Cockefair Chair was established in the early 1960s, a period of growth and transformation for Kansas City. The city was rapidly expanding, embracing new industries and cultural advancements, but it faced challenges in supporting higher education and the arts.
Carolyn Benton Cockefair
Cockefair Chair emerged as the heart of continuing education in the KC community. Founded to honor Carolyn Benton Cockefair, an educator whose impactful teaching inspired generations, Cockefair Chair aimed to enrich Kansas City’s cultural landscape by offering high-quality, engaging public events. From the beginning, our dynamic approach to continuing education attracted enthusiastic students eager to learn and grow.
Cockefair Chair launched with an ambitious vision: to make higher-level learning accessible to all by hosting lectures and courses led by nationally renowned experts. The program quickly became a vital part of the University and the Kansas City community.
Over the years, Cockefair Chair has evolved but remains committed to its early principles. Today, it continues to present free, thought-provoking lectures on topics ranging from culture and history to science and global affairs. By connecting the University of Missouri-Kansas City with the local community, Cockefair Chair stands for the power of continuing education, intellectual exploration and community involvement.