Kay R. Hays Staff Professional Development Fund to support Murray State University staff leadership and professional goals
By Alex Pologruto | Dec 7, 2022
MURRAY, Ky. – The Kay R. Hays Staff Professional Development Fund was established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation) to support professional development for Murray State University staff. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for staff to actively pursue professional and career development as an integrated element of employment with the University, and assist staff members in developing and enhancing skills directly related to their positions and job performance while promoting professional growth and supporting the mission of the University.
Both new and experienced staff have varied levels of knowledge, skills and experiences in program development theory and core competencies required to do their job. Ongoing professional development is essential to maintain the workforce required to meet the Murray State University mission.
“It's important to recognize the many valuable and varied contributions Murray State staff members make in support of the University's mission,” said Dr. Jessica Evans. “This fund honors Kay Hays, a long-time Murray State staff member who retired after three decades of service as a leading administrative professional, and acknowledges the need to provide support to current MSU staff members to further their leadership and professional goals. An investment in professional development helps to drive innovation and emphasizes a commitment to the hundreds of staff members on MSU's main and regional campuses.”
A stable, well-trained workforce is necessary to ensure program quality and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of encouraging and supporting employees in professional development activities that are related to their employment, Murray State University staff, faculty and friends have contributed to this fund so that there will be available monies each year to award to selected recipients.
Individual staff members are responsible for assessing their own job related skills and knowledge, and seeking appropriate training opportunities and professional development. Eligible work related professional development opportunities include, but are not exclusive to a range of activities such as eLearning, employee workshops, seminars and professional conferences. Staff members are eligible to receive support based on the portion of funding needed for the desired professional development opportunity that is not fully paid for by their department or office.
Recipients will be chosen by the Murray State University Staff Professional Development Committee which will be comprised of the following individuals: the Staff Congress President or their designee, Chairperson of the Staff Congress Awards Committee or their designee, and the Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Regional Education (CARE) or its successor or their designee.
The Kay R. Hays Staff Professional Development Fund will begin accepting applications in January 2023.
For more information on the Kay R. Hays Staff Professional Development Fund please
visit murraystate.edu/about/