About the Docking Institute

Docking Institute Mission

The primary mission of Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs is to facilitate effective public policy decision making among governmental and non-profit entities. To that end, our main services include Survey and Focus Group Research, Economic Impact Analysis, Public Policy Analysis, and Strategic Planning.

History of the Docking Institute

The Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University began as the Fort Hays State University Institute of Public Affairs in 1980. In October 1989, the Kansas Board of Regents changed the name to the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, in honor of Kansas Governors George Docking and Robert B. Docking and Lieutenant Governor Tom Docking. Since its inception, the Docking Institute has been a leader in facilitating public policy development for western and rural Kansas. Today, a variety of programs and services targeted toward regional development and growth fulfill the mission of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs. This work carries on the tradition of public service started by the Docking family.

Awards and Accolades

Docking Institute Receives Top Honors from American Economic Development Council

The American Economic Development Council recently recognized the Docking Institute as “Best of Class” as part of its 2000 Awards Competition in the research report category. The Institute’s award-winning entry, “Northwest Missouri Regional Labor Availability Analysis,” was displayed at the AEDC Annual Conference in Norman, Oklahoma, this past June. The “Northwest Missouri Regional Labor Availability Analysis” was completed in July 1999 for the NW Roundtable.

Docking Institute Receives Highest Recognition from National Rural Economic Development Association

The National Rural Economic Development Association awarded the Docking Institute Best of Class for the Northwest Missouri Regional Labor Availability Analysis study. The award was presented at the organization’s annual meeting in September 2000 in Kansas City, MO.

Contact Information

For more information on the Docking Institute and its services, contact the Director, Gary Brinker or Assistant Director, Mike Walker.
Phone: (785) 628-4197
Custer Hall 302 , Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601