KU School of Business launches personal finance certificate program with $1.5M gift
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business will expand its academic offerings with the Bicknell Certificate in Personal Finance, a program supported by a $1.5 million gift commitment from Marty and Cheryl Bicknell. Launching in fall 2026, the certificate will prepare students for careers in financial planning, personal finance and wealth management.
The certificate’s six required courses provide a strong foundation in financial planning and retirement, taxation, estate planning and financial regulations. Completion of the certificate also will fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam after graduation.
“Students are entering an industry with a tremendous need for new talent,” said Marty Bicknell, president and CEO of Mariner Wealth Advisors, based in Overland Park. “This certificate gives them the preparation and confidence to succeed. It opens doors to a meaningful career and builds the financial knowledge that will serve them well wherever their paths lead.”
As demand for financial planning talent rises, the Bicknell Certificate in Personal Finance will position graduates for success in roles such as financial planner, financial adviser, wealth manager, investment adviser, retirement planner, insurance agent or client relationship manager.
Students in the program also will benefit from targeted engagement opportunities with leading regional and national firms. KU’s robust alumni network and industry partners in the financial services sector will support students seeking positions at top wealth management firms.
“Personal finance is a powerful intersection for so many skills and competencies,” said Cheryl Bicknell, chief operating officer and chief strategy officer at Mariner. “We want more students to see themselves in this profession. Supporting this program is a way for us to invest in the next generation and expand opportunities for students who want a career that makes a meaningful impact.”
The Bicknells’ support reflects their strong ties to Kansas, KU and the financial planning field. Marty Bicknell, who grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, has spent more than three decades in the financial services industry, receiving numerous industry awards and recognition, and founded Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2006 with seven other partners. Cheryl Bicknell earned her law degree from the KU School of Law and has built a career leading strategy, operations and growth efforts across the financial advice sector. Together, they have championed efforts to expand the talent pipeline and elevate the profession’s visibility among students.
“We are grateful to the Bicknells for their generous support and their commitment to KU students’ career readiness,” said Jide Wintoki, dean of the KU School of Business. “Their gift to this program strengthens our school's ability to prepare the next generation of financial planners and advances KU’s mission to serve the workforce needs of Kansas and beyond.”