- EKU
- Workforce Development
Workforce Development
Workforce Development provides quality professional development and training opportunities throughout Kentucky and draws upon the expertise of faculty, area business leaders, and professional trainers to develop and deliver programs tailored to meet the current economic needs of business and industry.
We are dedicated to giving our students the best training possible through exceptional classroom and field experiences, thereby equipping professionals with the tools they need to be successful in their chosen occupation.
Certificate Programs
Now that you are a supervisor, you have most likely developed the technical skills required in your field. Your continued success depends on the ability to get things accomplished through others. EKU’s supervision program develops your interpersonal skills or “people skills” area. The programs are designed to offer a bridge between technical skills and supervising others to increase overall company performance. These classes are helpful for new supervisors, those without formal training, and workers who hope to move into a supervisory role in the future.
- Basic Supervision Certificate – The First Line Supervision Program begins with an 18-hour seminar (3 one-day classes), Basic Core Concepts I. Participants then select additional 18 hours (3 days) of elective seminars—6 hours of which may be computer classes. This completes the Basic Supervision Certificate for a total of 36 hours. Basic Core Concepts I is required to receive the Basic Supervision Certificate.
- Advanced Supervision Certificate – Advanced Supervision is the second phase of the program and consists of another 18-hour seminar (3 one-day classes), Advanced Core Concepts II. Participants then select an additional 18 hours (3 days) of elective seminars— 6 hours of which may be computer classes—for a total of 36 hours of training. This completes the Advanced Supervision Certificate. Advanced Core Concepts II is required to receive the Advanced Supervision Certificate.
For more information, contact shari.vanhoose@eku.edu
The Manufacturing Maintenance Technician Certification Program is designed to provide basic and advanced training for new and existing maintenance personnel. The program is open to everyone, but job expectations and skills will be reinforced by job activities. We recommend a blend of maintenance training and “on the job” work activities for participants to receive the fullest benefits from the program. The program features Basic and Advanced Certification. Each certification involves completion of selected technical classes that cover a variety of topics and three modules of foundation classes to provide comprehensive training in basic skills and management tools to complement the technical content of the program.
For more information, contact amanda.lawson@eku.edu.
Program Overview
Leadership Excellence for Middle Managers is a dynamic, high-impact program designed to strengthen leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational effectiveness. Through a blend of hands-on activities, case studies, and real-world applications, participants gain the confidence and tools needed to lead teams, manage change, and drive performance across all levels of an organization.
Program Format
The newly redesigned Leadership Excellence program now features a flexible hybrid format, combining four in-person sessions on EKU’s campus with virtual evening discussions. This format accommodates the busy schedules of today’s leaders while providing meaningful interaction, collaboration, and reflection throughout the course.
Participants Will
- Explore human behavior, power, and influence to strengthen communication and presentation skills.
- Develop coaching and performance management techniques to effectively lead teams and nurture emerging talent.
- Build financial literacy with core accounting and finance skills, including human capital value and costing.
- Lead with integrity and credibility in an increasingly diverse, multicultural workplace.
- Enhance strategic decision-making and accountability to improve individual and organizational results.
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for current and aspiring middle managers, supervisors transitioning into higher leadership roles, and professionals responsible for leading other leaders. Participants represent a wide range of industries and organizations across Kentucky and beyond.
Why Choose EKU
As part of EKU’s Workforce Development & Community Engagement division, this program leverages experienced instructors, interactive learning strategies, and a proven curriculum that emphasizes real-world leadership growth. Participants leave with enhanced skills, actionable strategies, and a stronger professional network.
Program Details
- Format: Hybrid (4 in-person sessions on campus & 6 virtual sessions)
- Duration: February 8th – April 10th 2026
- Cost: $3,150 per participant (20% discount for corporate partners & special internal EKU rates available)
For more information, contact paige.quintin@eku.edu
Online Courses Through Partner Providers
Eastern Kentucky University is proud to partner with Ed2Go and MindEdge to provide a wide variety of quality online courses for professional development.
- Ed2Go
- Ed2Go offers online open enrollment programs designed to provide specific skills for positions in Healthcare, Fitness, Business Management, Graphic Design, Hospitality & Skilled Trades.
- The CE Shop
- The CE Shop offers real estate and mortgage courses for Pre-Licensing, Exam Prep, Post-Licensing and Continuing Education.
Additional Services
EKU has partnered with Canvas Credentials to issue digital badges to students completing training with EKU Workforce Development & Community Engagement. Digital badges are a real-time transcript that can inform a potential employer about your particular skill-set. Our system also includes a pathway tool that provides a visual way for you to track your progress through one of our certificate programs. You can use the pathway tool to determine what courses you should plan to take next to complete your certificate program.
Team Building is an essential part of any organization. Whether your team is newly formed or has been established for a long period of time, you will reap the rewards of letting us assist in planning your next team building activity or retreat! Topics may include:
- Team Goals
- Professional Development
- Skills Building
- Conflict Management (TKI)
- DiSC Personal Profile
- Customer Service
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
- Networking and Fun!
For more information, contact susan.cornelius@eku.edu