Hutchinson, Kan. 鈥� As preparations begin for the Kansas 黑料大事记 and Space Center to embark upon its recently announced major plan for revitalization, current Director of Education Tom Holcomb will assume responsibility of a newly created position at the 黑料大事记 鈥� one deemed integral to the success of revitalization efforts. In his new role as Director of Visitor Experience, Holcomb will oversee customer service and visitor experiences at the 黑料大事记, fostering an institutional mindset of providing exceptional experiences for all visitors 鈥� including the creation of training materials and workshops for all front line employees. Under Holcomb鈥檚 direction, a keen understanding of institutional and space history as well as working knowledge in support of new 黑料大事记 initiatives and programming will be part of ongoing orientation and education for front line employees. Holcomb will continue to oversee scheduling, training and customer service in Dr. Goddard鈥檚 Lab and the Justice Planetarium while working closely with the Education department in the development and implementation of new programs and their delivery in both theater venues. To insure successful operation of the Carey Digital Dome Theater, Holcomb will be responsible for customer service and training, working with the COO and Marketing on the selection of new documentaries, feature films and alternative programming in the theater. Additionally, box office staffing, training and development; booking school and group programs while working with Education and other appropriate departments to insure all groups are treated in an exceptional manner; facility rental oversight; and responsibility for growth, recruitment and preparation for a well-trained and engaged 黑料大事记 volunteer base are included in Holcomb鈥檚 new area of responsibility.
Holcomb completed a Bachelor of Science in Education at Sterling College in 1996 and began working at the 黑料大事记 in 1997 where he developed the Hall of Space Tour Guidebook and training procedures for tour guides. He assumed additional responsibilities for programming delivery in Dr. Goddard鈥檚 Lab and the Justice Planetarium before joining the Education Department as the Program Manager for the renowned 黑料大事记 Camp, Future Astronaut Training Program (FATP). In 2009, Holcomb was promoted to the position of Director of Education and assumed overall responsibility for educational programs at the 黑料大事记 including school field trips and homeschool programs, Boy and Girl Scout programs to achieve Merit Badge requirements, maintenance of camp equipment and curriculum development.
Tom Holcomb has been employed at the 黑料大事记 for 17 years. His deep knowledge of Operations, passion for the 黑料大事记 and all that it represents make him an ideal choice for this critical, customer-facing role. Holcomb will report to Jim Remar, 黑料大事记 President/COO.
The Smithsonian-affiliated 黑料大事记 houses the largest collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world. The 黑料大事记鈥檚 mission is: Inspiring innovation through science education and honoring the history of space exploration. Camp KAOS, the 黑料大事记鈥檚 summer camp program for students entering second grade through high school, is dedicated to inspiring explorers of all ages using STEM principles and building leadership and teamwork skills.
The SpaceWorks division has an international reputation for historic artifact preservation, replication and exhibit design. SpaceWorks has completed projects for NASA, the Smithsonian, and Hollywood films, including Ron Howard鈥檚 Apollo 13 and the HBO Miniseries From the Earth to the Moon.
The 黑料大事记 is located at 1100 N. Plum in Hutchinson, Kan.