A very important person in the Miami County Adult Education System was honored recently. Karen Ulanski-Swank, Director of the Paola Adult Education Center was honored by Southeast Kansas Works. They presented her with a plaque during the Kansas Work Force Innovation Conference, recognizing her for 11 years serving on the local Workforce Development Board. She serves on the board, representing adult education. Ulanski-Swank has been with the Paola adult education center for 26 years. She is the Director of Alternative, Virtual and Adult Education.
With the help of a colleague, Karen started the Paola Academic Completion Program in 1998. She says when students come back to the Paola Adult Education Center, they start with little confidence and self esteem, but as the program progresses, both increase dramatically and it is fulfilling to know she and other staff have made a difference in their lives.
