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Hurst-Leadicker, a WIU Political Science and History major, earned an internationally recognized Certificate of Qualification in Project Business Management from the Project Business Foundation in Munich, Germany.
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WIU Political Science and History Student Achieves Global Certification

January 20, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - In December 2025, Winter Hurst-Leadicker, a Western Illinois University Political Science and History major, earned an internationally recognized Certificate of Qualification in Project Business Management from the Project Business Foundation, a nonprofit think tank based in Munich, Germany.

As of the end of 2025, only 1,005 individuals worldwide held this certification.

"I feel that although my primary professional focus includes Political Science and History, alongside work in local higher education public entities; I feel that this certificate has provided a significant well roundedness to not only my time here at Western Illinois University, but it deepened my understanding of the private market and its role in potential public sector based projects and initiatives," Hurst-Leadicker said.

The Project Business Management certification emphasizes the management of commercial and business-oriented projects rather than solely technical tasks. It is designed for professionals such as contractors and clients working in cross-corporate environments where profit, risk and contractual obligations are central considerations.

Through the critical thinking skills gained from this certification, Hurst-Leadicker plans to contribute to the public good in future professional opportunities, particularly in public works projects that involve collaboration with or capital from the private sector.

For more information about WIU's Political Science program, visit
wiu.edu/cas/political_science/.
For more information about WIU's History program, visit
wiu.edu/cas/history/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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