Training and development specialist to bring professional development programming to KC industry

Thursday, June 8, 2017

OLATHE — Angela Buzard is joining Kansas State University Olathe as the manager of training and development. She will create and manage self-supporting educational programs and activities that enhance workforce development in Greater Kansas City.

To do this, Buzard will work with industry partners to identify their needs regarding the education and skills of their employees. She will then work with subject matter experts at K-State Olathe, Kansas State University among others in the region to develop content for professional development courses that address the identified knowledge gaps. She also will design and produce materials that support the programs, such as online training modules, handbooks and videos.

Once developed, Buzard will evaluate the success of the programs and manage future growth and expansion.

"I am originally from the Kansas City area and look forward to coming back as a part of the K-State Olathe team to serve the industries and other partners of the region with high quality professional development opportunities that make an impact," Buzard said.

Prior to joining K-State Olathe, Buzard served in a variety of roles at Wichita State University in the School of Public Affairs; most recently as a senior program manager. While there, she developed, managed and delivered self-supporting training programs and supplemental materials for trainings on a variety of technical and management topics. Trainings were developed for government, business, higher education and nonprofit partners.

Additionally, Buzard wrote grant and contract proposals that led to $4.2 million in funding to these programs, which provided continuing education to hundreds of participants across Kansas and the US.

Buzard earned her master's degree in public administration along with graduate certificates in economic development, city/county management and public finance from Wichita State University. She has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas.