President Schoon Announces Retirement

The Cowley College Board of Trustees accepted Dr. Michelle Schoon’s letter of resignation as President and retirement from Cowley College, effective February 1, 2027. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 35 years of employment at Cowley College, and I appreciate the support that the Trustees have given me during my presidency.”

The Board of Trustees gathered for their September 21st work session at 1:00 pm in room 106 inside the Science, Engineering, and Academic Center on the Mulvane Campus. The Board discussed Sumner campus projects, main campus facilities, higher education trends and Board goals, and community college funding. No action was taken in the work session.

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Trustee Joe Shriver provided the invocation, and Chair Alan Marcotte recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared that President’s Report mailers have gone out, Dr. Brooke Istas was selected for the Southwestern College Natural Science Hall of Fame, and hosted an accreditation site visit for the paramedic program.

Dr. Ryan Burkett, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, provided a fall enrollment update. Enrollment continues to trend upward from last year.

Under Administrative Reports, the Student Center remodel is complete, and the Tiger Deli passed its health inspection. Adult Education staff participated in the College's Professional Development Day and engaged in strategic planning discussions. IMPACT has begun the 2026 - 2027 program year with 120 participants toward our annual goal of 160.

With no public comment, the meeting continued with Standing Committee Reports. Trustee McGregor provided a summary of the September 14th, 2026, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the procurement of theater lighting. Administration and the Finance Subcommittee requested approval to purchase Brown Center theater lighting equipment from XS Lighting and Sound at a cost of $47,896.00 using Tech Ed Capital Outlay Funds (6-0). Also discussed were Finance Policies, Financial Statements, and various Project Updates.

Trustee Wilson provided a summary of the September 16th, 2026, Trustee Policy Subcommittee's first review of policies 106.00 – Emeritus Status (revised), 463.00 – Access to the Student Center (revised), and 471.00 – Health and Wellness Services (revised). Final approval will be requested at the October meeting.

The Board approved the amended Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the August 24th, 2026, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policies 184.00 – Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control (revised), 264.00 – Credit for Previous Military Service (revised), 311.00 – Sick Leave & Sick Leave Bank (revised), 316.00 – Work Comp Return to Work (revised), 321.00 – Employee Attendance Policy (revised), 323.00 – Assignment/Use of Employee Workspace (revised), 326.00 – Whistleblower Policy (revised), and 406.00 – Cowley College Student Senate (review only) (6-0). Policy 102.00 – Organization of the College (revised) was sent back to administration for further review. (6-0)

The Board then held a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel transactions, pursuant to the exception related to non-elected personnel. (6-0) Upon reconvening in open session, the Board formally accepted the resignation and retirement of Dr. Michelle Schoon as Cowley College President, effective February 1, 2027. 

With no other business to discuss, Chair Marcotte declared the meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm

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