April Board Meeting Highlights

Prior to the April meeting, a quorum of the Board of Trustees attended the Sumner Campus Open House. This public event offered an opportunity for Trustees and community members to explore the campus and its latest additions, including the state-of-the-art Anatomage Table and the newly completed EMS simulation lab, classroom, and lounge.

The Board of Trustees gathered for their April 21st meeting in the Short General Education Center at the Cowley College Sumner Campus. Trustee Phil White provided the invocation, and Chair Bob McGregor recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon provided a recap of the PTK Luncheon and KACC Quarterly Meeting held April 11 in Topeka, KS. 

Schoon highlighted the Cowley College Men’s Basketball team completing a successful season by competing in the National tournament, finishing in the top eight. Cowley participated in the NC3 National CTE Signing Day on April 10th, with 28 students signing letters of intent to attend Cowley College in a technical education field. This year's Honors and Awards Banquet was held April 9 with Colton Brown receiving the student of the year recognition.

In addition, Schoon informed Trustees of a site visit by the Department of Commerce grant management firm (Witt O'brien) as part of the closeout of the ARPA grant used for the Tyler Technical Education Center.

Schoon also noted that summer and fall enrollment are open and admissions staff has begun preparing for fair season.

The Board took a moment to recognize the Cowley College Quiz Bowl team for their recent achievement as State Champions. Team member Cole Batten shared that this marks the first time in a decade that a Cowley team has won the State Tournament. They emphasized the team’s dedication, noting that they practiced together twice a week for approximately two hours, in addition to putting in extra time individually. All three team members present at the meeting are sophomores who will be continuing their education at four-year universities next year.

Dr. Schoon introduced the March and April Students of the Month, Hadley O’Toole and Ashlyn Thomison. O’Toole expressed her gratitude, saying, “It was an honor to be named the March Student of the Month. I love Cowley and am proud to have attended.” Thomison also addressed the Trustees, sharing that Cowley has provided her with everything she could have hoped for in a college experience.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas discussed legislative updates regarding the difficulties of this budget cycle's compressed schedule and budget cuts. 

Dr. Kori Gregg provided an update on the Cowley College Foundation, highlighting the progress of its Capital Campaign. She explained that the campaign began four and a half years ago with a focus on raising scholarship funds. Following the award of a $4 million grant from the state for the construction of the Tyler Technical Education Center, the Foundation shifted its efforts toward securing matching funds. The campaign is set to conclude in July, marking nearly five years of dedicated fundraising and the successful accumulation of millions of dollars in support.

Under Administrative Reports, 237 student regalia units which include cap, gown and tassel have been ordered and received. There were 125 unique visits to the Tiger Learning Center in March, and admissions processed 329 new applications in March.

No Public Comments.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Stanley provided a recap of the recent Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed changes to the Anatomy and Physiology I & II Course Procedure. 

Trustee Shriver provided a recap of the April 14th, 2025, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed proposed projects to improve the campus. 

Trustee White provided a recap of the April 14th, 2025, Trustee Sumner County Sales Tax Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed finalizing their proposal to the Board.

The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the March 10th, 2025, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policy 223.00 – Selection of Library Resources (delete), and 224.00 – Library Services (revision) by a vote of 8-0.

The Board held a 10-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, regarding faculty contracts, pursuant to the exception related to non-elected personnel. No action followed the executive session.

Upon returning to open session, the Board took a 10 minute recess. 

Following the recess and calling the meeting back to order, the Board held a 15-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, regarding employee compensation, pursuant to the exception related to non-elected personnel. No action followed the executive session. 

The Board then held a third and final 10-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, regarding employee compensation, pursuant to the exception related to non-elected personnel. No action followed the executive session.

Under Other Business, Trustee Shaw-Kinzie requested that any Cowley Board meetings that move from the regularly scheduled third Monday, not be scheduled on the same day as the USD 470 Board meetings. 

With no additional  business to discuss, Chair McGregor declared the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

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