Goodwill's Springfield education center appoints new director

Provided by MERS Goodwill

John Kennedy leads the school that helps adult learners earn their high school diplomas.

MERS Goodwill's education center in Springfield has a new director in place.

John Kennedy started in the role last month, according to a news release issued yesterday. The MERS Goodwill Excel Center is a tuition-free high school for adults.

A 20-year education veteran, Kennedy has worked the past three years as a humanities instructor for the Goodwill Excel Center.

“John is a fantastic teacher and leader at the Excel Center in Springfield. He is totally identified with our mission of helping adults finish their degree, get a great job and increase their earnings by being highly skilled and in demand,” said Mark Arens, executive vice president and superintendent of Goodwill's Excel Centers, in the release. “He’s been an invaluable member of the faculty for the past few years, and there’s no doubt he’ll do an incredible job supporting our students and helping them to change their lives.”

Kennedy succeeds founding Director Joe Cole. A reason for Cole’s exit was not provided in the release, and a spokesperson could be reached for comment by deadline.

Since opening in 2018, the Springfield education center has assisted more than 150 adult learners earn their high school diplomas. There are currently 90 students enrolled at the center, which is located in the Glen Isle Center at 1514 S. Glenstone Ave.

The Springfield center is one of four in Missouri, according to MERS Goodwill’s website.