Special to The Hays Daily News

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas will offer its highly regarded Certified Public Managers Program next year in Hays.

The program is dedicated to developing the management skills of mid-level leaders in state or local government and public-oriented organizations such as hospitals, noprofits and utilities.

The 300-hour program meets two to three days a month for one calendar year. Curriculum addresses personal and organizational integrity, managing work, leading people, developing self, systematic integration, public service and leadership during times of change.

Offered through KU's Topeka-based Public Management Center, part of the university's nationally ranked Department of Public Administration, the program has graduated nearly 1,200 students since its inception in 1993.

Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager and 2006 program graduate, lobbied to bring the program to Hays.

"The KU Public Management Center is dedicated to being a statewide resource, and we love getting to know the communities we serve," said Terri Callahan, program director. "Some of our best students have come from Hays, and we look forward to it being our home away from home for the next year."

Tuition is $2,200 for state employees and $2,700 for others. For more information about the program, visit www2.ku.edu/~kupmc/programs/cpm.

To contact Callahan, call (785) 296-2353 or e-mail tcallahan@ku.edu.

For information or to register, contact the KU Public Management Center at (785) 296-2353 or e-mail Beverly Pleiss at brpleiss@ku.edu.