October 2024

The Education Exodus:

Public Service as a Tool for Talent Retention

Like any other high school student choosing their future after graduation, I found myself deciding between many universities. Should I go to New England? Washington DC? The West Coast? I ultimately decided on Wichita State because of a scholarship opportunity, and more importantly, home meant something to me. This exact scenario plays out in tens of thousands of Kansans every single year. Should they leave Kansas to find work elsewhere and take their professional knowledge and expertise with them?



Kian Williams

Undergraduate Assistant

Access & Engagement

The Access & Engagement team organized and facilitated a meeting of service providers, public leaders, and organizations from across the community interested in learning more about and participating in the planned Multi-Agency Center for people experiencing homelessness. Supporting the planning and development of this community initiative is challenging and complex, but the level of coordination and collaboration over the past year has been incredible to see. More than 100 community partners attended this meeting to share their vision for the future MAC and learn about the project's current status.

Applied Research & Collaboration

The Applied Research & Collaboration teams are beginning a project to examine the potential effects of eliminating the sales tax on labor for commercial construction remodels in Kansas. By analyzing the policy's impact on state tax revenue, the project will explore potential offsets from increased economic activity, such as business investment, job creation, and higher property values. The goal is to provide policymakers with additional information to support decisions about a potential tax policy change.

Talent & Organizational Success

The Talent and Organizational Success team recently traveled to Salina for the Kansas Workforce Innovation Conference, where more than 200 attendees from workforce development, hiring, education, and the private sector gathered for a few days of community learning. Ty Reed shared his story on recovery and second-chance employment.

The team then headed to Great Bend for To the Stars, celebrating the Department of Commerce’s Business Awards. Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland awarded regional, statewide, and export winners across Kansas.

Join Us

Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join us for

WPS Annual Evening Event

Join us for the 2024 Women in Public Service Evening Event, a night of fun, celebration, and service.

Each year, we host a service project, and this year, we’ll be collecting menstrual health products and assembling care pouches for students at Hamilton Middle School.



We will also recognize our Women in Public Service Spark, Torchbearer, and Standing Ovation Awardees. Additionally, guest speakers will share insights on the importance of access to menstrual health products and basic needs. 

Let’s gather, have some fun, and support the future of women in public service.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Applied Research & Collaboration

Core Services:

Survey Research

Program Evaluation

Organizational Assessment

Policy Research

Access & Engagement

Core Services:

Strategic Planning

Community Initiatives

Strategic Engagement

Talent & Organizational Success

Core Services:

Professional Development

Association Support

Conference Administration

Executive Coaching