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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University's Professional Management Institute has earned the national University Continuing Education Association's Region VII 1998 Outstanding Noncredit Program Award.

The institute, a partnership between OSU and the Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce, provides management training in seven areas, including: accounting, budgeting and finance; business law; business planning and project management; change management; human resources management; leadership; and marketing.

Founded in 1915, the Washington, D.C.-based education association provides assistance in programs and services that advance workforce and professional development. Region VII includes members from universities in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

Professional Management Institute students attend weekly classes at OSU, and, as part of the seven-course curriculum, complete a strategic project for their organization. Projects are tailored to each participant's organization and are focused on practicality and organizational improvement, said Jessica Coombs, OSU Professional Management Institute program coordinator.

While the institute's fall session started in October, applications are still being accepted for individual five-week courses, Coombs said.

Openings include sessions in accounting, business planning and project management, marketing, human resources, change management and law, Coombs said. Instructors include OSU College of Business faculty, as well as consultants and business leaders from the community.

The courses attract a variety of participants including managers at all levels, supervisors and other employees heading into management positions, as well as business owners and employees who have advanced to management without adequate training, Coombs said.

Some employers who have utilized the institute include Hewlett-Packard Co., Georgia Pacific; James River Corp. and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Students who attend the successfully complete the institute's full selection of courses receive an OSU professional certificate of management.

For information on the Professional Management Institute, contact Coombs at 541-737-2569.