October 2026 Board Meeting Highlights

The Cowley College Board of Trustees gathered for their October 19th meeting at 6:00 p.m. inside the Short Community Room on the Cowley College Sumner Campus, 2208 Davis-White Loop, Wellington, KS, 67152. Trustee Gary Wilson provided the invocation, and Chair Dr. Alan Marcotte recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared that the Theatre put on its fall production, The Hunchback of Notre Dame; the first Vibin with the VP Podcast aired; and fall enrollment continues to trend ahead of last year.

In addition, Schoon introduced the September Student of the Month, Avery Smith. Smith expressed her gratitude and thanks to the Board.

Dr. Tasha Taylor, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented a fall enrollment update for the Winfield Correctional Facility showing an increase in students enrolled. In addition to three technical certificate programs, students are now able to take general education courses to complete an associate’s degree.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas provided a legislative update.

Under Administrative Reports, the Golden Tigers fall semester is off and running, IMPACT has grown to 130 participants toward our annual goal of 160, and Student Life Counseling continues to provide mental health support and intervention services.

With no public comment, the meeting continued with Standing Committee Reports. Trustee Shiver provided a summary of the October 12th, 2026, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members reviewed the financial statements and project updates. Christina Henson with the Loyd Group, LLC presented the 2025-2026 (DRAFT)Audit Report with no deficiencies noted.  

Chair Marcotte provided a summary of the October 15th, 2026, Trustee Policy Subcommittee's first review of policies 102.00 – Organization of the College (delete), 104.00 – Executive Officer – Organization of the College (revised), 132.00 – Purchasing Policy (revised), 158.00 – Banking Services (revised), 202.00 – Organization of Instructional Divisions (revised), 242.00 – Appointment of Department Chairperson (revised), 245.00 – Professional Activities (revised), 246.00 – Faculty Evaluation (revised), 312.00 – Vacation – Full-time Non-faculty Employees (revised), and 313.00 – Employment Benefits – Full-time Employees (revised). Final approval will be requested at the November meeting. 

The Board approved the amended Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the September 21st, 2026, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policies 106.00 – Emeritus Status (revised), 463.00 – Access to the Student Center (revised), and 471.00 – Health and Wellness Services (revised).(8-0)

Under the Discussion Agenda, the Board approved the Kansas Association of Community Colleges (KACC) Response to the U.S. Department of Education Call to Action and the posting of the response letter to the College website (8-0), and the 2026-2027 Board Priorities, as developed in the September 21st work session (8-0). Additionally, the Board heard a proposal from Mr. Richard Proffitt with Greenbush/ESSDACK to facilitate the presidential search process.

The Board then held a 30-minute executive session to discuss the presidential search, pursuant to the exception related to non-elected personnel, for 30 minutes. The Board requested Dr. Michelle Schoon, J.T. Seitz, Holly Hollins, and Richard Proffitt to be present in the executive session. Action may follow. (7-1)

Following the executive session, the Board approved engaging the services of Richard Proffitt and Dr. Shiloh Vincent with Greenbush/Essdack to facilitate the search for candidates for the next President of Cowley College. (7-1)

With no other business to discuss, Chair Marcotte declared the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

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