Skip to content

Park University Taps Barnes for New Role

University appoints former Mayor Kay Barnes as Senior Director for University Community Relations in Kansas City, Missouri.

Barnes Takes Up New Role at Park University
Barnes Takes Up New Role at Park University

Park University Taps Barnes for New Role

Former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes Takes on New Role at Park University

Kay Barnes, a renowned figure in Kansas City, has been appointed as the Senior Director for University Engagement at Park University, effective July 1, 2018.

Barnes brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having spent a significant portion of her career in leadership and public affairs. Her professional background includes roles at the University's Center for Leadership and the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, where she served as the founding director and a distinguished professor for public leadership.

Before joining Park University, Barnes was the founder and president of Kay Waldo Inc., a human resource development firm. She also has an impressive academic background, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in secondary education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a Master of Public Administration in organizational behavior from the same institution.

Barnes' new role at Park University is focused on university engagement. In this capacity, she will deliver public presentations, connect colleagues across the University with external stakeholders, and serve as an ambassador for the University in its government relations and business development initiatives.

Barnes' history of public service is not limited to her academic and professional career. She served as a member of the KCMO City Council representing the 4th District from 1979 to 1983, and later as a member of the Jackson County, Mo., Legislature from 1974 to 1978 as its 4th District representative. Barnes made history as the first female mayor of Kansas City, Mo., serving from 1999 to 2007.

Throughout her career, Barnes has been a tireless champion for women. Her service as KCMO mayor and her leadership in helping revitalize Kansas City's downtown area earned her recognition, including being honored by UMKC's Alumni Association as its Alumna of the Year in mid-June 2018.

In addition to her new role as the Senior Director for University Engagement, Barnes will continue to serve in her role as a senior academic ambassador and liaison for Park University.

With Barnes' extensive experience and deep roots in the Kansas City community, she is well-positioned to foster strong relationships between Park University and external communities, alumni, partners, and stakeholders, thereby enhancing support and collaboration for the university's mission and growth.

Read also:

Latest