TOPEKA — The Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute graduated its 22nd class of 30 students on Sept. 5 at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park. Students were nominated by their hospital’s CEO to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of  Kansas hospitals. 

Helping to build future health care leaders is important to the Kansas Hospital Association. “We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said 

Chad Austin, president and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association. The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals. 

The 2024 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of hospitals from St. Francis to Satanta and Parsons to Lawrence – there was representation from all parts of the state. 

Students had been working in health care for as little as a year to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions while others were new managers. Some students also supervise other staff, from a few to more than 50 employees. 

It is important to note that the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills.” They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each one of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute. 

The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Course #1 focused on explaining the difference between leadership and management, identifying organizational values and creating a positive organizational climate. Course #2 focused on enhancing communication skills and grassroots advocacy. Course #3 focused on team building - including how to lead a team and how to be part of a team and Course # 4 examined conflict management. Courses #5 was at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Students learned about the challenges facing health care. 

Local KHA Leadership Institute Class of 2024 students are: Wade Babcock, The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus; Teresa Ellis, Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons; Julie Robben, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned; and Michael Thomas, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington.