DISTINGUISHED LEADERS

As many of the over 1,100 distinguished Leadership Kansas alumni can attest to graduates of the program leave better educated, energized and equipped to shoulder important leadership responsibilities in their careers and their respective communities. Past program participants include US Senator Jerry Moran; C.Q. Chandler IV, president Intrust Bank; Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger; John Rolfe, president and CEO, Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau; Deborah Rose, brigadier general Kansas Air National Guard; David Dillion, CEO The Kroger Company; Dave Murfin, entrepreneur... among others.

Alumnus Of The Year Award Recipients

1995  Bill Graves

1996  Shirley Martin-Smith

1997  Jeff Turner

1998  Carla Stovall

1999  Dave Lindstrom

2000  Gene Argo

2001  John Rolfe

2002  Andy Tompkins

2003  Jerry Moran

2004  Sheryl Dick

2005  Ron Thornburgh

2006  Roger Fingland

2007  Sandy Praeger

2008  Barbara Carswell & Lon Frahm

2009  Mike O'Neal

Class Distinguished Leadership Award 

2005  Fred Jones 

2006  Scott Heidner

2007  Brenda McCants

2008  Travis Murphy 

2009  Wayne Bell

2010  Mary Hammond 

Alumni Reflections

"Leadership Kansas is the premier organization in the state for preparing tomorrow's leaders. Through this leadership program, participants enjoy the unique advantage of examining the interdependent relationship of all the dynamic forces and elements in Kansas and how they combine to make our state great. It is an indispensible experience for the future leaders of Kansas."

- Jeff Turner '95, President/CEO Spirit AeroSystems

"Leadership Kansas was one of the most fulfilling and challenging programs that I have ever attended. I gain valuable perspective about the entire state and made numerous friendships which have lasted more than 20 years. Most of all, I learned that the key to success in our businesses, churches, organizations, and communities is leadership that is focused on service above self."

- Andy Tompkins '80, Former Commissioner of Education

"Leadership Kansas was beneficial to me in many ways. Especially beneficial were fellow classmates and alumni...people from every part of Kansas and a broad range of professionals...who quickly became a network of friends and advisers."

- Bill Graves '85, Former Kansas Governor