Senator Marshall takes time to visit Cowley College

A big proponent of community colleges, Senator Roger Marshall, stopped at Cowley College’s main campus in Arkansas City on Tuesday to visit with College administrators and members of the Tiger men’s basketball team.

Cowley College president Dr. Michelle Schoon, enjoyed the visit with Senator Marshall and his staff.

“The Senator is a strong supporter of higher education and was interested in hearing about some of the exciting things happening at Cowley College, like the new technical education building and the programs that we offer to support the workforce,” Dr. Schoon said.

Senator Marshall graduated from a community college before receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Kansas.

“I am a first-generation college student who graduated first in my high school and thought I could go to a university, but I could not afford to go without borrowing money,” Senator Marshall said. “I would tell anybody if you are borrowing money to go to college, you should go to a community college or technical college because it will be much less expensive.”

Senator Marshall ran track while attending community college and considers his experience as a student-athlete at the junior college level one of his fondest memories.

“I ended up having the most incredible experience at a community college,” Senator Marshall said. “So many of the guys I ran track with are still close friends. It gave me a springboard to be successful at the university level and on to medical school as well.”

After visiting with Dr. Schoon and the College’s administrative team, Senator Marshall made his way over to W.S. Scott Auditorium, where he shared his message with the Tiger basketball team before shooting some hoops with the squad.

“I wanted to get a bit of an update on the Career Technical Education Center that is under construction, but most importantly, I wanted to see your men’s basketball team,” Senator Marshall said. “I am so grateful for my coaches and teachers at the community college level who made a big impact on my life.”

Cowley College head men’s basketball coach Donnie Jackson appreciated Senator Marshall spending time with the team.

“We enjoyed the talk he had with us as well as the time spent with him having some fun on the court with the guys,” Jackson said. “We appreciate him investing time back into the communities of Kansas.”

Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu