06/13/2026
🎓Congratulations to the Augusta Graduates of the Emerging Leaders Academy!🎓
“ELA is a program of the University of Kansas Public Management Center (PMC), the professional development arm of KU’s School of Public Affairs and Administration. The academy is designed to assist public organizations in planning for the future and support public employees in preparing for the future. At the PMC we believe that
public service lies at the heart of democracy. Our state and our communities need prepared and effective leaders in the pipeline if we are to successfully navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Beginning in February students from several Kansas cities met two days a month at the Augusta Frisco Depot learning from ELA Program Manager, Kate Nygren and other professionals, participating in a variety of exercises to develop and sharpen their leadership philosophy and skills, culminating in portfolio presentations and a graduation ceremony. Augusta values professional development, as is represented by its 10 graduates this year. They "walked away with sharp skills in leadership, organizational dynamics and communication, and the tools to make even stronger contributions to your team."
Well done and thank you for investing your time into an endeavor that not only benefits you personally and professionally but directly enriches the city’s workforce.
Front (L-R):
Nick Harder - Street Laborer
Sam Cooper - City Planner
Back (L-R):
Stephanie Cole - Court Clerk
Angie Hicks - Public Utilities Administrative Assistant
Levi Bell - Foreman, Solid Waste
Tyler Stejskal - Water Foreman
Josh Hawley - Crew Chief, Electric Distribution
Hunter Pope - Lineman
Tyler Patten - Power Plant Operator II
Taner Thomas - Santa Fe Lake Caretaker