University of Kansas launches Center for Workplace Excellence to empower organizations across Kansas City

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Professional Studies has announced the launch of the Center for Workplace Excellence, an initiative designed to help businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen workforce skills, improve organizational effectiveness and navigate today’s rapidly changing workplace environment.

Supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT), the center will serve as a direct pathway for organizations to access the extensive expertise of KU faculty through customizable professional development programs, organizational consulting and leadership coaching.

Established in 2025, the center builds on KU’s tradition of research-backed education and practical learning experiences to deliver impactful training solutions for organizations across Johnson County, the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.

“The Center for Workplace Excellence reflects KU’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of today’s workforce,” said Stuart Day, vice provost of the KU Edwards Campus and dean of the School of Professional Studies. “By combining innovative training techniques, practical hands-on learning and the expertise of KU faculty, it helps organizations maximize both individual and organizational potential.”

The center offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the specific goals and challenges of an organization, including:

• On-demand workshops 
  Timely, expert-led training sessions designed around today’s most pressing workplace challenges and emerging trends.
• Customized professional development
  Training sessions tailored to an organization’s culture, goals and operational needs and based in the most recent research.
•  Workshop series
  Reliable, recurring training opportunities that help organizations build long-term capability and sustained professional growth.

In addition to workforce development programming, the center provides executive coaching, train-the-trainer programs, licensed content and consulting services for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Programs focus on strengthening teamwork, communication, office logistics, strategic alignment, critical thinking, leadership development, project management, personal branding and employee engagement.

Located at KU’s Overland Park campus, the School of Professional Studies continues to expand opportunities for professionals seeking to advance their careers and organizations looking to quickly build workforce capabilities in high-demand areas.

Organizations partnering with the center can expect flexible, practical, and research-driven solutions designed to produce measurable workplace impact and operational efficiency.

For more information about the Center for Workplace Excellence or to explore partnership opportunities, visit the KU Center for Workplace Excellence or contact Marilu Goodyear at goodyear@ku.edu.