Linda Byrd-Johnson, a key administrator with the U.S. Department of Education, will be the featured speaker at the Thursday, Feb. 13, National TRIO Day at Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 East 29th Street North. The town hall begins at 10:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public.

Byrd-Johnson has been employed by the U.S. Department of Education for nearly 36 years in several capacities. She currently serves as senior director, student service area, Office of Postsecondary Education, where she is responsible for directing, planning and managing the federal TRIO programs, the Child Care Access Means Parents in School, GEAR UP, College Access Challenge Grant and the graduate assistance in Areas of National Need programs.

This is the first time for a town hall meeting as part of national TRIO day, said Deltha Q. Colvin, associate vice president for Campus Life and University Relations.

"Wichita State University is honored that the speaker and honoree for the National TRIO Day Celebration is Linda Byrd-Johnson, who has distinguished herself with the university for more than 30 years and is a legend in the TRIO community," said Colvin. "WSU is excited about her visit to the city."

Byrd-Johnson will answer questions during the town hall meeting from guests and students expected from across the state. Byrd-Johnson will also be the featured speaker at a 6 p.m. dinner banquet with limited seating.

To find out more about National TRIO Day, click on the link to the National TRIO Day magazines on the Office of Special Programs website at http://www.wichita.edu/j/?2729.