Welcome to Cowley County Community College

2004-2006 -

For Sarah Coury Rios, Cowley College was more than just a starting point—it was the place where she discovered her passions, built lifelong relationships, and laid the foundation for a meaningful career.

As an Arkansas City native, Sarah initially chose Cowley because it was close to home. While she was nervous about stepping outside of her comfort zone, scholarships made her dream of attending college possible, and a campus visit ultimately sealed her decision.

“I connected with Kristi Shaw and knew that I wanted to be part of the legacy she was creating,” Sarah said. “Growing up attending performances at the Brown Center also drew me to the music department. Little did I know, the two years that followed would be some of the greatest of my life.”

From the very beginning, Sarah immersed herself in campus life. As a freshman, she served as the Cowley College Cheerleading Manager, dedicating herself to every practice and performance. At the same time, she pursued her love for music as a member of the CC Singers and Chamber Choir, where she discovered just how deeply music would shape her future.

She also performed in the college’s production of Oliver!, further expanding her involvement in the arts. By her second year, Sarah had stepped into a leadership role as Vice President of the Student Body in Student Senate while living on campus and continuing her many activities.

Outside of her formal roles, she embraced every part of the college experience—organizing pickup dodgeball games at local parks, singing the national anthem at games, studying in the library, and building friendships that would last a lifetime.

“I was very involved,” she said. “Some of my favorite college memories happened during my time at Cowley, and I truly believe it’s because I chose to engage in everything I could.”

While her involvement shaped her experience, it was the people who made the greatest impact.

“The relationships I made at Cowley are some of the ones I hold most dear,” Sarah shared. “Connie Donatelli, Kristi Shaw, Scott MacLaughlin, and Stephen Butler all played such an important role in my life. They pushed me, supported me, and inspired me in ways I’ll never forget.”

Like many students, Sarah faced uncertainty when it came to choosing her path.

“My biggest challenge was figuring out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” she said. “I changed my major three times before finally settling on music. At 18 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to be, but with faith, persistence, and a strong support system, I found my way.”

2006-2018 - After her time at Cowley, Sarah continued her education at Emporia State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She later pursued her Master’s degree at the University of Kansas, ultimately becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist.

Her career began in Dallas, Texas, where she worked at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, serving as a music therapist from 2013 to 2017 while also starting her family. In 2018, she returned to Kansas, continuing her work in music therapy and growing both personally and professionally.

2024-Present -

After more than a decade in the field, Sarah felt called to make a change. In 2024, she transitioned into higher education and now serves as the Senior Hawk Link Coordinator at the University of Kansas. In this role, she helps connect students with essential support services and leads Jayhawk JumpStart, a large-scale initiative designed to help first-generation and Pell-eligible students successfully transition into college life.

In addition to her professional work, Sarah remains actively involved in music as a member of the University of Kansas Faculty and Staff Choir, the Bales Choral Society, and has even led a group on an international choir trip to Austria.

In 2026, she was accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Kansas, where she will pursue an EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy with the goal of stepping into a leadership role in higher education.

Through every stage of her journey, Sarah credits the lessons she learned at Cowley—including empathy, communication, critical thinking, and perseverance—as key to her success.

Looking back, she believes Cowley College gave her more than just an education—it gave her direction.

“Cowley College may be a small campus, but the things and people it has going for it are just so big,” she said. “If you don’t get outside of your comfort zone and engage, you won’t take as much away from the experience.”

Her advice to current students reflects the mindset that shaped her journey:

“You get out of college what you put into it.”

For Sarah, Cowley College was the beginning of something much bigger—a place where she found her voice, discovered her purpose, and built a foundation that continues to guide her today.

2007-2009 - Darby Lupardes, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, began her journey at Cowley College after graduating from Turner High School, where she earned a scholarship to play basketball. Taking a leap of faith, she moved four hours away from home to continue her education and pursue the sport she loved.

During her two years as a member of the women’s basketball team, Darby built relationships that would last a lifetime. She was paired with teammate JaNeil Robinson her freshman year, and the two continued as roommates throughout college. Nearly 20 years later, they remain close friends—a testament to the deep bonds formed during her time at Cowley. She also credits her coaches, Coach Clark and Katrina Colwell, for pushing her beyond her limits and teaching her life skills that she still uses today.

2009 -

Darby graduated in May 2009 with an Associate of Arts degree. Although she initially had an interest in mental health and psychology, she wasn’t entirely sure which path to follow. After returning home to Kansas City, Kansas, she explored different courses at Kansas City Kansas Community College, hoping to find direction. However, after the loss of her father and a period of uncertainty, she stepped away from school to focus on adjusting to life’s changes.

2010-2012 - Dardy enrolled at Johnson County Community College to earn her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and was later accepted into the Johnson County Fire Academy. There, she excelled—graduating at the top of her class and earning the certifications needed to begin her career.

2014 - After months of applying and staying determined, Darby’s hard work paid off. In the spring of 2014, she received a conditional offer from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department—her hometown department and a lifelong dream. She accepted and successfully completed the academy as a recruit, officially beginning her career in May 2014.

Present -

Now, nearly 12 years later, Darby continues to serve her community as a firefighter/EMT. Early in her career, she was assigned to a busy station that specialized in water rescue, where she responded to medical calls, fires, and high-risk rescue situations. Throughout her time on the job, she has continued to grow professionally, earning additional certifications in rope rescue, high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, boat operations, and swift water rescue. Today, she serves on Truck 17, where she has found both purpose and passion in her work.

2003-2005 - Michael Scott Lindal began building the foundation for a successful career in sports and entertainment during his time at Cowley College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree from 2003 to 2005. A Sport Administration major and a proud native of Clearwater, Kansas, Michael chose Cowley for its welcoming environment, proximity to home, and the vibrant student life he experienced during his campus tour.

While at Cowley, Michael immersed himself in a wide range of extracurricular activities that foreshadowed his future in sports leadership. He was a spirited member of the Cheerleading Team, served as the Women’s Basketball Team Manager in 2005, and took on multiple roles in the college’s intramural program as both a referee and supervisor. Michael also served as a Resident Assistant, participated in student groups such as ACES and Voices Heard, and was named “Best All Around Yell Leader” in 2003—an early nod to his high energy and leadership qualities.

2005-2018 -

Following Cowley, Michael earned his bachelor's degree in Sport Administration from Wichita State University and began a career spanning over two decades with the Elmore Sports Group. From early roles with the Inland Empire 66ers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to opening INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, KS, Michael has consistently brought passion and professionalism to each position.

2018-Present - He later served as the General Manager of Food & Beverage for the San Antonio Missions and, since 2018, has played a pivotal role in launching and managing operations for the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In addition to his local duties, Michael has been entrusted to conduct site visits and support operations at venues across the Elmore Sports Group network, including locations in Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, San Antonio, Peoria, and Eugene.

When he’s not “selling hot dogs for a living,” Michael enjoys fishing, deer hunting, golf, WWE, concerts, karaoke, cooking, and traveling back to Kansas to visit family and friends.