Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) became a new department at Fort Hays State University in 2024. The purpose of the department is to position FHSU as a lifelong learning hub for Western Kansas and beyond.

PCE offers an array of microcredential programs, so learners may have an opportunity to upskill or reskill in their field, develop the skills necessary for organizational success, or simply, to learn more. Most PCE programs are offered as non-credit (i.e., do not count toward a degree); however, some microcredentials may apply toward academic credit.

The PCE team is guided by eight pillars of credential innovation outlined by UPCEA: The Online & Professional Education Association.

1. Advocacy and Leadership within the University

2. Entrepreneurial Initiative

3. University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement

4. The Faculty Experience

5. The Learner Experience

6. Digital Technology

7. External Advocacy and Leadership Beyond the University

8. Professionalism

Each of UPCEA’s eight pillars are actualized through PCE’s microcredential programming, professional training and consulting services, and university partnerships.

PCE seeks to develop new curriculum aligned with employer and job-seeker needs in our region and beyond, offering an array of non-credit microcredential programs in multiple modalities (e.g., online, live, or blended). We provide local, state, and regional organizations with custom employee training and business consulting to increase organizational performance and employee satisfaction. Through internal partnerships, PCE supports other university entities with operational and program development support for microcredential offerings. PCE also develops partnerships with organizations in the community, state, and nation to position FHSU as a lifelong learning institution and support learning at every stage of life, no matter where one resides. PCE also works in tandem with the economic and workforce development sector in Western Kansas to promote business retention and expansion, succession planning, and other workforce development priorities.

Professional & Continuing Education also supports the University’s strategic affiliation initiative and works closely with FHSU’s technical college partners—Fort Hays State Tech Northcentral and Fort Hays State Tech Northwest—in aligning curriculum and supporting their needs.

Professional & Continuing Education strives to be nimble and offer programs based on market trends and employer needs, including programs aimed at developing employees’ human literacy skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration; work management skills such as project management, the change cycle, and adaptive work; as well as technical skills, such as proficiency in computer applications or budgets and financing.