Cowley College Celebrates Grand Opening of State-of-the-Art Facility: Tyler Technical Education Center

 On Friday, August 16th, Cowley College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Tyler Technical Education Center with a remarkable event attended by distinguished guests and community supporters. The ceremony, which began at 3 PM, marked a significant milestone for the institution, highlighting the culmination of efforts to enhance technical education in South Central Kansas.

Dr. Michelle Schoon, President of Cowley College, commenced the event with a warm welcome to the many notable attendees, including Robert and Gwen Tyler, Kansas Legislators, members of the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR), the Technical Education Authority (TEA), the Board of Trustees (BOT), and representatives from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Ark City.

The construction of the Tyler Technical Education Center came from Cowley Foundations, which raised $4 million to match the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant received by Cowley College and other generous contributions including those from Robert and Gwen Tyler,  the Robert and Gwen Tyler Charitable Foundation, and the Sutherland Foundation.

Robert Tyler, Founder of Husky Liners and the largest donor to the Tyler Technical Education Center, said, “Our involvement with the Tech Center consisted of our financial contribution and our belief in the importance of providing a skilled workforce to community businesses. The facility will provide students with an active learning environment where students can learn trades that will have a profound impact on their lives. The education they receive will prepare them for a successful career in their chosen fields.”

Dr. Kori Gregg, President of Cowley Foundations, expressed gratitude to the donors, stating, “Without your very generous support, we would not be standing in front of this state-of-the-art facility today. To our donors, you believed in the power of education, and you believed in Cowley College, and we are so very grateful for your contributions. Thank you for working with us to create a brighter future for our students.”

Senator Larry Alley emphasized the importance of the new facility, noting, “This facility will be a tool Cowley College can use to educate new workers for the jobs that are out there. Timing was everything for this project. It all worked out, and we are glad it did.”

Keith Humphrey, President and CEO of Jet AirWerks, shared his appreciation for the center, stating, “It wouldn’t have been possible for me to start my business in another part of the country, I am convinced of that, the new Tyler Technical Education Center at Cowley College is leading the way in South Central Kansas, and as a local small business owner, I am truly grateful for that.”

In celebration of Cowley College’s recent 100th anniversary, a time capsule was dedicated during the event. This capsule, created in partnership with the Cowley College Foundation, contains a collection of Cowley items from the centennial year and will be placed on the wall of the entryway of the Tyler Technical Education Center. The inscription on the time capsule reads, “To honor and preserve the legacy of the Cowley College centennial dedicated this 16th day of August 2024 to be opened by a future generation of Cowley Tigers.”

Following the time capsule dedication, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, marking the formal opening of the Tyler Technical Education Center. Guests enjoyed refreshments and toured the new facility during an open house, which showcased the state-of-the-art resources and learning environments now available to students in the Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Construction Trades, and Welding programs currently taking place inside.

The evening concluded with a donor appreciation dinner. Cowley College expressed deep gratitude for the support and commitment of those who made the Tyler Technical Education Center possible.

Cowley College looks forward to the positive impact this new center will have on its students and the community, continuing its mission to provide exceptional technical education and training. 

Final fundraising efforts for the Tyler Technical Education Center are still underway with 60/40 tax credits available. For more information, visit the Have An Impact page on the Cowley Foundation website. 

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