Area businesses, entrepreneurs have expanded opportunities for learning through Kelce College of Business at Pitt State

The Kelce College of Business' new location in downtown Pittsburg has sparked expanded opportunities for the community.

In addition to serving business students, the College's Center for Business and Talent Development and its Entrepreneurship Program now provide education and training for entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders across the region.

Growing demand

Workshops offered by the CBTD have seen strong interest from employers throughout the region.

"We had an overwhelming response from the business community, with more than 150 employees from nearly a dozen organizations large and small throughout Southeast Kansas, Northeast Oklahoma, and Southwest Missouri in the spring and again this fall," said Professor Mark Johnson. "In Spring 2027, we will host 12 workshops in two tracks, one for advanced supervisor skills and a second for business startups."

Among those who participated was nVent Human Resources Coordinator Chelsea Mathews.

"One of my biggest takeaways has been that leadership isn't necessarily about your title. It's about how you communicate, support others, and approach different situations," Mathews said.

She noted that the workshops strengthened her understanding of leadership development and workplace communication.

"These workshops have helped me better understand the challenges our supervisors face and how I can be a better resource for them," she said. "At the end of the day, we're all working toward the same goal: supporting our people and helping our site succeed."

GNBank Vice President Jessica Vinardi said she found the Workplace Communication workshop especially valuable.

"One of the biggest takeaways for me was the distinction between simply telling an employee what needs to happen and truly coaching them," Vinardi said.

Following the workshop, she and a colleague met with Johnson to discuss creating a similar leadership development series across their organization.

"For me, that is one of the greatest measures of the workshop's impact: I left not only with ideas I could personally use, but with a vision for how we could take those lessons back to our organization and invest in the growth of leaders across GNBank," she said. 

Spring 2027 workshop tracks

The Center for Business and Talent Development will offer two tracks, each with six sessions. Workshops will be held at the Kelce College of Business, 216 N. Broadway.

Registration is open to regional businesses, community leaders, and students. Participants may enroll in individual sessions for $50 each or complete all six courses within a track to earn a certificate. Space is limited.

Track 1: Business Basics will focus on startup development and core business skills. Topics include creating business ideas, developing business strategies, HR essentials, AI tools, risk management, and social media marketing.

Track 2: Advanced Supervisory Skills will focus on leadership development with sessions covering workplace culture, crucial conversations, time management, employee safety, performance improvement, and HR-supervisor relationships.

For registration information, visit pittstate.edu/business/cbtd.html or contact Johnson at [email protected].

Entrepreneurship courses

Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator Jane Talkington has developed a series of lunch-and-learns for community members and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about two entrepreneurship courses planned for the spring semester.

"We're not just offering courses — we're bringing a tight-knit cohort together around world-class entrepreneurial tools," said Talkington. "There's nothing quite like putting a group of practical dreamers in the same room to tackle the nuts-and-bolts feasibility of a new patent or a scalable venture."

The lunch-and-learns will be held on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at Kelce College of Business, 216 N. Broadway. Those interested are invited to bring a sack lunch on Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, or Dec. 18.

ENTR 201: Foundations of Entrepreneurship is designed for individuals who are exploring whether entrepreneurship is the right path for them. The course is available both online and in person at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Russ Hall. Classes begin Jan. 19 and conclude May 14.

ENTR 320: Entrepreneurial Marketing is geared toward individuals who already have a business concept and are ready to take the next step.

Participants will work alongside professionals and utilize the MIT-developed text "Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps." The course meets in person only at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Kelce College of Business. Classes also run Jan. 19 through May 14.

For more information, contact Talkington at [email protected]