KU Edwards Campus
Professional Edge

Designed to support community economic and workforce development needs in metropolitan Kansas City, the Professional Edge Breakfast Series offers KU faculty and staff as presenters on current topics. Professional Edge provides:

Professional Edge Professional Edge
  • Focused conversation around key workforce topics being faced within many organizations today
  • Discussion on current trends and practices
  • Opportunity for professional development and growth
  • An atmosphere for individuals to interact and discuss specific ideas

Our Professional Edge breakfast series takes places each semester on the Edwards Campus.

  • Time: 8 to 9 a.m. w/ pastries and coffee provided at 7:30 a.m.
  • Cost: Free and open to the public
  • Location: Regnier Hall, KU Edwards Campus, 12610 Quivira Road, Overland Park, KS 66213
March 7:

Moments of Truth: From Service Failure to Recovery
Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, dean, School of Business

Despite our best efforts, some service failures may be inevitable. However, that does not mean unhappy customers must follow. Dean Bendapudi will outline seven key steps to turn those uncomfortable service failures into memorable experiences of service recovery. Service recovery is especially important in today's economy where customer retention is just as important as customer acquisition.


Wednesday, April 4

Data Encryption in an Understandable Language
Dr. Hossein Saiedian, professor/associate chair, KU School of Engineering

Wireless networking, storage of sensitive info. in home computers and online banking etc. are targets for malicious security attacks. Encryption protocols and standards are recommended to provide a safeguard against such attacks. This presentation discusses data encryption and explains, in a simple language, the encryption process, the relationship between a strong password, the size of a key and the security of encrypted data.


Wednesday, May 2

When the Crisis Happens
Eileen Hawley, lecturer, KU School of Journalism

Being prepared for a crisis will help your business better protect its reputation. Learn how to prepare for and respond to a crisis and steps you can take to repair your image once the crisis is past. Eileen Hawley will offer some tools and tactics for when the crisis is yours.


Wednesday, June 6

Internet Meeting Options – Save Time and Money
Diana Marrs, associate director, instructional development, KU Edwards Campus

The power of negotiating issues face-to-face is without question. This talk will discuss the costs and features of various Internet meeting tools. You will cover tips and techniques to maximize the outcomes of exchanges done over the Internet. Come and hear how conducting meetings this way can still provide the full two-way interaction of a face-to-face meeting while saving travel time and costs.


The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.