Robert & Gwen Tyler Honored by Cowley College

Robert & Gwen Tyler will be honored this August when the newly constructed Cowley College Career and Technical Education building becomes the “Tyler Technical Education Center.” The Tyler’s leadership gift of $2,000,000 to Cowley College has made the project possible. The Cowley College Board of Trustees approved this new name at its May board meeting. 

“Words can not adequately express our thanks and gratitude to the Tylers,” said Dr. Michelle Schoon, College President. “Their leadership gift helped leverage a $4 million ARPA grant from the State of Kansas and created the energy needed to push towards $8 million for the project.

As the Founder of Husky Liners, based in Winfield, Kansas, Robert Tyler became an industry leader in manufacturing automotive aftermarket products designed to protect cars and trucks inside and out. Tyler believes the new technical center will provide opportunities to build a skilled local and regional workforce. “We need more students who want to enter the skilled workforce,” Tyler said. “We hope this gift will help the college leverage opportunities to provide much-needed training for our region”. 

The new Tyler Technical Education Center will produce a more skilled workforce for the region and create meaningful employment. “Those graduating and being certified from the new center will be qualified for some of the best-paying jobs in the region,” said Cowley College Foundation Board Chair Mike Munson.

According to Cowley College Foundation President and CEO Dr. Kori Gregg, the Tyler's leadership gift gave legitimacy and energy to the campaign. “Foundations, individuals, and businesses have been encouraged and inspired by the fundraising campaign. Now they know who lit the fuse,” said Gregg about the Tyler’s gift. “To date, we have raised $7.8 million”. 

The facility is a significant investment in the future of Cowley College students and the community at large. By providing access to high-quality career and technical education, the center will create a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive economic growth, innovation, and success in the region. 

“There is a ripple effect when diverse trade skills go unfilled,” Dr. Michelle Schoon said. “From home and commercial construction to the oil fields, and from manufacturing to electric companies, the economy is slowed when businesses can not find qualified employees. This project creates employment – a profession – for hundreds, builds businesses, and grows the economy.”

“We are still engaging alumni, friends, businesses, and foundations to help complete the Tyler Technical Education Center campaign,” said Dr. Kori Gregg. “Seldom does the college have a capital project of this importance. For decades to come, students and the regional economy will benefit. We are thankful for all the donors who have chosen to invest in this important endeavor.”. 

A grand opening celebration has been scheduled for August 16th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the Tyler Technical Education Center on the main campus of Cowley College.

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