March Board Meeting Highlights

The Board of Trustees gathered for their March 10th meeting in the President’s Dining Room inside the McAtee Dining Center on the Ark City Main Campus. Trustee David Stanley provided the invocation, and Chair Bob McGregor recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon reflected on events of the last month stating that Cowley College hosted a Higher Learning Commission site visit at the Winfield Correctional facility as part of the Prison Education Program approval process. Schoon also shared that Cowley College Wrestling and Indoor Track and Field team members competed at Nationals on March 7th and 8th. 

Cowley Athletic Director Jeff Fluty spoke about the recent National Championships, Basketball Playoffs, and upcoming winter sports expressing how proud he is of all the Cowley Athletes.

In addition, Schoon informed Trustees of her visit to the Transfer and Job Fair hosted by KansasWorks, Cowley Economic Development Partnership, and Cowley College. 

Schoon also noted that summer enrollment is underway and fall enrollment will begin April 1st.

The February Student of the Month, Brianna Lee, was introduced by Dr. Schoon. Lee addressed the Board sharing her gratitude for this award.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas discussed legislative updates regarding growing budget cuts and possible legislation that could further threaten community college funding and local control.

Under Administrative Reports, the TLC had 133 unique visits, the Anatomage Table was set up at the Sumner Campus for the EMT and Paramedic program and the Criminal Justice program participated in a program through USD465 where law enforcement agencies adopted a school for mentorship - the Cowley Criminal Justice Program adopted IXL.

No Public Comments.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Marcotte provided a recap of the March 4th, 2025, Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed Course Procedure Updates and New Course Approvals (approved 7-0).

Trustee Wilson provided a recap of the March 3rd, 2025, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members requested approval to enter into a lease with RCB Bank to purchase the 2022 Glaval Legacy bus at a rate of 4.92% for 36 months (approved 7-0), and to contract with ISG Technology for the Aruba Network Refresh, for $195,675.26 using State Cyber Security funds (approved 7-0).

Trustee Bazil provided a recap of the March 5th, 2025, Trustee Policy Subcommittee meeting, where policy 223.00 – Selection of Library Resources (delete), and 224.00 – Library Services (revision) were presented for a first reading. Final review and approval will be requested at the April Board meeting.

Trustee White provided a recap of the March 3rd, 2025, Trustee Sumner County Sales Tax Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the April 21st Board Meeting at the Sumner County Campus.

The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the February 17th, 2025, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policy 248.00 – Compensation for Sponsors of Clubs and Organizations (review only) by a vote of 7-0.

With no other business to discuss, Chair McGregor declared the meeting adjourned at 6:57 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