Cowley College Honors Peyton Snively with the 2026 Ben LeClair Staff Excellence Award

Cowley College is proud to announce Peyton Snively as the recipient of the 2026 Ben LeClair Award, one of the College’s most meaningful honors for staff excellence.

Named in memory of longtime employee Ben LeClair, the award recognizes staff members who embody Cowley College’s core values of People, Accountability, Integrity, and Leadership through exceptional service and an unwavering commitment to students.

Snively, Director of Student Life, was nominated by Meg Smith and Brailea Miller, who praised her for the energy, compassion, and heart she brings to campus every day.

“Peyton consistently demonstrates excellence in all four core values of Cowley College,” Miller said. “Through her daily work, she models professionalism, compassion, and a genuine dedication to serving students, colleagues, and the College community.”

From organizing events to offering encouragement to students who may be struggling, Snively creates spaces where students feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Her colleagues say she has a unique ability to notice those who feel lost or alone and help them find friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

“Peyton does such an amazing job of dealing with all the juggling, the late-night events, and soothing emotional students,” Smith said. “She makes it look easy.”

Snively’s impact extends far beyond event planning. Through her kindness, humor, integrity, and tireless dedication, she helps shape the college experience for countless students and leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

Cowley College congratulates Peyton Snively on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the extraordinary care and commitment she brings to students each and every day. Her work changes lives, strengthens the campus community, and reflects the very best of what Cowley College stands for.

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