Shout Out: Rural Talent Work Group Facilitation Team
August 4, 2026
Submitted by Gregg Hadley
This week, the Shout Out is from Deborah Kohl, Community Vitality Extension Specialist, and is sent for The Rural Talent Work Group’s Facilitation Team.
Deborah writes:
“Shout out to Anne Pitts, Denise Dias, Chuck Laughlin, Carrie Lance, Robin Eubank-Callis, Frances Graves, Julie Beeman, Amanda Clasen, and Melissa Thimesch for facilitating the Rural Talent Work Group’s Zoom session on July 29.
The team effectively guided breakout rooms to ensure broad regional representation and kept the two-hour session moving on schedule. Through the discussion, representatives from 19 partner institutions across southwest, northwest, and southeast Kansas evaluated the new regional workforce dashboard.
The feedback gathered on regional labor market demand and current educational offerings will directly inform next steps for the work group. Specifically, this input allows us to validate our data and select the targeted middle-skills credential pathways — such as sub-baccalaureate certificates and associate degrees —that Kansas will develop under a grant for launch in Fall 2027.
This is a particularly demanding time of year with county and state fairs underway, making your time and preparation even more appreciated. Thank you for your partnership and your work in ensuring this process reflects the needs of Kansas communities, employers, and educational institutions.”
Anne Pitts, Denise Dias, Chuck Laughlin, Carrie Lance, Robin Eubank-Callis, Frances Graves, Julie Beeman, Amanda Clasen, and Melissa Thimesch -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.
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