MKN Conferences and Professional Development
MO-KAN-NE offers a variety of professional development opportunities for TRIO and GEAR UP professionals to expand their skills.
MKN Annual Conference
The Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska
(MO-KAN-NE) Chapter of the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) will be holding its 47th Annual Conference,
Where - Kansas City, MO. - Country Club Plaza Marriott
Our Annual Conference is a place where we can increase our engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise.
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Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel Booking Information
Book your group rate for the MO-KAN-NE Chapters Conference 2025
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.
Click the link either above or below to book your conference hotel room.
Book your Group rate for the MO-KAN-NE Chapter Conference 2025
Hotel Information Summary:
MO-KAN-NE Chapters Conference 2025
Start Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
End Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Last Day to Book your Hotel: Monday, March 10, 2025
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza for 179 USD per night
**For individuals who have tax-exempt status in the State of Missouri. A paper copy of your tax-exempt status letter will need to be provided during check-in.**
Please use the link below to purchase the following registration ticket options:
Pre-Conference:
Talent Search Program Design Workshop,
EOC Program Design Workshop
New Professionals Session
DIY STEM on a Budget: Engaging Activities with Career Connections
Empowering TRIO Leaders: Navigating Leadership and Grant Management Success
Conference Registration for Member, Non-Member, Student, Admin, Retiree
Goals
Our conference is a place where we can increase our engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise.
Knowledge
Our conference is a place where we can increase our engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise.
Development
Our conference is a place where we can increase our engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise.
Leadership
Our conference is a place where we can increase our engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise.
MKN DEVELOPMENT
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MKN Annual Conference
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MKN Professional Development
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MKN FUNTIVITY
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TRIO Conferences
Pre-Conference Session Overview Information Sheet.
This flyer provides comprehensive details and descriptions of all the pre-conference sessions that TRIO/GEAR UP Chapter members can register for during the Annual Conference week.
Scan the QR Code for additional information about each available Pre-Conference Session.
2025
MO-KAN-NE
Achievers Award
Nominations are now open for the
2025
MO-KAN-NE Achievers Award
What is an MKN Achiever? An MKN Achiever is an outstanding former TRIO/GEAR UP participant who has received recognition within his/her profession or for outstanding academic achievement.
They are individuals who have made significant civic, community, or professional contributions. MKN Achievers are recognized at the MKN Achievers banquet at the Annual Conference. It is a special event that allows our MO-KAN-NE community to congratulate our alumni on their success.
This award further serves as a source of pride in the knowledge that MO-KAN-NE continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of first-generation and low-income students throughout the
MO-KAN-NE region and the United States.
For 2025, the MO-KAN-NE Chapter will honor up to two (2) MKN Achievers.
Submission deadline is March 3, 2025, by 5:00 pm
The 2025 MKN Achiever Nomination Form is also attached.
Please contact the MKN Achiever Chair,
Liz Shepard at liz.shepard@cowley.edu
if you need additional information or assistance.
Criteria for the Selection of
MKN Achiever:
The MKN Achiever nominee must:
● Be a former TRIO/GEAR UP program participant who was enrolled in and completed a TRIO/GEAR UP program in the MO-KAN-NE Region.
● Have enrolled in and completed a post-secondary program of study resulting in a baccalaureate or terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
● Must be a person of high stature within his/her profession or has received recognition for outstanding academic achievement.
● Must currently be employed above the entry-level designation for his/her profession or enrolled in a program for a degree above the baccalaureate degree. Special preference is given to nominees who have been out of school for five or more years.
● Must have made significant civic, community, or professional contributions.
● Acknowledge that participation in the TRIO/GEAR UP project had a significant impact on the candidate in obtaining his/her educational and/or professional objectives.
2025
MO-KAN-NE
Hall of Fame
Nominations are now open for the2025MO-KAN-NE Hall of Fame
2025 MKN - Hall of Fame
The Chapter recognizes and rewards its members who have shown outstanding commitment, energy, and excellence toward achieving the mission and goals of the organization by induction into the MO-KAN-NE Hall of Fame.
Persons confirmed to the MO-KAN-NE Hall of Fame will receive Honorary Membership status in MKN as defined in the Chapter’s constitution.
This status is reflected in the program for MKN’s Annual Conference and in the MKN directory.
Please contact the MKN Hall of Fame Chair,
Rashawn Harvey at mokanne-halloffame@eoa.org
if you need additional information or assistance
The submission deadline for MKN Hall of Fame is
Friday, March 3, 2025, by 5:00 pm
Nominations for the MKN Hall of Fame will be done electronically at the following link below:
Criteria for the Selection of
MKN Achiever:
1. The nominee shall be at least a ten-year Active Professional member of MKN and should be of current status at the time of nomination and induction.
2. The nominee shall have served as an officer in MKN and/or chaired a committee on the MKN level.
3. The nominee shall have demonstrated strong leadership by having provided professional development workshops, educational training, or developed model or exemplary programs for the organization's constituency.
4. The nominee shall have coordinated a successful major fund-raising activity and/or generated significant other outside support for MKN activities.
5. The nominee shall have provided an outstanding contribution to the goals and mission of MKN.
6. Nominator must submit a letter supporting the nomination of the nominee.
MKN Past Honorary Members
MO-KAN-NE wishes to pay tribute to our past MKN Hall of Fame awardees. By looking back at their journeys, we are reminded of the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion. Each inductee into our Hall of Fame has created a distinct path, leaving an everlasting impact on their respective fields and touching the lives of countless individuals along the way.
These individuals exemplify the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines our community. Through their groundbreaking discoveries, artistic brilliance, visionary leadership, and remarkable acts of service, they have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire us all.
Whether through their groundbreaking inventions, transformative leadership, artistic masterpieces, or acts of kindness and compassion, our Hall of Fame winners have enriched our lives and expanded the boundaries of what is possible. We honor not only their accomplishments but also the values they embody – perseverance, creativity, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
2025 MKN College Access and Success
Outstanding Institution
The MKN College Access and Success Outstanding Institution may be any institution or organization committed to the TRIO/GEAR UP/EOP movement that exemplifies the goal of ensuring that college access and success are available to all students.
Through their work with a TRIO/GEAR UP/EOP grant, this institution exudes the passion, professionalism, and perseverance to effectively assist low-income and/or first-generation students in their quest to access and succeed in college.
We encourage you to think of the champions who work with your TRIO/GEAR UP/EOP grant to ensure student success.
Mail or e-mail this application to:
MKN Advocacy & Recognition Co-Chairs Corinne Nilsen & Vanessa Souriya-Mnirajd
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 110
Wichita, KS 67260-0110
2025 MKN College Access and Success
Outstanding Professional
The MKN College Access and Success Outstanding Professional is committed to the TRIO/GEAR UP/EOP movement and the goal of ensuring that college access and success are available to all students.
Through their work with TRIO/GEAR UP/EOP, this person exudes the passion and perseverance to assist low-income and/or first-generation students in their quest to attain a postsecondary education.
We encourage you to think of the heroes within your grant who work hard every day for students, including but not limited to, directors, assistant directors, educational specialists, evaluators, coordinators, grant managers, and college advisors.
Please contact the MKN
Advocacy & Recognition Chairs,
Corinne Nilsen or Vanessa Souriya-Mnirajd at
Corinne.Nilsen@wichita or
Vanessa.Souriya@wichita.edu
if you need additional information.
Call for
proposals
We are in search of proposals for our annual conference and we hope you can help!
The annual conference is a place where attendees can increase engagement, learn pertinent skills, be inspired, provide support, network with colleagues, and share our expertise. This year's annual conference theme is centered around banding together and creating an environment of collaboration. The success of the annual conference depends on the active participation and contribution of the membership in presenting sessions and workshops that are engaging and informative.
Every program has something they've refined over time and learned to do well; submit a proposal to share your expertise with your TRIO/Gear UP and other educational opportunity program colleagues! We welcome presentations on successful activities for motivating, engaging, and inspiring employees, strategies to impact students, improve recruitment or retention, or any other innovative practices and procedures.
The purpose of the workshop sessions is to increase the knowledge of and provide practical tools for attendees and to support the work they do with students, staff, colleagues, and within the community.
You are encouraged to consider sharing your knowledge and skill sets with your colleagues!
Proposals must be submitted by Friday, March 7, 2025.
If you have any questions,
please contact Jeromy Layman, Proposals Chair,
at jlayman@sfccmo.edu and put "MOKANNE Proposals" in the Subject Line.
Funtivity 2025
MKN is hosting a Trivia Night for our funtivity. Grab your pals, or make some new friends at the conference, put on your thinking caps, and let the good times roll! Teams of 8 or Individuals can register and pay at the door. All money raised will go to MKN Scholarships.
Teams of 8 will be $120.00, Individuals will be $20.00. There will be prizes, a 50/50 raffle, cash bar and more.
Silent Auction info:
MKN is hosting a Silent Auction at this year's Annual Conference utilizing the platform 32auctions.
If individuals are interested in donating a basket, please have pictures or a general list of items to Brandon Hammond, Scholarship Fundraising Chair, no later than March 28 to have it uploaded to the website.
The auction will open on April 1, and bidding will be live. Winners will be announced on Friday. As always with a silent auction, the highest bidder wins, so bid, bid, bid!!
We’ve got park passes, tickets, and other items from across the 3 states, an authentic autographed photo of Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and much more. All money once again goes to MKN scholarships.
Member Involved in Leadership & Engagement (MILE)
Mile
Member Involved in Leadership & Engagement
MILE is to create a network of engaged TRIO professionals while gaining knowledge of MKN/EOA/COE, the importance of state and federal advocacy, and to critically think about enhancing the quality of the MKN
Chapter
The priority deadline for this application TBA
Goals
The one‐year program involves six, 2‐day training sessions that are held on Fridays in Kansas City, MO or virtual meeting within the MO-KAN-NE region. One of the six sessions are held in conjunction with the annual EOA conferences.
Knowledge
Possess a greater understanding of COE, EOA, US Department of Education, MO-KAN-NE history, structure, objectives, and procedures.
Development
Contribute to the success of their respective chapters and the original association by assuming leadership responsibilities such as holding offices, chairing committees, and serving as mentors for new MO-KAN-NE professionals
Leadership
The Cohort will have an opportunity to experience Chapter Board and EOA meetings. The cohort will have an opportunity to display their leadership skills and create a Drive-in Conference for the member and new professionals.
Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI)
Emerging Leaders Institute(ELI)
WHAT IS ELI?
The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is an innovative program that was designed by EOA leaders who recognized the need to strengthen EOA by developing potential leaders from within the association. Initiated in 1989, the program’s purpose was to identify and prepare EOA members to assume leadership positions at the chapter and regional levels, to help those individuals grow personally and professionally, and to strengthen the association.
The Emerging Leaders Institute is a year‐long leadership development program. The program’s design combines professional development, networking opportunities, and hands‐on experiences that prepare participants for greater involvement in EOA and in the respective chapters.
Goals
The one‐year program involves five, 2‐day training sessions that are held on Fridays and Saturdays in various cities within the EOA region. Two of the five sessions are held in conjunction with the annual EOA conferences.
Knowledge
Possess a greater understanding of EOA’s history, structure, objectives and procedures.
Development
Contribute to the success of their respective chapters and the original association by assuming leadership responsibilities such as holding offices, chairing committees, and serving as mentors for new EOA professionals.
Leadership
Become committed to their professions, the association, and the students they serve.
During the ELI training sessions, participants:
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Network with EOA Professionals
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Gain a better understanding of the EOA organization.
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Develop and enhance leadership skills through professional development activities and individual assignments.
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Complete an ELI class project as charged by the EOA president.