Student from Germany named Cowley College February Student of the Month

Coming to Cowley College from Germany, Janet Wismach has made herself right at home in Arkansas City as the sophomore Criminal Justice major was recently named the school’s February Student of the Month.

Janet is the daughter of Kathy Wismach. Grandparents are, Howard and Lucy Mulhern. She has two brothers, Jeremy 34, and Brenden 19.

At Cowley, Wismach is a member of the President’s Honor Roll, a member of the Hope Squad, and holds the rank of lieutenant in the Student Patrol Program. She received the Outstanding Attendance Award in the Criminal Justice Program.

“Janet is an outstanding student and an impressive example of what we want our students at Cowley to be,” criminal justice instructor Frank Owens said. “She is focused and driven toward her academic and career goals in every facet of her life. She acts as if failure is not even a consideration.”

Wismach has had to continually adapt to cultural issues that she may not fully understand, but despite this disadvantage she manages to excel in everything she does.

She has achieved a 3.91 grade point average at Cowley, while also serving an internship with the Arkansas City Police Department.

“My dream is to become an FBI agent,” Wismach said.

Wismach credits instructors like Owens for helping her be successful and feel wanted at the school

“This is the first time I have felt loved at a school. I feel important as a person, not just because of my grades,” Wismach said. “Frank is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is not just a teacher, he is like a best friend.”

Also at Cowley, Wismach has been assigned as a student mentor, hosted Bible study, and done volunteer work. She is proud to be named the February Student of the Month.

“I am sad to be leaving Cowley,” Wismach said. “Everyone here believes in me. I thank my friends and the teachers here that have always supported me. In Germany nobody really respected me and my grades, so coming to Cowley and proving I can do well in school has given me more confidence.”

Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu