Director of Partnerships & Belonging: Helping build and sustain partnerships that strengthen school communities and support students in developing positive attitudes toward learning and academic achievement. His work helps ensure schools are not working in isolation, but alongside the community. In our schools, public service is the daily work of creating environments where every learner can succeed. #PSRW2026 #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek #WichitaPublicSchools #PublicServiceIsEssential

We’re excited to launch the Kansas Data Trust, a new statewide initiative led by the PPMC at @wichitastateu that will securely connect data across agencies, nonprofits, and researchers to support stronger decisions and healthier communities across Kansas. This is a major step toward breaking down data silos and helping communities better understand what works. Learn more: kansasdatatrust.org

Y’all need professional development in 2026? We got it! From bridging the generational divide, to learning how to have brave conversations, the PPMC’s development series equips you with the tools to approach these situations successfully! Pick from our dozens of available classes hosted at @wichitalibrary to develop the skills that matter to you. To learn more about the professional development series hosted by the PPMC, please click the link below or in bio! wichita.edu/services/ppmc/PPMC_Projects/professional_development_series.php

The PPMC is excited to share that Misty, James, and Christian have officially landed safely in Anchorage, Alaska for the 2026 CUPSO National Conference! A huge thank you to the UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research for being such wonderful hosts already. We are looking forward to a great week of learning, collaboration, and connecting with colleagues from across the country. Stay tuned for more updates from Alaska throughout the week!

Congratulations to @_just.brad , our Community Program Coordinator, for graduating from @wichitastateu today with a Master in Public Administration 🎓🌾 Brad’s dedication to public service, community engagement, and professional growth continues to strengthen the work we do across Kansas communities. Team PPMC is proud to celebrate this accomplishment and excited to see the impact he will continue to make through his leadership and service.

CUPSO 2026, we’re ready for you! 🙌 Yesterday afternoon, PPMC Financial Specialist Christian Holley and Strategic Initiatives Manager James Roberts previewed what they will be presenting at the Consortium of University Public Service Organizations next week in Anchorage, Alaska: a deep dive on how the PPMC has adapted to leaps of growth over the past 7 years, as well as the management systems keeping us on track. James rounded it out with the big picture: less burnout, stronger retention, and a more efficient team all around. We are so excited to share photos from their trip to CUPSO next week! #CUPSO2026

It's not too late to register for Professional Development Series next week! Click the link in our bio to register! https://conta.cc/4uRuLJv

Each year, the WSU City/County Management Summit is made possible through the support of partners committed to strengthening local government across Kansas. Thank you to our 2026 sponsors: @huttonbuilds , Prime Craftsman Homes, Schneider Electric, @bhc_eng , Foulston, @pecengineering , @kansasleadershipcenter , and KHRC for helping bring this year’s summit to life. Regular registration for CCMS 2026 ends May 15. Join local government leaders from across the state on June 10 for a day of learning, collaboration, and conversation focused on the future of Kansas communities. Register here: /C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6556&SINGLESTORE=true

Public Service Recognition Week may be coming to a close, but the impact of public servants across Kansas continues every single day. To wrap up the week, the PPMC is proud to recognize 5 incredible public servants whose leadership and dedication help keep their communities moving forward: - Shayla Franklin, City Treasurer, @cityofwichitagov : Recognized for her leadership, integrity, and collaborative spirit with the City of Wichita’s Excellence in Public Service Award. - David Cowan, Assistant City Manager, @cityofindependenceks : Decades of leadership supporting city operations and public safety for the City of Independence. - Bryan Ellis, Operations Manager, @sedgwickcountyks Emergency Management: Honored for a lifelong commitment to public safety and emergency management after more than 38 years of service. - Neal Owings, Director of Parks & Public Buildings, @valley.center.ks : Leading improvements to parks, facilities, and public spaces that serve the community every day. - April Beshears, City Clerk, Nickerson, KS: Bringing dedication, care, and steady leadership to the daily operations of the City of Nickerson. Thank you to these public servants and all those serving communities across Kansas every day. #PSRW2026 #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek #PublicServiceIsEssential

Public Service Recognition Week is a time to recognize the individuals who keep our communities running. Across Kansas, that work shows up in many ways. Today, we’re highlighting three public servants making an impact: - David Dillner, City Manager for @eldorado.kansas : bringing years of experience and a strong commitment to local government and community service - Kristi Northcutt, Director at the @universityofkansas Public Management Center in Lawrence: building on a career of meaningful investment and impact in local communities - Ben Sims, City Council President for @cityofbasehor : offering steady leadership and long-standing dedication to his community This week (& every week) we’re grateful for the people doing this work across our state. #PSRW2026 #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek #PublicServiceIsEssential

Happy Birthday, @sjshaffe55 ! 🎉 We’re celebrating Sarah Shaffer, our incredible Operations Manager who keeps PPMC running strong every day. Her organization, problem-solving, and steady leadership make a difference across each of our teams. Wishing you a fantastic year ahead!

What does Public Service look like in Wichita, Kansas? Today, the PPMC is proud to recognize 3 public servants making a lasting impact across the Wichita area: - Robert (Bob) Layton, former @cityofwichitagov City Manager: 16 years of leadership shaping Wichita’s growth and infrastructure - Detective Robert Chisholm, @wichitapolicedepartment : recognized for excellence in public service and dedication to justice - Shana Zimmerman, teacher at @wichitausd259 : creating safe, real-world learning experiences for students From classrooms to city leadership, public servants fuel our City every day. #PSRW2026 #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek #PublicServiceIsEssential