Urban League Board of Trustees will be chaired by President Bardo
Melody McCray-Miller, interim president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas, said board members believe Bardo's appointment is a positive turning point for the 64-year-old organization in its efforts to provide skills training that leads to economic self-reliance and an improved quality of life.
"In the five years since he returned to Wichita as president of WSU, Dr. Bardo has shown his passion for the success of the entire metropolitan area we serve," McCray-Miller said.
"Before he came," she said, "no one would have believed that the university could make such progress in such a short time in building the Innovation Campus while creating a more dynamic and inclusive WSU community."
Bardo, who joined the Urban League board early last year, said, "I’m honored to be asked to join other board members and staff in restoring the Urban League as a crucial community resource providing a clear pathway to better career opportunities for individuals and more skilled workers for industry."
"While most of us in Wichita have very good lives," Bardo said, "it’s clear there is great need for the work done by the Urban League to help those left behind develop the job and life skills that lead to better opportunities."