Kansas Leadership Center Professional Development
As a chapter, we are happy to partner again this year with the Kansas Leadership Center to offer our members a free professional development opportunity. When Everyone Leads and Your Leadership Edge are being offered to you as a form of FREE professional development. These programs are offered on-site in Wichita and with options in KC, or online.
If you register through the MO-KAN-NE grant, the registration fee is waived for you! You have to purchase only the required books. If you attend on-site, travel costs are on your own, but the virtual programs incur no additional fee!
We still have spots available for members to use for either of these programs. When Everyone Leads is intended for those who have not completed any KLC training (i.e. if you have completed Your Leadership Edge, you should not go back and complete When Everyone Leads). If you are interested in attending one of these trainings, please contact the Past President at mokanne-past-president@eoa.org for the registration code. All questions regarding our grant or KLC trainings can also be directed to Brandon. Dates and details for the programs are listed below
Step 1: When Everyone Leads
Leadership is an activity, not a position. Everyone can lead. And when we see and seize our moments to lead, we make more progress on our most important challenges. Based on KLC’s bestselling book, When Everyone Leads, this six-hour course makes leadership radically accessible and inclusive, unleashing capacity for collective leadership in teams, organizations, coalitions, and communities.
Virtual (via Zoom)
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February 24 | May 5 | August 11 | November 3
In-Person at KLC
Kansas Leadership Center
325 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS
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March 17 | April 14 | July 21 | October 6
In-Person (Not at KLC)
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June 16 – Colby Community College
1255 S. Range Ave., Colby, KS
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September 22 – Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation & Conference Center
4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO
Registration
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Closes two weeks prior to each program or when capacity is reached
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Registration link:
https://forms.kansasleadershipcenter.org/kansasleadershipcenter1/form/STEPONE2026WhenEveryoneLeadsRegistration/formperma/HNWZ5pyEmaEO5wfUo-Gv9qNZ7rlsSh7osFXLioypRuw
Step 2: Your Leadership Edge
After completing step one, go deeper with KLC’s principles, competencies, and definition of leadership in this two-day program. Practice the framework alongside participants representing a broad spectrum of sectors. Identify key areas where you need to stretch, grow and experiment (i.e. your leadership edge) to help you get unstuck on some of your toughest challenges. And, do this work with the help of a supportive and challenging KLC teaching team.
Virtual (via Zoom)
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May 6–7 | August 12–13
In-Person at KLC
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April 15–16 | July 22–23 | October 7–8 | November 4–5
In-Person (Kansas City)
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September 23–24
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation & Conference Center
4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO
Registration
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Closes two weeks prior to each program or when capacity is reached
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Registration Link
Step 3: Equip to Lead
Program Description
Following When Everyone Leads and Your Leadership Edge, members complete the KLC Path with the 2-day Equip to Lead program focused on communication, facilitation, and applying leadership concepts for real change.
Dates (All at KLC, Wichita, KS)
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June 17–18 | September 29–30
Registration
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Closes two weeks prior to each program or when capacity is reached
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Registration link:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/kansasleadershipcenter1/form/STEPTHREE2026EquiptoLeadRegistration/formperma/T7k9HDvhDBdYB4jZ4eXOkYfj88DyfBH0vyJePfLGtRA
MKN Conferences and Professional Development
MOCAN Partnership
We are thrilled to announce a year-round partnership between Mo-Kan-Ne and the Missouri College & Career Attainment Network (MOCAN) that expands professional development opportunities for our entire membership.
About the Partnership
MOCAN is a statewide network focused on increasing college and career access, affordability, and completion for Missouri students—especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities. Through this collaboration, all MKN members may participate in MOCAN’s Professional Development Institute (PDI) offerings at no cost.
What the Professional Development Institute Offers
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Interactive virtual and in-person workshops led by state and national experts
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Practical tools and resources for immediate use with students
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Peer networking opportunities across college access and advising fields
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Access to the PDI Portal with materials, presentations, and resources
Topics include FAFSA support, financial aid literacy, scholarships, athlete eligibility, interpreting aid offers, and career planning strategies.
Register for Events:
https://mocollegecareer.org/events/
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
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 MO-KAN-NE Chapter of EOA Professional Conference 2026
Hotel Information Summary:
MO-KAN-NE Chapters Conference 2026
Start Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
End Date: Thursday, April 02, 2026
Last Day to Book your Hotel: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza for 169 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.**
Below is the list of the following registration ticket options
Pre-Conference Workshops:
Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science/Veterans Upward Bound Program Design Workshop
with Lucy Jones and Anna McDonald
GEAR UP Pre-Conference Workshop: Connect, Share, and Strengthen
with Corinne Nelson New Professionals Session
Conference Registration for Member, Non-Member, Student, Admin, Retiree
2026 MKN Annual Conference Schedule
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
01
MKN Annual Conference
02
MKN Professional Development
03
MKN FUNTIVITY
04
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.
2026
MO-KAN-NE
Achievers Award
Nominations are now open for the
2026
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 2026, the MO-KAN-NE Chapter will honor up to two (2) MKN Achievers.
Submission deadline is February 26, 2026, 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.
2026
MO-KAN-NE
Hall of Fame
Nominations are now open for the2025MO-KAN-NE Hall of Fame
2026 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
Submission deadline for MOKANNE Hall of Fame is Friday, March 6, 2026, 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
Shannon Hatfield
Crowder College
601 Laclede Avenue
Neosho, MO 64850
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,
Shannon Hatfield
Crowder College
601 Laclede Avenue
Neosho, MO 64850
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 are due by February 27.
Presenters will be notified of acceptance by March 6.
If you have any questions,
please contact
Whitney Hamilton, Proposals Chair,
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
Apply for MO-KAN-NE MILE 2026
Click the Learm More to Apply
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.