April 2026 Board Meeting Highlights

The Cowley College Board of Trustees gathered for their April 20th meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Short Community Room on the Cowley College Sumner Campus, 2208 Davis-White Loop, Wellington, KS, 67152. Trustee Gary Wilson provided the invocation, and Chair Dr. Alan Marcotte recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared that the Technical Education departments and Sumner Campus hosted an Ag Mechanic competition on March 25, Cowley College Dance and Cowley Mascot, Tank, won National Championships, and the Honors and Awards Banquet was held April 15.

Trustee Joe Shriver provided a recap of the KACC quarterly meeting held April 10th via Zoom.

In addition, Schoon introduced the April Student of the Month, Grace Knight.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas provided a legislative report. 

Under Administrative Reports, Sumner Campus helped host the South Central FFA Ag Mechanics District Contest where 26 schools brought teams to compete in welding, electrical, small gas engines, farm equipment and concrete forms. Belle Plaine was the winning Chapter for this year. The first two hives for the Pollinator project have been established on the Sumner Campus. Cowley College Marketing Department received a Gold Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations at its national conference in Washington D.C. on March 19.

No Public Comment.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Gary Wilson provided a recap of the April 13th, 2026 Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the procurement of Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Administration and the Finance Subcommittee requested Board approval to purchase a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica from Kline Motors, at a price of $29,300, using transportation funds (approved 7-0). Coryell Roofing presented the proposed project schedule for the repair and replacement of main campus roofs from the June 2025 hail storm. Administration and the Finance Subcommittee requested the Board authorize Holly Harper to work with Coryell Roofing and to sign any necessary documents related to the roofing repairs on the main campus buildings (approved 7-0). The College is in a lease agreement with the Central Christian Church for the Education Center. The current lease is structured as a no-rent agreement, with the College assuming most of the operational responsibilities of ownership, including maintenance, repairs, utilities, insurance, and improvements, allowing us to operate in and invest in the facility during the lease term. The lease expires on May 31, and we have the option to purchase the building at fair market value based on an appraisal selected by the landlord, with 60 days to execute a contract and 180 days to close. The formal notice timeline has passed, the church has indicated its support for our moving forward. Administration and the Finance Subcommittee requested Board approval to exercise the option to purchase the Education Center Building from Central Christian Church (approved 6-0-1).  Additionally, The City of Wellington has requested an easement on the Cowley College Sumner Campus property to place a welcome sign on the north-east corner of the property. Administration and the Finance Subcommittee requested Board approval to allow the easement for placement of the welcome sign on College property (approved 7-0).

Vice Chair Phil White provided a recap of the April 14th, 2026 Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed academic affairs and program updates to Graphic Arts Degree Pathway AA/AFA and Milling Cert C and AAS, along with Academic Affairs updates related to the KDOC adult education contract and dual enrollment. 

Trustee Brett Bazil provided a recap of the April 16th, 2026 Trustee Policy Subcommittee meeting, where members reviewed policies 253.00 – Registration and Enrollment (revised), and 266.00 – Academic Progress (revised), which were presented for a first review. Final approval will be requested at the May meeting.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the March 16th, 2026 regular meeting and a copy of the Minutes of the special meeting of the Board of Trustees, conducted on March 27, 2026, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policy Approval of 300.00 – At-Will Employment (revised), 306.00 – Personnel Classification & Employment Status (revised), 416.00 – Veteran Affairs (review only), and 417.00 – Academic Advising System (revised), by a vote of 7-0.

The Board held a pair of executive sessions to discuss the President’s annual evaluation and College technology systems, totaling 35 minutes. Following the first executive session, the Board took action to accept the President’s evaluation form that was provided by the Chair, (approved 7-0). No action followed the second executive session. 

With no other business to discuss, Chair Marcotte declared the meeting adjourned at 7:28 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