February Board Meeting Highlights

The Cowley College Board of Trustees convened for their February 17th meeting in the President’s Dining Room at the McAtee Dining Center on the Ark City Main Campus. The meeting began with an invocation by Trustee Wilson, followed by Chair McGregor reciting the College Mission Statement. 

A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement that the Short-Burger Family has pledged to donate approximately 6.5 acres of land adjacent to the Sumner Campus property in Wellington. Chair McGregor formally requested the Board accept the generous donation, authorizing the College Administration to complete the necessary property acquisition paperwork and grant approval for him to sign the final documents on behalf of the Board. 

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared that Cowley College has received full committee approval from the TEA for the Electrical Technology Program. Schoon also stated that Cowley College hosted the KCCLI (Kansas Community College Leadership Institute) this month, where the Cowley team presented. 

In addition, Schoon informed Trustees that the recent Winfield Correctional Facility (WCF) graduation saw 22 students receive their GED and 34 students receive Technical Certificates in Welding and/or Electromechanical Maintenance Technology. Another milestone for Cowley took place this month with a ribbon-cutting event for the new Health Care Simulation Center in Winfield as a partnership between Butler Nursing, Southwestern Nursing, William Newton Hospital, and Cowley College.

Schoon also noted that enrollment for the Spring Semester has seen a 7.7% increase.

The January Student of the Month, Cole Batten, was introduced by Dr. Schoon. Batten expressed their gratitude for the acknowledgment they received for being on campus with their friends and doing what they love.

The Board took a moment to recognize the back-to-back National Champion Lady Tiger Volleyball team and Coaches for their outstanding accomplishments this season. Coach Steven Gream spoke regarding the team's success in being the only team in the NJCAA to win back-to-back championships. He also attributed their success to the team wanting to work together to the best of their ability. Gream went on to thank Cowley College and the community for the support they have shown the team. Gream also shared that Assistant Coach Lana Milner was recently inducted into the Cowley College Athletic Hall of Fame and has been the only coach to win a national championship as both a player and a coach.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas discussed legislative updates regarding budget cuts during this accelerated budget period. 

Under Administrative Reports, the Golden Tigers have kicked off for the semester, and classes are underway. The first-day trip of the semester is scheduled for February 16th to see Broadway’s The Book of Mormon in Wichita. The Cowley College Admissions department processed 407 applications in January, and 13 international students applied in February.

No Public Comments.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Stanley provided a recap of the February 12th, 2025, Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members proposed changes for Board approval to take effect in the Fall of 2025 to the Medical Coding AAS, Medical Coding Course, Medical Office Certificate, and CMA/HHA Placement Requirements - actions approved by a vote of 8-0.

Trustee Shriver provided a recap of the February 10th, 2025, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members requested to purchase welding equipment from Lampton Welding Supply for $100,660.74 (JIIST funds/operating budget) to support the expansion of the Sumner Campus welding lab, and to enter an agreement with Master’s Transportation to purchase the 2022 Glaval Legacy 32 passenger bus for $174,900 (operating budget). Purchases were approved by a vote of 8-0.

The Trustee Finance Subcommittee also recommended approval of the 2025-2026 Tuition, Fees, and Housing rate (approved 8-0).

Trustee Bazil provided a recap of the February 10th, 2025, Trustee Policy Subcommittee meeting, where policy 248.00 – Compensation for Sponsors of Clubs and Organizations (review only) was presented for a first reading. A formal review will be requested at the March Board meeting.

Trustee Marcotte provided a recap of the February 10th, 2025, Trustee Sumner County Sales Tax Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the 6.5 acres of land pledged by the Short-Burger Family (accepted 8-0) as well as preparations for the upcoming Board meeting at the Sumner Campus.

The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the January 21st, 2025, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and the Sumner Campus Property Donation by a vote of 8-0.

With no other business to discuss, Chair Bazil declared the meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm.

For more details, see the agenda.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu